2004 Outback safety features

[H. Whelply]

As I contemplate acquiring a Subaru, one downside of the Outback for me, at
least in the 2003 model, is the lack of side air bags or side curtain
airbags. Anyone know if the 2004 model will have one or both of these
available? I'm guessing that probably it won't since there's to be a
redesign for the 2005 model, if I'm recalling correctly what I've read
somewhere.

Thanks.

HW

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

I think there is a 'level' at which side airbags were offered when I
bought my '03 OBW. maybe you have to get the leather or vdc or
something. IIRC the side airbags are actually in the side of the seats.
It's refered to in my manual becayse they REALLLLLY don't want you to
put after market seat covers on!

Check again with the salesman/dealership - they probably just don't want
you to wait for '04 or order you one.

Carl
1 Lucky Texan (OBTW - my new,1K miles OBW just turned its CEL on - sigh
- my wife will take it in tomorrow - hope it's not an omen)

 

[kl]

My 2002 Outback VDC Sedan does have side airbags which are located in
the front leather seats. There is another convenience tradeoff to
having them - the owner's manual says that the front seat passengers
should not ride with their arms on the armrest. I like to ride with the
window down and my arm on the window ledge. I've been avoiding doing
this because of the warnings in the owners manual.

kl