2007 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
I decided to wright this review because I was noticing a lot of people bashing on the car or one thing or another and more often than not they are complaining about trim specific issues such as a lack of power or a dodgy outdated transmission. This is ultimately true about the na 2.5 having a low amount of power but what do you expect from a car that is not geared toward speed but rather simplicity, thats why they used an engine thats design has been around for almost two decades. This also goes for the transmission as well, most of the outbacks that were sold came with the na 2.5 and 4 speed auto transmission. If you want a really solid car that will never let you down look no further than the na 3.0 liter. Subaru had just came out with a brand new engine called the "ez30r" which was an improvement over their previous 6 cylinder from 212 horse power to 250. This new engine comes in two trim levels the LL Bean edition and the VDC model. Now if you want something with a touch more power than that take a look at the XT trims because they come with a 2.5 liter turbocharged and aftercooled engine. It makes the same 250 horsepower as the six but makes thirty more foot pounds of torque but with this extra power comes more responsibility, when looking for an xt you must insure that the previous owner knew how to take care of a turbocharged car by preforming normal service such as using high quality synthetic oil and premium gasoline. Now about the 4 speed clunky old transmission, you need to worry because both the 3.0 and the 2.5 turbo come with a 5 speed auto which is miles better than the 4 speed, and if you are interested in getting a manual you'll have to look at the xt because the 3.0 did not come with the option of a 5 speed manual transmission. Over all im happy with my 05 outback ll bean edition, even at 190k miles she still happily revs out to the 7k redline when ever I wanna get on it, hope I helped some people in the right direction.
VS
Critical Review
This car has a gas pedal that literally hurts my ankle, leg and back. I know others personally, and I read online that I am not the only one with this complaint. The material of the seats is odd and shows every single stain and mark. I have made every adjustment possible to the wheel and seat of the vehicle. I have even tried pillows, etc. Custom seat covers are so expensive and the non-custom would not stay in place.
2007 Outback Reviews
Showing 8 of 417 reviews.
Looks nice, lots of features inside, AWD
Expensive repairs, known head gasket problems, overhyped brand/car
Bought the car hoping it would be like my previous mid-90s Subaru which was a decent reliable wagon. The 06' outback turned out to be an expensive lemon and I later found out this era of Outbacks (2005-2009s) have notorious head gasket issues. I should of done more research into this model, as I'm now out a few thousand in repairs and I won't ever buy another Subaru again. It was OK to drive for the few months I got to drive it, but it turned into a real money pit and I highly regret not looking deeper into reviews and research about this era of Outback. The mechanic who replaced my radiator after it overheated said he didn't see evidence of a head gasket problem, but after it over heated again, he then said this model is well known for it's head gasket issues. Maybe some people have few to no problems with their Outbacks from this era, but my 06' Outback was a nightmare, incredibly disappointing, and an expensive vehicle to own. It does have a nice body style and looks good from the outside, but that's about all I can say that's nice about it. Subaru is completely over-hyped in my book and I'll be going back to Toyota or Honda. Expensive Lesson Learned: Avoid the 3rd generation (05-09) Outbacks.
Good Storage, Compact for a wagon
Cost to maintain, Constant Issues, Gas Mileage
I don't think I have hated a car more than this car. It just never ever worked properly no matter how much time and money went into keeping it going. - Constantly have a refueling issue where it would stop taking gas after 1 Gallon. A/C would never stay working, had to replace the condenser and lines twice. - Check engine light for emissions never went off after repairing the Gas tank, Fuel lines, Muffler systems, Evap canister and gas cap, and with Subaru's, if you Check Engine light is on, it locks you out from using Cruise Control (Great design!). - Power Steering Pump and Fuel Line Replacement and the car still whines on hard turns. - Battery connectors had to be replaced because they just stopped working. - Electrical Wiring Replacements all throughout because they were short circuiting the alternator. - Full Trunk Panel and Wiring Replacement due to missing rubber stopper, causing water intrusion. - Two new side mirrors because they stopped working due to water intrusion and bad wires. - TCU has been sending the wrong info three times now. My Mechanic today just informed me the following repairs are needed in the next 4-6 months - New Timing belt and tensioner replacement. - New Condenser. That along with your normal wear and tear, preventative maintenance, how AWFUL this car is on gas as well, even for an AWD car (It's around 17-18 City), and all the stock parts I had to replace from previous ownership not doing their due diligence (my fault for not checking better), I wouldn't recommend this car to anyone who isn't a Subaru Specialist/Enthusiast or someone who doesn't have deep pockets to keep maintaining it.
