So far, our 2004 outback has been very reliable, just regular maintenance.
Of course we haven't hit 60k on it yet either.
The heated seats are very nice, mine are the cloth version.
In 2005, they introduced the Outback XT, which is turbo'd. 250HP, 250 torque, IIRC.
At times, I wish we had gotten the turbo, but then the 30+ MPG we get on the highway wouldn't be there.
The Subie serves my family of 4 just fine right now.
As far as the cheap feel? That depends on what you're used to.

1986 Pickup extracab longbed "Woody edition"
SAS - 33's, 5.29's, lockright rear.

02 IS300 SportCross - my "DD"
94 2wd v6 extracab
04 Outback Wagon- wife's/family car