Subaru Car Deals! Subaru Car Deals at Bob Baker Subaru El Cajon. The Best Subaru Deals In Town!

2009 Subaru Forester

Introduction
The redesigned 2009 Subaru Forester is the third generation of the popular crossover utility vehicle. The Forester competes with the Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4 among others. Its style used to be distinctive, but it's now less so, as its shape has morphed toward the others, while theirs has morphed toward the Forester's.
There are two engines, both horizontally opposed four-cylinders displacing 2.5 liters; but the 170-horsepower base engine is single overhead cam, while the 224-horsepower turbocharged XT model has twin cams.
The base model offers more standard equipment than ever, in particular electronic stability control and airbag curtains, yet its price has been cut by $1200. That's with a manual transmission; a four-speed automatic costs, coincidentally or not, $1200 extra.
Other improvements include a new chassis with safety structure, wider track and longer wheelbase (by 3.6 inches), new double wishbone rear suspension that yields tons of cargo space, 4.3 inches more legroom in the rear seat, 4 inches more headroom all over, 1 inch more ground clearance for the XT, a super tight steering radius with quicker turning ratio, rear doors that swing open nearly 75 degrees, and more torque for the base 2.5-liter engine. Visibility is exceptional.
Overall, the 2009 Forester is 3 inches longer, 2 inches wider, and about 100 pounds heavier than last year's model. Despite the increase in size and power, the base Forester gets improved fuel mileage, achieving 20/26 mpg on the EPA's new City/Highway cycle, the same as the CRV and RAV4. The turbocharged Forester XT gets 19/24 mpg and requires premium fuel. The 16.9-gallon fuel tank can last about 400 miles on the highway.
So much downshifting by the four-speed automatic transmission intrudes upon the otherwise smooth acceleration of the normally aspirated 2.5X, making it seem underpowered although 170 horsepower should do the job. The turbocharged XT is more desirable because of its torque, although it's more expensive to operate because of its premium fuel requirement.

Model Lineup
For 2009, there are a number of changes to the styling that make the Subaru Forester way sleeker, but the identity has not been changed.
The functional hood scoop on the XT has a smaller bulge than before, but its opening is no less wide, thanks to a redesign of the turbocharger intercooler opening, and the steeper slope of the hood. The headlights with amber turn signals are shaped like gold-tipped eagles' wings, and the uplifting grille that fills the space between them has lost its boxiness, with corners upturned. Under the grille is a lower lip fascia that looks like there's a pack of snuff stuffed in it. The corners are tucked in so tightly that the bumper has almost been lost. The foglights are mounted in gray plastic fascia that runs 360 degrees around the car, being rocker panels on the sides. Even if there are no foglights the mounting spots are there in the gray plastic.
The lines on the sides of the car, especially the flares over the wheelwells that might be bigger for the sake of trendy styling but aren't, made the '08 Forester look dumpy. A black C-pillar, camouflaged to hide in the tinted glass, helps with the shape thing on the 2009 model. The five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels aren't bad looking.
From the rear, the XT has a twin chrome-tipped exhaust, pretty cool for a tidy crossover. And the spoiler over the rear window makes its statement.
The Forester and RAV4 look alike when parked side by side.

