2006 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews

Love my Subie!

Written by: Mrs. K on 09/30/2008

Vehicle

2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)

Review

This is the first Subie that I have owned and I am converted. I bought this car to replace a 2004 Nissan Xterra that was destroyed in a roll over. This car is great in the snow, safe, reliable, and fun to drive. My only complaint is the passenger volume as I have 3 month old twins and need the back seat for 2 rear facing car seats. With the car seats in place, the front seats are pushed forward quite a bit sacrificing a lot of front leg room. This isn't really a problem for me since I am only 5'3" but my 6' tall husband's knees are almost pushed into the dash. I am considering trading in the 2006 for a 2009 just for the larger interior. Overall, this car is a great alternative to large SUVs!

Favorite Features

Turbo power, reliability, safety

Suggested Improvements

More interior room, aux input for iPod

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Great vehicle!!

Written by: DRE in KS on 08/14/2008

Vehicle

2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)

Review

This is my 4th Subaru, but first Forester. XT model is loaded with lots of nice options that make it near a luxury car feel. Comfortable and stylish and it will blow the little sports cars and luxury SUVs off the line (not that I would do such a thing).

Favorite Features

Big sun/moon roof. Stereo system sounds great and vehicle comfort is excellent, even on a long drive - we just went 10 hours and it was great, even for two tall teens in the back seat.

Suggested Improvements

Fuel efficiency. Only avg around 20 in town. 24-26 on hwy. Turbo gets less than the normal 2.5L engine, and it's still not bad for what you get.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Subaru Forester X

Written by: Agent_N on 08/02/2008

Vehicle

2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I like my Subie! Where else can you get a vehicle that has all-wheel drive and gets better than 29 MPG with mostly highway driving? I have owned my Forester for 3/4 of a year now and have had no problems so far (I purchased it used with 32,000ish miles). It gets around better in bad weather than the Jeep Cherokee Sport that I had previously owned. The interior has some rattles and the materials aren't the best, but what do you expect to get on a vehicle with all-wheel drive for $22,000 or so? Gas mileage has varied from 23 in very cold weather (mostly city) to 36 at 55 MPH. I don't have a lead foot so that helps :) I usually average 30MPG at 65-75 MPH. 70-80% highway & the rest city.

Favorite Features

All-wheel drive. Great gas mileage for what it is. Has small SUV cargo space but gets much better mileage than small SUV.

Suggested Improvements

I am really looking forward to Subaru possibly releasing their boxer diesel in America! I would guesstimate that I would get 15-25 MPG better mileage with a diesel than I currently get with a petrol engine. The 4 speed tranny is sluggish and really needs to be improved!! Better interior material.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

After 46K - still and awesome car!!

Written by: KW on 07/27/2008

Vehicle

2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

After 46,000 miles - I still love this car! Down the road, there will be a another Subie purchased; that is for sure. I wanted to pass along some advice. When replacing your tires, do not put the Geolanders HT's (OE) back on, these are not good tires. Subaru recommends H-rated tires; however, I replaced them with Yokohama Avid TRz which are t-rated and seems to do better overall. They ride quiet, handle great in rain and snow, and seem to last. Subaru should have made the TRz the OE tire. I have been averaging 27 mpg overall; best I got was 30, the worst I got was 21. Not bad at all. I love this car, and recommend it to anyone. The 09's are bigger and ride a little quieter

Favorite Features

Moon roof, weather-band radio, heated seats, best AWD system in the world, ride, fun to drive, 6-disk CD changer, snow and ice handling, reliability, and, service is great!

Suggested Improvements

Extenders on visors, standard tinted windows (the 2009's do now), replace the Yokohama Geolander HT's with Yokohama Avid TRz's and original tires. Small things, but anything can be improved. Buy this car, you will not regret it.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

SOLID & RELIABLE ALL WEATHER COMMUTER

Written by: Brian McCloskey on 07/23/2008

Vehicle

2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I've driven this car now for a year and a half. During that time I've put on 35,000 miles. I should add I downsized from a Toyota Landcruiser. The biggest question any prospective buyer wants to know is: "would you buy it again?" My answer would be a resounding YES. This is a super little vehicle. I don't know where some of these reviewers learned to drive in inclement weather, but we live in New England and ours fly's in the snow. Never a hint of slipping. Creature comforts are average. I wish the cloth seats weren't so prone to wearing and staining. But ours has over 50K miles on it and we've done nothing but change the oil. This is a great AWD vehicle with very good mileage.

Favorite Features

Peppy, very solid in rain/snow conditions; economical to operate and own. I think this is a super practical but comfortable AWD vehicle.

Suggested Improvements

The cloth seats could use an upgrade. If I had it to do over again I'd go with leather.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Great car

Written by: Dutch on 06/19/2008

Vehicle

2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I am a Subaru junky! It is wonderful on wet, dry, snow, but ice---well ice is ice. Never had a problem with any of my Subaru's.

Favorite Features

AWD and reliability

Suggested Improvements

Good as it stands

Report inappropriate post

Fun car but needs improvements!

Written by: djenson on 03/02/2008

Vehicle

2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I live in NCW Washington and drive 30 miles to work and this winter have had many challenges with record snow, fog and ice. I love the all wheel drive and the heated seats. I have had problems with the 36000 warranty and with Subaru following up and fixing a quality control problem.

Favorite Features

Heated seats and the all wheel drive.

Suggested Improvements

The front cloth fabric seats were replaced by dealer at 17000 miles because of fraying on seams. Within miles same problem again. Dealer pointed out 2 new 2008 cars on lot with same problem, stated it was Subaru's problem now. Many photos and calls, letters and emails later still no fix. Frustrating!

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Brilliant but frustrating.

Written by: Joe on 02/05/2008

Vehicle

2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

If you perform all dealer suggested service, will run you over $200/month. Engine is a marvel, but burns oil. Brakes feel soft, but perform well. Bought "program" car with 10k miles, should have had inspection.

Favorite Features

Performance, fun to drive, great handling in inclement weather.

Suggested Improvements

High cost of service, maintenance. Rattles and squeaks, which I'm sure Subaru addressed in the new redesign.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Subaru blows thru snow!

Written by: April Oliveira on 02/02/2008

Vehicle

2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Great car overall, sunroof problem but was replaced @ no cost, just my time. Wonderful in the snow as with good tires, drives thur deep snow better than my ex-suv.

Favorite Features

Winter pkg. Fantastic!

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage, more interior leg room in rear seat and overall.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Solid Performer

Written by: brianm on 12/14/2007

Vehicle

2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Moving from a Lexus SUV to the Forester made me a believer. Solidly built and this car handles like a champ in inclement weather. Living in New England, this car runs up hills in snow and cruises wonderfully on the highway. My '06 has 30,000 miles and basically still runs like new. Heated seats are great in our cold winters although if I'd buy the leather next time around as my tan cloth seats stain easily. Gas mileage is fantastic coming out of a gas guzzling SUV. Visibility is also great, love the huge sunroof. I'd buy this car again in a second. It's a great value and such a common sense vehicle.

Favorite Features

Travelling in snow is a breeze. Cruises well on open highway, easy to park, fabulous gas mileage for a 4 wheel drive. Heated seats are wonderful on cold winter mornings. Visibility is great.

Suggested Improvements

I'd read some reviews claiming the auto transmission can be a bit rough. Mine shifts marvellously. It can lurch on occasion when going from reverse to forward, but nothing serious or concerning. I'd prefer the leather interior, especially if you have kids.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post