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2001 Subaru Outback H6 VDC

Date: 7 April 2001	Miles: 3,000
While there are no mechanical faults, our log books are filled with comments, and they're mostly praises. On the negative side, price is first. Our sticker totals $32,390. Ouch! And, for a compact wagon, the turning diameter of 36.7 feet is quite wide. While we love the 212-horses from the 3.0-liter flat 6-cylinder, you pay for it in economy. 20.0 miles per gallon is our average after 3000 miles of mostly around town pursuits. On the other hand, we applaud the H6 VDC for including Subaru's latest, fully automatic all-wheel drive system. And, it is the brand's first vehicle with electronic stability control. So, the H6 VDC is even safer and more secure than any Outback before it.
Date: 26 May 2001	Miles: 7,000
Let's get the basic news about the 2001 Subaru Outback H6 VDC out of the way first. It's a smart-sized, fine performing, all-wheel drive alternative to the typical family sport-utility vehicle. While we loved the previous 4-cylinder Outbacks, the 6-banger variety is more than 2- cylinders better. Horsepower jumps from 165 to 212. But, the price for that extra power is steep to say the least. There is a minimum $3,200 hike upstream, and our VDC will cost you at least $31,895. Ouch! You can buy an Audi A4 Avant Quattro wagon or Jaguar's new all-wheel drive X-Type sedan for thousands less. But, once you get over the sticker shock, there is nothing but good news about the Outback H6. In 4 months we've driven our Subaru nearly 7,000 miles with comfort and handling that while not as good as the Jag, sure beats getting beat up by some SUVs. Log book entries praise the extra power, and the generous interior. Plus, the VDC comes standard with just about every luxury option Subaru offers including leather, automatic climate control, and McIntosh sound system. And, VDC indicates that this is the first Subaru with an electronic stability system. Not something you'll find on most SUVs. Fuel economy of 21.7 so far also would put most sport-utes to shame. Finally, we've had no significant mechanical faults, although we did have one annoying one. A loose nut caused the passenger side wiper to malfunction, in a downpour naturally. Like the idea of a 6-cylinder Subaru but not a wagon? Then sign up now for the smart- looking 2002 H6 Outback Sedan. It's due this summer. But, don't expect it to be a traditional Subaru bargain either.
Date: 7 July 2001	Miles: 9,500
The latest Outback, this H6- VDC, adds a flat-6 engine, electronic vehicle skid control system, and more luxury than most luxury cars. Our Outback stays pretty busy, accumulating nearly 10,000 miles in 6 months. It carries a fair size load, has both confident traction and handling regardless of road conditions, and includes well-designed seats that don't reward long trips with backaches. With nearly $2.00 gas, 21.7 miles per gallon is also commendable. While we will continue to wince at our supremely loaded Outback's over $32,000 price, you can get them for less. And, while historically all-wheel drive vehicles are more prone to repair than front-drive cars, our Outback remains trouble free. Indeed, we haven't seen a significant problem with a Subaru tester in years.
Date: 11 August 2001	Miles: 12,647
This latest version of the smart-sized Outback all-wheel drive wagon provides a near perfect combination of all-road capability, people and cargo versatility, and luxury sedan comfort and power. Subaru's new pancake 6-cylinder engine jumps horsepower from 165 to 212. The odometer jumped passed 12,647 miles in less than 7 months, and one of our staff drove the Outback 3,000 miles in a single week! The engine got endless praise, including its average fuel economy of 22.7 miles per gallon. Periodic stops were not due as much to fuel or bladder, as they were to pain. Front seats became uncomfortable after only a few hundred miles. In fact, the car-full felt the rear seats were more comfortable and supportive than those in the front.
Date: 21 September 2001	Miles: 14,700
Our staff is not crazy about the front seat comfort in our Subaru Outback H6-3.0. But that's the only meaningful complaint that we have about this modest sized family hauler after 8 months and 14,700 miles. Our staff's log book comments make it clear that they think the Outback is the perfect all-weather virtuoso for urban climates. It does pretty good going to the country too with 22.4 miles per gallon economy from its responsive 212-horsepower flat-6 engine. Plus, while the Outback uses an all-wheel drive system more suited for tarmac than trails, you'd be surprised how far off-road you can get in an Outback.
Date: 7 December 2001	Miles: 19,614
The Subaru Outback H6 VDC Sport Utility Wagon was designed for one of the more sophisticated all-wheel drive systems. Under dry conditions, 45% of the engine torque goes to the front wheels, and 55% to the rear. When wheels slip, power silently moves to the wheels with the most grip. The VDC also has a Vehicle Dynamic Control stability system, so all that traction stays on the road. While not as lightweight as a viscous system, our Outback beats most traditional SUVs with 23.2 miles per gallon after 19,614 miles. If you don't need all the space of a minivan the Outback is an excellent all-wheel drive choice when you really have to get there.
Date: 11 January 2002	Miles: 20,950
If we had to pick one brand of car that telegraphs all-weather security throughout its lineup it would be Subaru. That's never been truer than with the latest Outback H6 VDC Sport Utility Wagon. The VDC has the most sophisticated all-wheel drive system ever used by Subaru. Known as Variable Torque Distribution, it uses a hydraulic clutch and planetary gear center differential. Under dry conditions, 45% of the engine torque goes to the front wheels, and 55% to the rear. The VDC also comes with Vehicle Dynamic Control stability system, so all that traction stays on the road, where fuel economy also shines. Our Outback averages 23.0 miles per gallon, and that's after 20,950 miles of very varied driving styles.
Date: 01 March 2002	Miles: 20,950
When we are without a Subaru in our long term fleet, we have to admit to feeling a little more vulnerable to the elements. So, the departure after 13 months of our 2001 Subaru Outback H6 VDC sport-utility wagon is most regrettable. Yes, over the last 23,649 miles we did find a few things to carp about. We think almost 32 grand is steep for a 6-cylinder Subaru, loaded or not. And the driver's seat was a source of lower back pain for several staffers. On the much longer plus side, few larger cars are better tourers than the Outback, even when pavement is dry. Nor will they, or most SUVs, likely top our test economy of 23.7 miles per gallon. Cargo volume actually beats sport-utes like the Ford Escape. And, the VDC's standard traction control and Vehicle Dynamic Control stability system added to the security of the advanced all-wheel drive components. So, do you understand now while we'll miss our Outback?