Subaru Legacy Outback was introduced in the United States in 1996. It was a break with all-wheel heritage, encouraging the body-cladding, off-road tires and slightly higher ground clearance. It was marketed using Subaru sentence: "World's First Sport Utility Wagon." All the interior was built in Lafayette, Indiana.
The phrase may be trademarks, but not entirely accurate. In 1979, American Motors launched the AMC Concord AMC Eagle base, which is similar but has suffered from poor sales and was discontinued in 1988.
Subaru America executives created the Outback because the SUV craze at the time this reaches a height of fever with customers demanding SUVs and station wagons Subaru escape (even when equipped with all wheel drive) based image concerns, leaving dealers SUV-demand products to sell.
Outback has proven a success, handily defeating his ancestors Legacy. Clever ad features Australian "Crocodile Dundee" star Paul Hogan using the Outback in adventurous situations in which he portrayed besting its competitors, including the Ford Explorer.
An Outback Sport, based on the Subaru Impreza five-door hatchback was introduced in 1998.
Outback (for "Sport Utility Sedan") SUS launched with a limited production test sold in New England in 1999 and based on its success, rolled out nationally next year.
Other companies have followed suit with similar raised four wheel drive station wagon as a stop-gap before their own SUV launched, or if they do not have plans to introduce one. These include the Audi A6 Allroad, Volvo XC70, Alfa Romeo 156 Crosswagon and Holden Adventra.
Outback is available in Japan since 1995 as Grandwagon Subaru Legacy. In 2000, Outback became its own model and adding a sedan, and a horizontal six-cylinder engine is available.
At the highest trim level (VDC, for Vehicle Dynamic Control), 200 W McIntosh stereo system was standard from 2001 to 2003. These are some factory vehicles equipped than ever before with McIntosh stereo equipment.
In 2003, the beginning of the fourth generation legacy at the IAA Auto-60, the Outback name is now used around the world with the launch of the second-generation Outback wagon. Models with a 3.0 L H6 were introduced at the Auto Show in Chicago in 2004.
