2002 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean Edition

Subarus have come a long, long way in recent years. Once known chiefly for across-the-board all-wheel-drive systems (when few others offered it) and a thrashy, agricultural-sounding flat 4-cylinder engine, Subaru vehicles have evolved into versatile, high-quality competitors. Always a touch quirky thanks in part to the Brat mystique, many "car guys" have come to think of Subarus as Japanese Saabs in terms of individuality.

L.L. Bean Outbacks are outfitted for crossover success with 16-inch alloy wheels, front and rear wipers/washers, foldaway side mirrors, two-tone paint, halogen fog lights, and roof rails.

Our test vehicle was a green-and-platinum Outback H6-3.0 L.L. Bean Edition Wagon. This is the company's top-of-the-line wagon (although Subaru likes to market the Outback as a car-like SUV). Other Outback models are an H6-3.0 sedan, a VDC sedan and a VDC wagon. All Outbacks have full-time all-wheel drive (AWD) and are powered by either a 3.0-liter, 212-hp flat 6-cylinder engine with 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission or a 2.5-liter, 165-hp flat 4-cylinder with a choice of 5-speed manual or the 4-speed automatic.


VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) models use a planetary center differential with an electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch and VTD (Variable Torque Distribution) to achieve full-time, on-demand AWD. The H6-3.0 sedan and L.L. Bean wagon use an electronically managed, continuously variable transfer clutch and limited-slip differential.


The "Active" AWD system used on Subaru's automatic transmission vehicles (except the Outback VDC) delivers most power to the front wheels under steady-state conditions, while some is being directed to the rear axle. The VTD system has a 45/55 split during steady-state driving, rising as high as 50/50 depending on traction conditions. Five-speed manual models use a viscous center differential with a 50/50 split steady-state, then re-apportions power to the axle with the most traction. All Outbacks have limited-slip rear axles, except the VDC, which has 4-wheel traction control instead.


A few words on Subaru engines: Inspired by the old VW Beetle flat four, Subaru's 4-bangers are shaped like an "H": two cylinders on each side, horizontally opposed. Where the Beetle's was mounted in back, driving the rear wheels, Subaru chose a conventional front location and front-wheel drive for better fore-aft weight distribution and dynamic stability. Seeking a unique advantage in an increasingly competitive market, Subaru years ago began developing and offering AWD as a product differentiator, either standard or optional in virtually all of its models. More recently, Subaru added two cylinders and begat its H6. The current version features 24 valves with dual overhead cams, sequential port fuel injection, aluminum heads and block, and a "smart" engine-control module with learning, self-diagnosis, anti-knock and "limp-home" capability (which keeps it running—slowly—even in case of major problems).