In the US, Gen 3 is 2005-2009 model years.

And yes, the 3.0R only came with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

You can see the details of model optioning here (2009 model year is at this link; once there, you can then click on earlier years):

2009 Subaru Outback Research site

 

Not unless you buy it from another market. I've seen people from Australia bragging about them, but they get JDM stuff so don't know if that's an AUDM/JDM thing or just JDM that was exported to Oz.

All's I know is you're not gonna find one stateside. Might be able to buy a half cut from a JDM EZ30R 6 speed and swap it but that's a lot of money to spend just to add a 3rd pedal.

You could always hunt down a 1991 XT6. That was the last 6 cyl manual trans Subaru sold in the US.

 

Has Subaru produced it? Yes, an STi 6MT has been mated with the 3.0L H6.

Has it ever been available in North America? No and I would 99% guarantee that it never will be.

Look back through some of my oldest posts on this site because I have been asking about this since 2003, sorry but it ain't gonna happen.

 

CVT transmission Type

Just wondering if the 6 cylinder Outback has the same CVT transmission as the 2.5i 4 cylinder Outbacks ?

 

Just wondering if the 6 cylinder Outback has the same CVT transmission as the 2.5i 4 cylinder Outbacks ?

No, the 6-cylinder uses the same high-torque version of the CVT as available on the WRX (and diesel Subarus available outside of North America).

 

EZ30R w/6 spd is Legacy sedan and wagon 3.0R Spec B only I believe. I don't believe there was an Outback with an H6 and manual in any market.

 

Legacy, Outback, same difference.

 

Thanks to you all for the info, even if it's not really the best news. I'm not going to look in other markets, get an early 90's car, or do a swap, so I'll stick with just looking at the base 2.5, 4-cylinder/manual trans combo.

Thanks!
Justin

 

I absolutely require a manual

I respect your choice, and share it. Now lets consider your reasons. Why do you require manual, what does it have the ability to do, that the subie auto can not?

my story
my 06 6cyl is the first automatic I have owned in over 40 years. It is very nice, better at low speed crawling offroad, shifts faster than I do by hand.

I still downshift and hold a lower gear, instead of burning my brakes, on steep downhills. I still downshift on uphills when the cruise control is lagging.

Basically I can choose any gear I want, any time, just like with a manual. The only real difference is I dont need to operate a clutch when I shift. And I get the option to use automatic at other times. And fwiw, beside the tiptronic shifting, theres a Sport mode, that bumps up the shift points to slightly higher RPM, for stronger acceleration, and engine braking.

Ive been doing a lot of driving on twisty hills, up and down. The Sport mode adds a nice uuum, lets say "manual like" feel to the power band it selects automatically.

Honestly, the 5EAT is not your grandmas automatic.. give one a chance.

and btw, dont get stuck on gen3, the newer 6cyls get MUCH better fuel mileage.. and note the gen3 6 cyl REQUIRES premium fuel.. thats possibly the best reason Not to get one. Im seeing 19-20 mpg on my commutes.. it involves going from sea level to a 2000' peak, and back down the other side back to sea level, so climb 2000', then descend 2000'.. repeat repeat

Besides, if the 5EAT is good enough for the WRX, and traildogck chooses to use it and raves about it, then I figured I should give the new Automatic a try.

It also means I have one free foot, and one more free hand, than with a manual. An ex-GI friend once pointed that out to me, as he added, "I wont buy a car without an automatic."

 

Totally agree with this as also a 1st time owner of an auto. in 40 years of car ownership

mine an 06 JDM face lift 3.0R ie 5EAT with SI Drive and paddle shift)

Also agree to get the best out of it (economy / power ) drive it in auto intelligent for cruise / economy

but for slowing down accelerating hills curves, not riding brakes etc - drive it manually using

paddles changing transmission modes (steering wheel - button) between sports + and

intelligent without having to take hands off steering wheel.

Fuel economy over 2.5 manual is just as good if not better because of taller gearing on 3.0R

but on short trips /urban it uses 10% more fuel than 2.5 manual

 

Hay all I have a 2001 Subaru L.L Bean with a H6 engine I used a 2000 Subaru out back 2.5 H4 transmission and it works awesome they were bolth 411 gears so I did not have to change my differential although I did after welding my Spyder gears and made it pos rear and left it open for smooth turning in the front