awd system, fits a ton of stuff, heated seats
longevity and reliability
At 155,000 miles my mechanic deemed my 09 outback “not worth fixing” due to numerous severe issues, and long list of problems. Head gaskets Airbags Both catalytic converters failed Rack and pinion failed Power steering pump failed Windshield wipers front and back Poor mpg on highway Required a quart of oil every 1,500 miles This car was never abused and always maintained. I ended up selling it for dirt cheap and bought a Toyota in Feb. 2023, the only issue I’ve had so far is a burnt out headlamp and this is longest I’ve gone without having any major car repairs/breakdown. Because of my latest Subaru experience, I still get worried/nervous driving long distances that I will breakdown, even though I don’t know the car anymore.
Can get you out of tight spots with turbo charger
no cons that I can think of.
The car has been super reliable. We have put repairs into it... cv joints, replaced the turbo charger and power steering pump. Have kept up with regular oil changes and scheduled belt and hose replacements. Drives like a Cadillac! Love this car!
Great Subaru! Subaru is the BEST!
Getting old, we all get old!
I bought my 2009 Subaru Outback in October 2008, my first NEW car! I still have my baby! I want a new Subaru, but can't seem to give up my baby! He has given me and is still giving me what I need out of a wonderful vehicle for hauling my dogs, lumber, groceries, plants. You name it, it has been hauled by Randy....that is his name! LOL Subaru is love and very pet friendly!
Heated seats
Unreliable, not that useful for anything
Head gaskets failed. Catalytic converter failed, can only order a replacement through a Subaru dealership which would cost me $3500 (that was an independent shop quote, not even to have the labor performed at the dealership). The entire windshield wiper mechanism needs to be replaced, the dashboard “red” airbag light is illuminated most of the time. The tire pressure monitor system does not work and neither does the rear wiper washer fluid. Sometimes the whole center console stops working and I have to pull over, turn the car off and turn it back on, otherwise I cannot turn off the radio. Currently it’s having an undiagnosed “too lean” code and therefore the MPG is terrible at the moment. But the seats are comfortable and I love seat warmer, which thankfully still work! This car has never been in an accident or been abused. I feel sorry for all these people dropping 35k on a new Subaru, it’s probably it gonna be a money put in under 10 years.
Super traction on snow.
4 cyl can't make it up steep hills at highwayspeed
Had this car in New York and it was great but now it's in the High Rockies in Colorado and it's amazing on the snow packed roads in winter. Put on Super Winter Snow tires and this Outback can go anywhere. Amazing traction on snow pack with Blizzak Tires. 4 Cylinder is better on gas but can't make it up steep hills in the mountains at highway speeds. On I70 from Denver to the ski areas it can't get past 45 mph. I traded it in for the 3.0 and the 6 cyl has no problems with any uphill grade.
Good contractor's car to work out of.
Fix/replace radiator - still reliable.
All maintenance/repairs done at Dealership where vehicle was purchased. Tires - less than 25,000 miles. Brake - good condition. Head gasket replaced. Drive shaft replaced. Serpentine belt replaced. Air conditioner compressor motor replaced. Transmission fully functional -does not leak. Radiator replaced 2 years ago. Replacement radiator leaks. Needs new battery. Have 2 keys/key fobs.