Walk Around
The new dashboard for 2009, taken from the Impreza, has a nice gullwing sweep from the center stack off to the passenger side, in brushed-aluminum-looking plastic material, interrupted only by a single climate vent. Underneath is a big glovebox. The center stack has a bit more of that nice aluminum-look trim, which others have called cheap but it looks fine to us, and just forward of the shift lever is a good-sized cubby. Climate and audio controls on the center stack are simple to operate.
The background light to the gauges is a funky blue, just for effect, some will like it some won't. There's a slit over the center stack with digital display for time and temperature. The center console is deep, and slides forward four inches to make an armrest.
The cloth seats are comfortable, with a new cushion and spring in front. They come in gray or black, and are on the conservative rather than sporty side. The material and design is very conservative, like a gray suit, a missed opportunity to appeal to younger buyers. The really nice perforated leather is a whole new ball game, erasing the almost-frumpy feeling sent by the cloth.
The front doors have a nice elbow rest and large pockets each with a recess for 24-ounce bottles. The aluminum pedals on the XT are cool.
The air conditioning cools well, fast and quiet.
Following Subaru's design goals, the new 2009 Forester most needed rear-seat legroom and cargo space. The rear 60/40 seats fold flat to make a nice cargo area, widened by 5.2 inches between the wheelhouses thanks to a new double-wishbone rear suspension. The relatively gigantic cargo area will definitely appeal to active outdoors enthusiasts with lost of stuff. The specs are 33.5 cubic feet with the rear seat up, 68.3 with the seats flat.
Driver visibility is excellent in all directions, thanks to careful pillar design. Subaru staged a demonstration for us, placing a cutout of a kid behind the Forester and a Toyota RAV4. The Forester driver could see the kid in his rearview mirror at seven feet, but in the RAV4 the kid was lost in a low blind spot for 23 feet.
The rear seat reclines in all but the 2.5X base model, and includes a retractable center tray with fixed drink holders. Legroom is excellent, increased by 4.3 inches, on a wheelbase increase of 3.6 inches; and there's a couple inches more shoulder room, as well. The front door is wider than before, and the rear doors now swing open 75 degrees, making it easy to get in and out.
There's a lot of headroom, a whopping four inches more on the 2009 model over 2008; there's a bit less with the panoramic moonroof, but it feels like more because it's the sky that's over your head. There's headroom even when you jack the height-adjustable driver's seat to the top.
The new rear suspension is quieter, and other noise/vibration areas were refined.
We didn't get along with the navigation system, which comes in a unit with a single-disc CD replacing the standard six-disc CD (it's a space issue). In the daytime it's hard to read with sunglasses, because there's a lack of contrast; once, we even had to remove our sunglasses and close the sunroof, to read the map. It made at least one wild error on Southern California freeways. An awful male British voice seems to tell you to do everything three times, but usually not at the right time. It's impatient at stop lights, insisting you turn while you're waiting for the green arrow. It might take you a while to figure out what "Way Point" means, if you haven't been to London or can't remember even if you have. (Hint: you sometimes stop at a Way Point on your Way Out.)

Interior
2009 Subaru Forester
The new dashboard for 2009, taken from the Impreza, has a nice gullwing sweep from the center stack off to the passenger side, in brushed-aluminum-looking plastic material, interrupted only by a single climate vent. Underneath is a big glovebox. The center stack has a bit more of that nice aluminum-look trim, which others have called cheap but it looks fine to us, and just forward of the shift lever is a good-sized cubby. Climate and audio controls on the center stack are simple to operate.
The background light to the gauges is a funky blue, just for effect, some will like it some won't. There's a slit over the center stack with digital display for time and temperature. The center console is deep, and slides forward four inches to make an armrest.
The cloth seats are comfortable, with a new cushion and spring in front. They come in gray or black, and are on the conservative rather than sporty side. The material and design is very conservative, like a gray suit, a missed opportunity to appeal to younger buyers. The really nice perforated leather is a whole new ball game, erasing the almost-frumpy feeling sent by the cloth.
The front doors have a nice elbow rest and large pockets each with a recess for 24-ounce bottles. The aluminum pedals on the XT are cool.
The air conditioning cools well, fast and quiet.
Following Subaru's design goals, the new 2009 Forester most needed rear-seat legroom and cargo space. The rear 60/40 seats fold flat to make a nice cargo area, widened by 5.2 inches between the wheelhouses thanks to a new double-wishbone rear suspension. The relatively gigantic cargo area will definitely appeal to active outdoors enthusiasts with lost of stuff. The specs are 33.5 cubic feet with the rear seat up, 68.3 with the seats flat.
Driver visibility is excellent in all directions, thanks to careful pillar design. Subaru staged a demonstration for us, placing a cutout of a kid behind the Forester and a Toyota RAV4. The Forester driver could see the kid in his rearview mirror at seven feet, but in the RAV4 the kid was lost in a low blind spot for 23 feet.
The rear seat reclines in all but the 2.5X base model, and includes a retractable center tray with fixed drink holders. Legroom is excellent, increased by 4.3 inches, on a wheelbase increase of 3.6 inches; and there's a couple inches more shoulder room, as well. The front door is wider than before, and the rear doors now swing open 75 degrees, making it easy to get in and out.
There's a lot of headroom, a whopping four inches more on the 2009 model over 2008; there's a bit less with the panoramic moonroof, but it feels like more because it's the sky that's over your head. There's headroom even when you jack the height-adjustable driver's seat to the top.
The new rear suspension is quieter, and other noise/vibration areas were refined.
We didn't get along with the navigation system, which comes in a unit with a single-disc CD replacing the standard six-disc CD (it's a space issue). In the daytime it's hard to read with sunglasses, because there's a lack of contrast; once, we even had to remove our sunglasses and close the sunroof, to read the map. It made at least one wild error on Southern California freeways. An awful male British voice seems to tell you to do everything three times, but usually not at the right time. It's impatient at stop lights, insisting you turn while you're waiting for the green arrow. It might take you a while to figure out what "Way Point" means, if you haven't been to London or can't remember even if you have. (Hint: you sometimes stop at a Way Point on your Way Out.)

