Subaru Legacy (third Generation) - Outback

Outback

Based on the third generation Legacy, the Outback became its own model and the Legacy SUS remained unique to North America, and was realigned with the Outback Limited package, offering the sedan, with an optional horizontal six-cylinder engine, also optional on the wagon. This bodystyle was introduced to Japan September 1998, and was called the Lancaster for the second generation, with the six-cylinder in Japan called the Lancaster 6. The name Lancaster is used for cities in England, Australia, Canada and the United States. The USA-spec Outback was available starting in 2000. The Outback saw a competitor from Nissan in Japan only called the Nissan Avenir Blaster with a similar appearance to the Outback starting October 17, 2000.

The rear seat on the Outback sedan does not fold down, unlike previous generations where the rear seat had a 60:40 folding seat for extended length items. Rear headrests are now included as standard equipment on all trim levels. The ground clearance is 7.3 in (190 mm). The engine now meets California's LEV emission standard.

The Outback came standard with a 165 hp (123 kW) by SAE, 4-cylinder boxer engine, four-cylinder SOHC design with a maximum torque of (166 lb·ft (225 N·m)) that was available at a lower RPM compared to the previous generation. The 2.5 L SOHC four-cylinder engine uses a timing belt that must be replaced around 100,000 miles (160,000 km), whereas the 3.0 L six-cylinder engine uses a timing chain that doesn't require replacement under normal conditions.

The base model six-cylinder was offered as the H6-3.0 — its interior, and available options, were identical to those of the Outback "Limited", with the exception of manual transmission, which did not physically fit with the larger powerplant. Badging for all 6-cylinder Outbacks was located on the front grille as well as on the rear of the vehicle.

In a higher trim level, known as the Outback L.L. Bean in the USA, a 200 Watt McIntosh stereo system was standard from 2001 to 2003. These were some of the only vehicles ever factory-equipped with McIntosh stereo equipment. Options also included an in-dash six-disc CD changer, VDC (for Vehicle Dynamics Control), and dual moonroofs. OnStar was available as an option on the USA-spec L.L. Bean. In-dash satellite navigation was offered on Japan-spec vehicles on upper trim level wagons starting with Model Year 1998, and continued to offer a Momo black leather steering wheel with genuine wood inlay, gearshift knob and parking brake handle. Plaid upholstery was still offered on Japan-spec Lancasters.

The six-cylinder was also available as the VDC, with Subaru's VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) system, which integrated stability control with traction control. The system was also mated to a previously used Japanese-market AWD system, called VTD, in which power was split 45/55 front-to-rear in normal conditions. When wheel spin is detected, the system cuts power to the spinning wheel and directs power to those that aren't. Only when necessary do the brakes slow the affected wheels, when the vehicle detects excessive oversteer or understeer. This package had more sound insulation than other trims, as well as those features found on the L.L. Bean, such as McIntosh stereo, OnStar, and leather interior. Its curb weight was just slightly higher than that of the standard L.L. Bean trim, and while the VDC badging was placed on the front quarter panels only, the H6-3.0 and Outback markings were also applied as usual.