Subaru Outback 2004 review: snapshot

The 4WD wagons it makes are not noted for their ride height and chiselled dimensions.

Subaru believes that a wagon can go off-road without having to look like a scaled-down truck.

It believes that buyers don't want to look like truck drivers either – and it's a point of view that has carried the company since it started making all-wheel-drive wagons in 1975.

Explore the 2004 Subaru Outback range

• Subaru Outback 3.0R 2004 review: snapshot
• Subaru Outback 3.0R 2004 review
• Subaru Outback 2004 review
• Subaru Outback 2004 review: snapshot

Though that was 30 years ago, I have an inkling that the first 1.4-litre wagon was just as capable in the dirt as the latest three-litre version, now called the Outback.

But in other areas, the Outback boasts European luxury-car quality, dynamic on-road performance, outstanding levels of comfort and features, and a pleasantly styled exterior.

The wagon drives like a conventional wagon, with little hint that it has all-wheel drive, a raised ground clearance – though 200mm doesn't look like it's on stilts – and heavy-duty suspension.

Subaru Australia's Derek Ashby said local cars received more suspension work than those destined for other parts of the world.

We must be tough on cars.

The bonus is that the Outback is quite a strong machine which has been given a boost in its towing rating to 1800kg.

The six-cylinder version gets a meaty dose of power and torque, and drives all wheels through a slick five-speed automatic gearbox.

On the road the acceleration is brisk but the engine's quietness and smoothness are more impressive.

The engine has a good amount of the low-down torque necessary for some light off-road duties, though the fact that the engine has the ability to keep pouring out the power at higher revs really makes it a surprising vehicle to drive.

Of course all this comes at a cost. The fuel economy is a reasonable 11-litres/100km if you keep the acceleration light, though the car will climb into the 14 litres/100km area if the driver gets overly physical with the accelerator pedal.

Comfort levels rate higher than most traditional 4WDs, primarily because of more compliant suspension and the quiet cabin.

The seats are impressively tailored in alcantara and leather, and are comfortable despite perhaps needing more support.

Cabin room rates highly and, because the Outback is quite long, cargo-carrying ability is excellent. Roof rails add to its adaptability.

The base-model Outback has a five-star safety rating despite not having side or curtain airbags. The Outback versions equipped with the extra bags rated slightly above the cheaper model.

Goodies within the price include climatic airconditioning, electric windows and mirrors, CD player, cruise control and alloy wheels.

But the best thing about the Outback is its flexibility – to carry cargo and people, to cruise the highway and reach the beach, to tow a small caravan and drive to work. It's a very nice, if not especially cheap, wagon.