2008-2009 Subaru Legacy

Introduction
2008 Subaru Legacy
The Subaru Legacy gets fresh styling and new features for 2008. A variety of models is available, all of which are sedans. If you need a wagon, look to the Outback.
We've found all the 2008 Subaru Legacy models to be solid, tight sedans that inspire confidence when the going gets nasty. They offer a refined drive that's surprisingly agile in a sensibly sized package that won't bust the budget. Subaru's all-wheel-drive system is among the best in the world and performs beautifully in slippery conditions.
New for 2008 is the Legacy 3.0R Limited, which delivers the compact luxury you'd expect from an Acura TSX, Audi A4 or Volvo S40, with six-cylinder refinement, all-wheel drive the Acura doesn't offer, and a competitive price. The 3.0 R Limited uses similar high-end running gear and 18-inch wheels as the 2.5 GT spec.B, but with a smoother, more refined six-cylinder engine and a luxury-oriented demeanor.
The 2008 Legacy gets fresh styling: The Legacy sports a new front chrome crossbar and sheetmetal, new bumpers, new headlights and taillights. It is at once sleeker than previous models and a hint less distinctive. Some onlookers pronounced the 3.0R a Volvo, so Subaru's claim of more European styling isn't a reach.
Also revised for 2008 are the instrument panel and cabin fabrics. A telescoping function has been added to the tilt steering wheel, for improved adjustment for different size drivers. Tire pressure monitoring is standard across the board. Electronic stability control is available on more Legacy models, and paddle shifters have been added to the steering column on five-speed automatic cars.
A wide range of Legacy models covers the price spectrum from $21,000 to $35,000. Lower trim levels are high on value. The performance model is the spec.B, devoted to enthusiasts who need sedan practicality and all-wheel drive.
All Legacy models are four-door sedans. Subaru has dropped Legacy wagons for 2008, content to steer wagon buyers to the more aggressive looking Outback.
Every Subaru comes with all-wheel drive but none require any driver intervention and Subaru has an almost cult-like following among the snowbound. The Legacy earned "top safety pick" honors from the insurance industry's Insurance Institute of Highway Safety and "5-star" ratings for front and rear passengers from the U.S. government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Model Lineup
There are six Legacy models if you include the 2.5i Special Edition, three engines, and three all-wheel drive systems depending on engine and transmission.
The Legacy 2.5i comes with a 170-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, five-speed manual transmission, cloth upholstery, AC, 100-watt 6CD-in-dash stereo with auxiliary input and satellite capability, 40/60 split-fold rear seat, power windows/locks/mirrors, body-colored trim, projector headlamps, floor mats, cruise control, trip computer, antitheft system and 17-inch alloy wheels. A four-speed automatic is optional. Legacy 2.5i Special Edition adds an eight-way power driver's seat and moonroof.
Legacy 2.5i Limited upgrades with leather upholstery, heated front seats and side mirrors, upgraded audio, dual-zone climate control, fog lights, electric wiper de-ice. Electronic stability control is optional.
Legacy 2.5 Limited GT features a 243-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The GT Limited adds a three-spoke steering wheel with cruise control, audio and SI-DRIVE controls, electroluminescent instrumentation, four-way power passenger seat, folding exterior mirrors with signals, wider tires, larger brakes, quicker steering, limited-slip rear differential, sport front seats, and aerodynamic underbody cover. Options include a five-speed automatic with paddle-shift, stability control (automatic only) and navigation.
Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B comes with the same 243-hp GT engine but a six-speed manual transmission instead of a five-speed. Interior changes include leather-and-Alcantara upholstery, three-spoke MOMO steering wheel, driver memory system, bespoke floor mats, alloy pedal covers, and navigation system. The spec.B also receives 18-inch alloy wheels with sticky Bridgestone RE050 summer tires, Bilstein sports suspension, electronic stability control, and a Torsen limited-slip rear differential.
Legacy 3.0R Limited uses a 243-hp six-cylinder engine. The 3.0R comes with most of the interior features of a 2.5 GT Limited and includes navigation and electronic stability control. Wheels are the same size as the spec.B but use less-aggressive, longer-wearing all-season tires, and the sports suspension is calibrated for better ride comfort than the spec.B. It lacks the memory system and a couple of the motorsport-derived pieces of the spec.B. Satellite radio and a rear spoiler are optional. Accessories from interior trim to wheel locks are available.
Safety features standard on all models include dual-stage frontal airbags, front-seat side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, active front seat head restraints, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, and all-wheel drive.

