SUBARU OUTBACK

:''See also the smaller Impreza-based Subaru Outback Sport''
Subaru introduced the all-wheel-drive 'Outback' to the US market in 1994 as a 1995 model, deriving the model almost completely from the Subaru Legacy. The US Outback is manufactured alongside the Subaru Legacy and Subaru Tribeca models at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive plant in Lafayette, Indiana.
Created in response to the rise of the US sport-utility vehicle, the Outback made largely visual changes to the existing Legacy wagon platform to suggest a more adventurous, rugged and capable persona. Over the years since its introduction, Subaru has incorporated the Outback nameplate variously to the Outback wagon itself, an Outback sedan (in 1999, suggested by a New England Subaru dealer) and an Impreza-based Outback Sport model. As of the 2008 US lineup, the Outback nameplate will once again apply only to wagon models. The Outback has steadily outsold its Legacy sibling in the US.
Initial US advertising included Subaru's trademarked phrase: ''"The World's First Sport Utility Wagon,"'' despite AMC's having earlier launched in 1979 its Concord-based AMC Eagle, a 4-wheel drive wagon discontinued in 1988. Subaru itself has manufactured four-wheel drive station wagons since 1975. (4WD was only available in the wagon version until 1977 with the introduction of the Brat).
Other US Outback advertisements featured Australian "Crocodile Dundee" star Paul Hogan, placing the Outback in adventurous situations besting its competitors, notably the Ford Explorer.
Competitors have included the larger and more expensive Audi Allroad Quattro, Volvo XC70, Alfa Romeo 156 CrossWagon and the Holden Adventra.

Contents

First generation (1995-1999)

Second generation (2000-2004)

Third generation (2005-current)

Specialized Subarus

External links

First generation (1995-1999)

★ The Outback was available in Japan from 1995 as the 'Subaru Legacy Grandwagon', and in the US as the "Legacy Outback," a trim line with normal ground clearance but an "SUV look" with two-tone paint and fog lights. It became its a separately-marketed line in the United States in 1996. At this point it gained Outback-specific changes included unique bumpers (with large fog lamps incorporated into the front bumper), tweed-like seats and door panel inserts, taller tires with more aggressive tread, and a slightly higher ground clearance.

★ An 'Outback Sport', based on the Subaru Impreza five-door hatchback was introduced in 1998.

★ The 'Outback SUS' (for "Sport Utility Sedan") was launched with a limited production test run sold in New England in 1998 and based on its success, was rolled out nationwide the following year. This included all the Outback wagon upgrades applied to a sedan body, with the addition of a trunk mounted rear wing.

The Outback was available in Japan from 1995 as the 'Subaru Legacy Grandwagon'.

Second generation (2000-2004)

Although based on the third generation Legacy, in 2000, Outback became its own model and added a 4-door sedan, as well as an available horizontal six-cylinder engine.
In the highest trim level (VDC, for Vehicle Dynamics Control), a 200 W McIntosh stereo system was standard from 2001 to 2003. These were some of the only vehicles ever factory-equipped with McIntosh stereo equipment. Options also included an in-dash 6-disc CD changer and dual moonroofs.
In Japan, the Outback is marketed as Subaru Legacy 'Lancaster'.

Third generation (2005-current)

In 2003, with the debut of the fourth-generation Legacy at the 60th Frankfurt Auto Show, the Outback name is now being used worldwide with the launch of the second-generation Outback wagon. Models equipped with a 3.0 L H6 were introduced at the 2004 Chicago Auto Show.
The Outback carries the same model codes as the Legacy Wagon, BP9 for the 2.5 liter, and BPE for the 3.0 liter model.
In Japan it's officially called Legacy Outback.
The Impreza-based Outback Sport, based on the most recent Impreza, is marketed on Subaru's U.S. website as a trim of the Impreza. The Sport's look more closely mimics the older Outback's style than the latest Outback.
The Outback received styling revisions for the 2008 model year, notably an enlarged, chrome-ringed grille.

Specialized Subarus

In 2006, an Outback that was converted to look like the Ectomobile from Ghostbusters gained notoriety in northern Colorado.

External links

★ Subaru Outback Homepage

★ Subaru Outback Owner Community / Subaruoutback.org Visit to see pictures and research on the forum

★ LegacyGT.com A discussion website for the Subaru Legacy as well as the Outback