The Outback lineup for 2002 includes the four-cylinder Outback Wagon ($22,895), Outback Limited Sedan ($25,995) and Outback Limited Wagon ($26,295); plus the six-cylinder H6-3.0 L.L. Bean Edition Wagon ($29,495), and the H6-3.0 VDC Wagon ($31,895). New for 2002 are the H6-3.0 Sedan ($27,995) and the H6-3.0 VDC Sedan ($30,395).
The H6-3.0 VDC is the technology standard-bearer of the lineup. VDC stands for Vehicle Dynamic Control, which combines Subaru's electronic Variable Torque Distribution with all-speed traction control and dynamic stability control (DSC).
The L.L. Bean Edition offers exclusive comfort and appearance features, including special L.L. Bean identification, plus two-tone leather and a three-year, no-cost, extended maintenance package. (Tire rotations and oil changes are covered for three years, at the manufacturer's recommended service intervals.) The Bean-mobile costs less than the VDC because it does not have traction control, and comes with Subaru's Active All-Wheel Drive rather than the more sophisticated Variable Torque Distribution.
VDC, L.L. Bean, and all Outback Sedans are built only with automatic transmissions. A five-speed manual is standard on base and Limited Outback Wagons, with the automatic offered as an $800 option.
Buyers of base Wagons may also order a $500 All-Weather Package, which adds heated seats, heated mirrors, and windshield wiper de-icers. This equipment is standard on Limited and H6 models.
(Subaru also manufactures a smaller wagon called the Outback Sport, and NewCarTestDrive.com reviews it separately.)