Walk Around
The Subaru Legacy was completely restyled and re-engineered for the 2005 model year, and this fourth-generation has been updated slightly since. For 2008, it gets what we call a mid-cycle freshening. This is the same as keeping the classic blue blazer or little black skirt and changing the accessories that go with it, and accessories can really update an outfit.
Every evolution of the Legacy results in a sleeker profile, and the 2008 continues that process. While early Subarus and some recent Imprezas wore easily distinguished snouts the Legacy presents an angled-back grille with just enough chrome for highlights. A broad lower grille opening implies power, as does the sliver of hood scoop on turbocharged models.
Headlights employ projector low-beams and reflector high-beams, with the aluminum hood forming a lip above them that tapers into the front fenders. There's symmetry in the angles that form the sides of the upper and lower grilles, fog light housings, and sidelight markers.
All Legacy models use frameless door glass so there are no huge pillars to the front or sides. The rear quarter windows use a version of BMW's Hofmeister kink and viewed from the side, the rear end appears to be indented at a similar angle.
The rear view of the Legacy is perhaps its most distinctive. Dual chrome exhaust outlets and clear lenses for the signals aren't unique, but the wide low decklid and vertical reflectors in the rear bumper, as opposed to the typical horizontal setup, will make it much easier to spot in a parking lot full of ordinary sedans.
Since every Legacy comes with alloy wheels there are no cheesy-looking hubcaps to fall off at the first pothole, and many models have a chrome trim strip just below the door line. Visual appeal is one aspect, but, on light colored cars especially, this chrome should limit the shoe scuffing that eventually ends up underneath every driver door.
Although it is Subaru's largest sedan, the Legacy is not a big car. On average it's about a half-foot shorter, two or three inches narrower, and an inch or two lower than the Accord/Camry/Altima/Malibu group. We'll explain the benefits of this.

