note the Hood Scoop on 97-99 models

For the history of Subaru please visit my homepage.

The Legacy Outback is a car based alternative to the traditional truck-based sport utility vehicle (SUV).

With 7.3" of ground clearance the Outback is a high riding, "rugged road" vehicle with excellent emergency handling and traction and the safer, more comfortable ride of a car.

The competition for the Legacy Outback are the truck based SUVs: Explorer, Grand Cherokee, 4xRunner, S-10 Blazer, Pathfinder, Rodeo/Passport...

The Outback's all-wheel-drive system is full time and instantly reacts to changing road conditions. On dry, wet, dirt, or snowy roads this means superior traction at all speeds, so whether merging on the freeway or pulling across a street intersection, in a Subaru you know you'll always have maximum traction. And it really is fun to drive in the snow.
The beauty of all-wheel-drive by Subaru of Canada explains it well.

Subaru's all-wheel-drive is more efficient than the 4x4 system used in Sport Utilities (Explorer, 4Runner, Blazer etc) which is only for slick roads and must be activated manually when needed.

• 1995: The first Outback is a 1995 Legacy L wagon with special trim. This 1995 model is not the Outback as we know it.
• 1996: First year for the 'real' Outback. Also first year for the 2.5L engine, which in '96 runs on premium fuel and is only available with an automatic transmssion. The manual uses the 2.2L engine and has the hill holder clutch.
• 1997: the Limited Outback was introduced. A sedan version, the Outback SUS (short for 'Sport Utility Sedan') was available in very small numbers in the New England area only. The 2.5L engine is tweaked for 1997 and has 10 more hp than the '96 plus  runs on regular fuel, not premium. The manual tranmission now uses the 2.5L engine and the hill-holder clutch is discontinued. New separate door lock switch. All models have a non-functional 'hood scoop', it's just for looks.

Note: I have tried to provide the initial information so you can determine your interest in Subarus from the comfort of your home or work. If you're interested in a new or used Subaru or other used vehicle please contact me.
Thank you.

That's me in the back of an Outback and there's lots of room. There's almost 44" from the back of the rear seats to the gate. There's 67" of flat cargo length with the rear seats folded down. Enough for the dog... and more.... like camping....  and that's why Subaru is the #1 selling wagon in the U. S..

1997 Limited Outbacks: from the right- white. rio red, sidney blue, black

All new for 1996: First year for the Outback as a separate model really distinct from the L model.

New for the 1996 model was the front Outback bumper with larger integrated fog lights, raised suspension with 7.3" ground clearance, bubbled roof, larger front disc brakes, the new for 1996 2.5L engine, new Outback seat material, height adjustable driver's seat, cold weather package etc..
 

The front of the 1995 Outback Notice the projector beam fog lights, 2 tone paint, and normal ground clearance.

New model for 1995. The all new Outback was an 'Active Safety Group'  all wheel drive Legacy L wagon with the 2.2 liter engine,
PLUS
2 tone with gray lower accent trim
15" alloy wheels
upgraded woven cloth (like the 1996 Outback)
projector beam fog lights
height adjustable driver's seat
roof rack
floor mats
mud flaps
etc.

It had the standard L model suspension with normal ground clearance. It did not have the bubbled roof, larger 2.5L engine, raised suspension with ground clearance  etc. That all came in 1996.
Visit Legacy Archive Page for more detailed information on the Legacy that became the 1995 Outback.

This page is maintained by Joe Spitz who is soley responsible for content
Thank You, and Happy Car Shopping. Joe