Description
Subaru rushed the Outbackās third generation on the market and launched it in 2003 at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany, and the changes over its predecessor were massive.
While customers started to be more attracted by crossovers, most automakers were not ready to provide one. Subaru, on the other hand, thanks to its vast experience in producing all-wheel drive vehicles, had the edge on that. As a result, after introducing the Outback nameplate in 1994, the Japanese automaker quickly came with a second generation of it in 1998, followed by the 2003 model. If the previous models were more or less shy tryouts, the third generation was bold and came fully loaded with more than what regular customers asked from a crossover.
The third generation of the Outback was based on the fourth generation of the Subaru Legacy, which was introduced in May 2003. As a result, its front fascia looked very similar to its sibling. The organic-shaped headlights that resembled a pair of eagle eyes flanked the wide hexagonal grille that sported the Subaru badge in the middle. These elements were common for both vehicles, but the bumper was new. It featured large and round fog lamps in the lower part, flanking the lower air intake for the vehicle.
From its profile, the Outback boasted a higher ground clearance than its sibling. In addition, it featured additional cladding on the door panels and side sills to resist scratches and shopping carts better. All versions of the Outback came fitted with roof rails, but only the top grade featured a panoramic glass roof. One of the carās unique assets was the frameless doors, a Subaru design signature seen on the Impreza lineup as well. At the back, the raked-forward tailgate was adorned by a roof spoiler on its top. Lower, the bumper also featured a black, unpainted, scratch-resistant area.
Inside, customers found a larger cabin than on the Outbackās second generation, fitted with higher-quality materials. The minimalist design of the dashboard delighted customers. At the same time, the automaker placed the instrument cluster in front of the driver, featuring a clean layout, with the speedometer and tachometer in the middle, flanked by the fuel level and coolant temperature gauges. At the front, Subaru installed a pair of bucket seats, while out back, a split-folding bench could accommodate up to three adults on it.
Under the hood, Subaru installed a choice of two engines: a 2.5-liter flat-four and a 3.0-liter flat-six. The former was available with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic, while the latter was paired with a five-speed manual only, with an auto-shift function. Compared to the previous generation, the 2003 Outback came with a slightly longer wheelbase, a lighter construction, and an improved suspension.
Press Release
The first Subaru Legacy Outback was introduced in the United States in 1996. It was a Legacy station wagon with all-wheel drive, body-cladding, off-road tires and slightly higher ground clearance. It was marketed using Subaru's trademarked phrase: "The World's First Sport Utility Wagon." All Outbacks are built in Lafayette, Indiana.
The phrase may be trademarked, but it is not entirely accurate. In 1979, American Motors launched the AMC Concord-based AMC Eagle, which was similar, but had suffered poor sales and was discontinued in 1988.
Subaru of America executives created the Outback because the SUV craze had at that point reached a fevered pitch with customers demanding SUVs and shunning Subaru's station wagons (even when equipped with all-wheel drive) based on image concerns, leaving dealers clamoring for a SUV-like product to sell.
The Outback turned out to be a success, handily outselling its Legacy progenitor. Clever ads featured Australian "Crocodile Dundee" star Paul Hogan using the Outback in adventurous situations where it was portrayed besting its competitors, notably the Ford Explorer.
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 1999 and based on its success, was rolled out nationwide the following year.
Other companies followed suit with similar raised four wheel drive station wagons as stop-gaps before their own SUVs were launched, or if they did not envisage introducing one. These included the Audi A6 Allroad, Volvo XC70, Alfa Romeo 156 CrossWagon and the Holden Adventra.
The Outback was available in Japan from 1995 as the Subaru Legacy Grandwagon. In 2000, Outback became its own model and added a 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.
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.