Interior
2008 Subaru Legacy
Inside, the Legacy has a functional layout and shows good fit and finish of suitable materials, regardless of trim level. The driver gets the benefit of superior visibility. It's a car that's both easy to live with and easy to operate. It's sized to 15/16-scale of a typical mid-size four-door. Most notice this only in rear-seat room or trunk space, but the seating is a little narrower.
Front seats provide good comfort and support, although taller drivers might find the seat cushions on the short side. Sport seats on the GT add a sprinkle more lateral support without becoming confining, and the Alcantara inserts on the spec.B add another degree of grip to your torso and breathe better than leather. On those cars with leather upholstery, the perforated fabric just oozes money.
A relatively high seating position, narrow windshield pillars, very low cowl and sloping hood over the flat engine provide great outward visibility with no downsides. Even reversing is good because the trunk isn't a bulbous appendage and the rear-seat headrests stow in a low position.
Not overly wide, the Legacy still has lots of room up front, with more legroom than most full-size SUVs; angling the power seat allows those same tall types to clear the moonroof and the new telescoping wheel means you needn't drive like an ape anymore. The front seats are thick and take up a smidge of kneeroom in back, and on the top-line 3.0R only the passenger's side has a net pocket.
The rear seat is raked well rearward and the cushions as long as the front, though legroom is more in line with the smaller Audi A4 or Volvo S40 than the midsize Camry/Altima brigade. Each position has an adjustable headrest, the armrest includes a trunk pass-through, the seatbacks fold flat with the narrow section driver's side, and the baby seat anchors are nicely concealed under an upholstered pad that appears part of the seat until you pull the hook-and-loop fastener for access.
The three-spoke steering wheel on GT and R models is ergonomically shaped and very comfortable. The welcome addition of a telescoping aspect to the tilt steering column allows a much broader range of drivers to position themselves properly. The MOMO steering wheel on the spec.B is superb, as you'd expect from a company that's supplied Ferrari and other exotics and countless race cars over the years.
Midway through the model line, the gauges are upgraded to electroluminescent, which appears a blank display until you turn the key. Then red needles and gauge outlines and white numerals shine through in clarity, and the detailed information in the trip computer/odometer display is just as crisp. If not properly adjusted, such instruments can fatigue you so Subaru allows intensity adjustment at any time, not only if the headlights are on or the sensor determines it is dark or daylight again.
The layout is typical, with larger tachometer and speedometer flanked by smaller temperature and fuel gauges. Data is inset in the tachometer, while a fuel economy gauge under the speedometer essentially mimics the throttle, even swinging to minus (-) when the automatic blips the throttle electronically on a downshift. If you can't tell what your right foot is doing, this gauge probably won't either.
Enthusiast drivers will find the pedal layout on manual gearbox cars places the brake and gas pedal close together, with the clutch pedal spaced farther to the left. This makes it difficult to blip the gas with the right foot for a downshift, while the toe of that foot is on the brake pedal, the so-called heel-and-toe technique that results in smoother downshifts when you're decelerating in a hurry.
Turbocharged and 3.0 models have an SI-DRIVE button behind the shifter, which changes relative performance among three modes; there's a button on the steering wheel that does the same chores.
A proper handbrake is immediately adjacent the driver's seat.

