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2004 Subaru Outback in its natural setting
2004 Subaru Outback models
By Lou Ann Hammond
Competing Models
Honda Pilot
Nissan Murano
Toyota Highlander
Volkswagen Passat
Subaru is known for its very sensible Sport Utility Wagons and this year is no different, with special effects. This year Subaru has added a turbocharged variety and a 35th Anniversary Edition.
The Outback is available as a sedan or a wagon, the same as the Legacy that shares that platform. The versions are the 2004 Subaru Outback Wagon, 2004 Subaru Outback Limited Wagon,
2004 Subaru Outback Limited Sedan. The H6-3.0 and VDC trims are available on the sedan. The wagons come in base, Limited, H6-3.0 35th Anniversary Special Edition, L.L. Bean and VDC trims. The 2004 H6-3.0 VDC Wagon is a carryover from 2003. The models listed as Base and Limited have a high level of standard equipment, including air conditioning, a six-way power driver seat, heated front seats and side mirrors, cruise control, a CD player and keyless entry. The Limited also features dual power moonroofs (just one on the sedan), upgraded audio and leather upholstery. Above and beyond the above, the Limited and the H6-equipped models get automatic climate control, an air filtration system, an eight-way power driver seat and wood grain-patterned trim. Order an L.L. Bean Edition, and you’ll also get special leather trim plus a three-year scheduled maintenance package. The VDC trimmed sedan and wagon come with Subaru’s stability control system, called Vehicle Dynamics Control, as well as an McIntoshs impressive audio system.
All Outback models
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Happy 35th Anniversary
are powered by a 2.5-liter SOHC
4-cylinder boxer engine that produces 165 horsepower
and 166 lb-ft. of torque. Four-cylinder Outback models available in California,
Massachusetts, Maine, New York and Vermont use new
intake and exhaust system technology to meet the
more stringent Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle (PZEV)
requirements.(160 hp for PZEV). A 6-cyl engine powers Outback H6 and VDC sedans, and H6 35th Anniversary, L.L. Bean, and VDC wagons. The horspower beats the 4-cyl at 212@6,000rpm with a 210 lb./ft @4,4000rpm. The turbocharged edition rates 210hp@5,600rpm and 235lb/ft@3,600rpm torque.
Key Features for the 2004 Subaru are:
ABS Brakes (available as a standard feature)
Air Conditioning (available as a standard feature)
Alarm (available as a standard feature)
CD Player (available as a standard feature)
Gets 22 MPG in the city.
Gets 28 MPG on the highway.
Horsepower up to 212
OnStar System (available as a standard feature)
Power Windows/Locks (available as a standard feature)
Sunroof or Moonroof (available as a standard feature)
Basic Manufacturer Warranty of 3 years 36,000 miles.
Of course, our need for speed generation makes the 4-cyl sluggish, especially if you can afford the 6-cyl VDC. No matter which engine you decide on, the drive is the difference in a Subaru. They ride smoothly over the rough stuff and handle and stop with a lot more assurance than a regular SUV. The noise, vibration and harshness (NVH)seems less than an SUV as well, another note to be made for all those SUV-bashers.
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2004 Subaru sedan
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