Exterior
A sporty wagon that can get me where I need to go quickly and safely shouldn't have to worry about what it looks like. It's just that I know those crafty Subaru engineers can put together a sharp-looking car, and I wonder why the Outback is a little plain Jane this time around.
That being said, the Subaru Outback is probably the only car I would ever feel comfortable buying in green. My test car came in a pretty Cypress Green that made me feel like hiking and making s'mores.
Getting in and out of the Outback is great; its ground clearance is just high enough to get you through the snow, but it's not so high that it's difficult for kids to get in and out on their own. Opening the doors was a cinch for my 5- and 7-year-olds, but younger kids might need a little assistance.
The taller doorframes will make everyone happy because there's no head-bonking on the door jamb when loading infants or toddlers into child-safety seats.
The roof rack on the Outback is cool. With the Outback, the roof rails, which run from the front to the back, are permanent. The roof rack's crossbars tuck away into the rails when not in use. This reduces windnoise and improves aerodynamics.
SENSE AND STYLE
Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Excellent
Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On): Good Times
See also:
Warning and indicator lights
Several of the warning and indicator lights
illuminate momentarily and then turn off
when the ignition switch is initially turned
to the “ON” position. This permits checking
the operation of t ...
Cooling system
Never attempt to remove the radiator
cap until the engine has been
shut off and has cooled down
completely. Since the coolant is
under pressure, you may suffer
serious burns from a spray ...
Key reminder chime
The reminder chime sounds when the driver’s door is opened and the ignition switch is in the “LOCK” or “Acc” position.
The chime stops under the following conditions.
• when the ignition switch is t ...