2008-2009 Subaru Outback

Introduction

2008 Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback benefits from revised styling, enhanced performance, and interior upgrades for 2008. The changes improve upon a roomy and comfortable wagon that can go almost anywhere. The Outback offers premium drivetrain technology, composed handling and all-weather capability, lots of active and passive safety features.
The revisions to the engines for 2008 make them look less powerful on paper because of changes to rating standards, but they work just as well, and the base engine carries the oxymoronic government certification of Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle. Electronic stability control is offered on more models. The rear suspension has been retuned for more ride comfort without sacrificing any handling.
Styling changes for 2008 feature new front sheetmetal, a larger grille opening, new bumper fascias, and new headlights and taillights. The sedan model has been dropped, yet there are still seven Outback models from which to choose. Inside, fabrics and the dash are revised for 2008, the steering column now tilt and telescopes, and all models are pre-wired for satellite radio.
The Outback philosophy is similar to that of the Volvo XC70, a wagon with a bit more ride height, body protection and traction-oriented tires. However, the Outback costs less than the Volvo and, with 8.4 inches of ground clearance, can go much farther into the outback than most owners realize. Reasonable prices, operating economy and a penchant for charging through snow make Outbacks a favorite in wintry weather. But they also do very well with potholes in the Midwest and deserts in the Southwest.
Three engines are available, 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine a 243-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter, and a 245-hp 3.0-liter six-cylinder. All use Subaru's horizontally opposed engine design, like that employed by the old VW Beetle and most Porsches. Subaru's engines are mounted low and are compact, keeping the weight low for good center-of-gravity dynamics and a low hood line for great forward visibility.
All come with all-wheel drive, and three different systems are used, depending on the transmission and engine chosen. The end result of good snow-climbing traction and all-weather confidence remains the same for all. None requires any driver action.
Inside, Outbacks are practical and can be quite simple or quite sophisticated, with a range of seven trim levels. All have five seats, useful cargo area and the majority of amenities and features offered in compact SUVs.
Outdoors people like its capability and utility. The Outback is a great companion for outdoors activities, fishing, hiking, skiing, kayaking. Apparently, L.L. Bean noticed this and three Outbacks come in L.L. Bean trim. It offers secure handling and traction on icy mountain passes. It handles well on gravel roads and holds up to rugged terrain. It can haul a lot of gear and it can accept a nine-foot rigged fly rod.
The Outback goes off the pavement better than many SUVs yet performs as well or better on the pavement. If you think you need an SUV, an Outback is infinitely better suited 90 percent of the time.

Model Lineup
All Subaru Outbacks come with all-wheel drive. All are wagons.
The Outback ($21,995) base model comes with the 170-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder and five-speed manual, a four-speed automatic is available ($1000). It includes cloth upholstery, AC, CD/MP3/WMA audio system, cruise control, trip computer, power locks/mirrors/windows, rear wipe/wash, tilt/telescoping steering column, roof rails, split-fold rear seat, 16-inch steel wheels and tire pressure monitors.
The Outback 2.5i ($23,995) adds heated front seats and power driver seat, 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, roof rack cross bars, fog lights, heated mirrors, limited-slip differential, cargo cover/tray/power outlet, splash guards, and windshield wiper de-icing. The automatic is optional ($1000).
The 2.5i L.L. Bean Edition ($26,295) comes standard with the automatic and upgrades with a navigation system, a 6CD in-dash player, dual-zone climate control, roof rack cross bars, alloy wheels, cargo tray, and L.L. Bean mats and badging. VDC electronic stability control is optional.
The 2.5i Limited ($27,395) comes with the automatic and adds to the 2.5i leather upholstery, 6CD changer, body-colored door handles and mirrors, dual-zone climate control, and woodgrain trim. VDC is optional.
The 2.5i Limited L.L. Bean Edition ($28,995) combines the L.L. Bean and Limited trim and further upgrades with two-tone perforated leather upholstery with Bean logo embosses, a power passenger seat, the navigation system, rear center armrest, and the floor mats and wheels. VDC is optional.
The 2.5XT Limited ($30,995) features a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder and five-speed manual; a five-speed automatic is optional ($1200). The XT comes equipped with VDC electronic stability control, traction control, and SI-DRIVE. The XT comes with all the Limited features plus a functional hood scoop, body-color mirrors with turn signals, electroluminescent gauges, aluminum front door and cargo area sill plates, and a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio, cruise, and SI-DRIVE controls. The automatic comes with a MOMO steering wheel. Navigation is optional ($2000).
The 3.0R L.L. Bean ($32,495) features a 245-hp six-cylinder and five-speed automatic. VDC, SI-DRIVE, VTD are all standard, as are an auto-dimming inside mirror, sport-design gauges, and Bean-style wheels. Navigation is available.
Options include a variety of cargo nets, one of which attaches to the rear seatbacks and ceiling-mounted hooks separating the passenger and cargo compartments, especially useful for dogs. Other options: auto-dimming/compass rearview mirror ($183); an upgraded security system with perimeter alarm ($98); a cargo area spotlight ($65); a subwoofer/amplifier ($273); a hood protector ($85); a front bumper underguard ($136); all-weather floor mats ($55); locks for alloy wheels ($41); a short-throw shifter for manual transmissions ($339); a Momo shift knob; and a trailer hitch ($369).

