"Love this car! This my first car, and when in the market I had several requirements-
1) Carry 4 adults with toys. Could be scuba gear, kayaks, bikes, camping gear, etc.
2) Very good gas mileage.
3) Be able to sleep in it.

Pickups could carry a lot, but not enough people. Everything else was too small or guzzled too much gas. I'm the type who despises the current fad of SUV's, and think that people who buy them but never use them off road are not right in the head. So, the Outback made perfect sense to me- it can carry more than many SUVs (Explorer, 4runner) and has the same clearence (Explorer).

I use this to the fullest. In several 1000 mile weekend roadtrips, this car has got me into (and out of) several places that I was pleasantly surprised at. And it carries all the gear I can throw at it. And on top of it all, it's not a gas guzzler.

The mileage is great for my daily commute also. It's been trouble free in all aspects even if I only wash it once every couple of months (hard to keep clean when you're getting it dirty every weekend!)

All in all I'd say it's the perfect utilitarian car for people who love the outdoors.

"Have put 3,000 mi. on used Legacy. I was all hyped to buy one, and I have not been disappointed. Previous owner said it was best car he ever owned. I only had to replace license plate screws and dome light bulb on 46,000 mi. car. Handling and cornering is incredible. Braking is great. You can snap the steering wheel to one side at 30 mph and it smoothly compensates. You can take curves at higher speeds, and it feels calm about it.

Engine is adequate - peppy around town, but works a little at 75 mph, loaded.

I bought in part for severe winters. Would like to brag about snow and ice prowess, but haven't had it long enough yet.

As a family guy, it could be a little larger. But compared to, say, a 95 Taurus, the difference is mostly negligible. "

Very nice car in a small wagon market. Good gas mileage, loads of feautres, plenty of storage space, good handling, low price compared to the competition. Has 4WD with limited slip, decent road clearance and nice safety features. Why buy and SUV for city driving.

On the minus side, there is only 1 intermittent wiper setting, the seats can be uncomfortable on long trips and rain pours [in] easily if the window is open even a crack.

"Poor, inconsistant braking denied by Subaru until their recall solved the problem."