2001 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 VDC

One of my colleagues commented about my recent Buick Park Avenue Ultra review, ribbing me for so casually referring to a $39,000 car as “affordable.” He has a point. But I come by this warped sense of value honestly. When even so-called economy leaders are plastering $32,000 stickers on their vehicle windows, one’s perspective tends to adjust accordingly. This new Subaru falls into that category. Shocking, I know. But this is not your run-of-the-mill Subaru. This is the new Outback H6-3.0 VDC or, in plain English, Subaru’s new 6-cylinder wagon.
Not since the sporty, but arguably odd, SVX coupe died has Subaru offered a 6-cylinder engine. But here they are with a brand new four-cam, 3.0 liter, flat six, as well as several other new systems aimed at enhancing performance. But $32,000? For a Subaru?

The Good News
This horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engine is not just the old flat four with two more cylinders tacked on. Moreover, it adds 47 more horses to the stable over the 165-horse 4 cylinder, for a total of 212. Torque peaks at 210 pound feet, and it all fits neatly inside the same engine compartment. Magic.

You can definitely tell a difference in acceleration here, although I wouldn’t advise you to start smarting off to Trans Am owners at red lights. This little Subie is quicker, but it’s not quick. Its extra pounds weigh heavily on the extra horses. Still, an improvement is an improvement.

VDC stands for “Vehicle Dynamics Control,” Subaru’s new stability system. Subaru likes to point out that it now joins Audi, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes and Porsche as the only carmakers that combine stability control and all-wheel-drive in their vehicles. Yes, well…

Also on this model is VTD. Besides adding to this confusing load of acronyms, this Variable Torque Distribution system splits power 45 percent front and 55 percent rear. This enhances driving feel and works with the dynamics control and traction control to keep the Outback on track in a variety of road conditions.

The full-time four-wheel-drive setup is standard, and it’s one of the best in terms of driving ease. There’s none of that grabbiness in turning you sometimes feel with other full-time four-wheelers.

Also standard is a four-speed automatic transmission. In fact, it’s the only one available. The sound system is worth noting, especially for aging baby boomers like me who remember when McIntosh was the last word in home audio. Subaru is very proud that this is the first time McIntosh has done a vehicle audio design/original installation for the U.S. market. It’s a great system.

The Bad News
But McIntosh’s old English script, dual silver knobs and haven’t-changed-since-way-back look sum up what is wrong with this Subaru. Like the radio, this Outback comes off as new Millenium technology in yesteryear’s garb.

That’s where they lose me at this price. Leather seats and a little mahogany on the steering wheel don’t put this in the class with more refined Volvo and Audi wagons, which compete in this range. Subaru has not done enough to distance this H6 from the look and feel of the affable economy wagon the Outback originally is.

Gas Mileage
EPA rated at 20 mpg city/27 highway

Price
Manufacturer’s base, $31,895;
Price as tested, $32,390

Is it worth it?
I would nominate this Outback H6-3.0 VDC for wagon of the year, if it weren’t so expensive. I still love the standard Outback Wagon for its unpretentiousness, cargo space, fluid feeling all-wheel-drive and overall satisfying driving experience. Engineering-wise, this version takes the best of Subaru and turns it into a first-class, full-time four-wheel drive wagon.

But that’s just not enough. When a carmaker professes to play with the Big Boys buckswise, it has to earn that status on many levels. Unfortunately, this Outback H6 3.0VDC comes off as a wonderfully sophisticated car in a plain brown wrapper. And that brings me back to my original question: $32,000? For a Subaru?

Beth Stein is a life-long car buff and free-lance journalist living in Nashville. She has reviewed new vehicles in print for 12 years as a weekly columnist for Nashville’s daily newspapers and on television for Road Test Magazine and Motor Trend Television. Currently, her reviews appear nationally on Car And Driver Television.