Walk Around
Last redesigned for the 2005 model year, the 2008 revisions are what we'd call a mid-cycle update.
For 2008, the styling has been revised front and rear with all-new front sheetmetal, a larger grille opening, new front and rear bumper fascias, and new headlights and taillights.
The Outback looks firmly planted. It is, in fact, firmly planted, but it's sleeker than ever if less odd-looking than older Subarus generally were. Nicely proportioned tire and wheel combinations and lower body protection at the ends give the impression of off-road-ability, though the fender arches are add-ons we'd prefer built in.
The Subaru Outback is taller than its fraternal twin, the Legacy sedan. Large round fog lamps emphasize and soften the aggressive lower fascia. A low-rise air intake on the XT model's hood hints at power lurking beneath. On the XT and the 3.0R, the clear-lens turn indicators on the lower edges of the outside mirrors minimize their mass. Wide tires visually stretch the car's stance.
Even while standing still, the Outback has a look of motion. That begins with the aerodynamic slope of the hood, made possible by the low profile of Subaru's horizontally opposed engines. The look of motion is enhanced through the wagon's roof line, which drops steadily rearward from the front doors. This design is functional, combining with the increasing inward tilt of the rear side windows to ease air flow beyond the wagon's tail end. Minimalist splashguards behind both wheel wells and cladding along the bottom of the doors make the body look tightly connected to its wheels, unlike many other off-road capable vehicles.
On the rear of the wagon, all the lines (roof, rear window outline, beltline, bumper and rocker panel) draw inward toward the car's center, giving it a taut, neat finish. Large, geometric taillights cover the upper corners of the rear fenders. Small, almost demure backup lights are embedded high in the liftgate on each side of the chrome eyelid over the recess for the rear license plate. The secondary, high-mounted stop light is centered in the roof-high spoiler behind a stylish clear lens. The bumper has a plastic cover on it to avoid marring the paint hauling things or animals in and out.

Interior
2008 Subaru Outback
The Outbacks have comfortable, versatile cabins. The front seats in the base model are comfortable, but not cushy, upholstered in a durable fabric that's reasonably grippy, more so than the leather in the Limited models. Rear seats are bolstered about the same as the fronts, with a minimal rise in the center in recognition of the driveline hump. The leather in the Limited had a thick feel, but it is richly surfaced. The front seats in the XT and more expensive models have fuller bolsters and better overall support; the lumbar adjustments can be set from very soft to accommodate sensitive lower backs, to very aggressive to brace a classic ramrod spine. Bottom cushions are deeper than many, but they could offer more thigh support. The perforated leather insets in premium models add some grip that is lacking in the smooth-finished leather and allow a small amount of air flow that's refreshing on hot and cold days.
The dash is topped with high-quality, seamless vinyl, mildly textured and finished in a low-gloss to minimize reflected glare in the windshield. The instruments are rimmed in black four-cylinder cars and chrome in the 3.0 R. Gauges are large and round, positioned directly in front of the driver and easy to scan through the three-spoke steering wheel. Cruise controls on lower models are contained in a stubby stalk attached to the steering wheel at about the 4 o'clock position; on the spokes on higher trims.
In the upper half of the dash to the left of the gauges are two vents, one small for defogging the driver's window, the other large, with four-way directional vanes and a roller knob that varies the air flow from full to off. Below these are controls for dash light intensity (at any time on the electroluminescent XT and 3.0R), outside mirror adjustment and remote gas filler cover and a small storage bin. At the opposite end of the dash, matching vents fulfill the same functions.
The center stack and forward portion of the center console are covered in an understated metallic-look, matte-finish plastic with chrome-like accents; woodgrain flanks the pillar on pricier models. Two large air vents at the top of the center stack flank a large storage bin with retracting cover.