2006 Subaru Forester Review
2006 Subaru Forester Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+61
Used Forester for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Standard all-wheel drive, two engine choices, availability of upscale features, class-leading crash test scores, rides and handles like a car.
Cons
- Costs more than many competitors, tight on legroom in the backseat.
What’s new
Subaru has made many small but significant changes to the Forester for 2006. Foresters with normally aspirated engines have a new variable valve-lift system that bumps horsepower from last year's 165 to 173, while turbo Foresters have a higher compression ratio and redesigned intake and exhaust components for a 20-hp boost to 230 and cleaner tailpipe emissions. The manual and automatic transmissions have also been updated for better performance, as has the suspension. Interested shoppers should also note that Subaru has simplified the Forester's trim levels, freshened up the exterior styling and added more thigh support to the rear seat.
Edmunds says
Practical, well built and enjoyable to drive, the 2006 Subaru Forester offers an excellent balance of upscale features and all-weather drivability.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$181/mo for Forester 2.5 X
Forester 2.5 X
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
With so-called "crossover" sport-utility vehicles all the rage, nearly every manufacturer in America is scrambling to create its version of the ultimate sedan/sport-ute/station wagon combo. Too bad Subaru already beat them to the punch -- seven years ago. That's when the original Forester debuted. With a tall roomy cabin, elevated driving position and full-time all-wheel drive, the Subaru Forester was a crossover utility vehicle before there was such a thing.
Fully redesigned for 2003, the second-generation Subaru Forester brought back all the things that made it popular the first time around, while adding new features and a fresh look in hopes of keeping all those newcomers on the scene at bay. The previous generation's 165-horsepower boxer four-cylinder engine carried over as well -- although power was adequate, the Forester could feel sluggish at times, particularly when equipped with an automatic transmission.
For 2004, Subaru added a little more excitement to the lineup with the introduction of a 210-hp, turbocharged XT model. Additional improvements come 2006 to keep the Forester competitive, the main highlights being more power, better transmission performance and freshened styling. As in the past, the 2006 Subaru Forester blends positive SUV attributes such as a high seating point and interior versatility with passenger car comfort, handling and fuel-efficiency. Subaru designed and equipped it to compete with a wide array of SUVs. Our only real complaint about the cabin is the limited legroom in the backseat, which isn't ideal for adults or toddlers riding in bulky car seats.
Even if it doesn't have the roomiest rear quarters, the Subaru Forester is one of the safest small SUVs you can buy. It is one of the only two vehicles in its class to have earned "Good" ratings in both the frontal offset and side-impact crash testing conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It also earned a perfect five stars across the board in front- and side-impact testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Indeed, there's much to like about the Forester. It may not offer a V6, but most buyers will find it plenty powerful, especially in XT Limited trim. It also handles better than many small SUVs and its slightly lower stance makes parking lot maneuvers a breeze. For those who brave snowy winters, it has full-time all-wheel drive and 8 inches of ground clearance. If these are the things that are important to you, make sure you try the latest version of the versatile Subaru Forester.
Performance & mpg
Standard on X and L.L. Bean models is a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine that makes 173 horsepower. If you need extra power, opt for the XT model, which has a turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter engine good for 230 hp. Both engines give you the choice of a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Like all Subaru vehicles, the Forester comes standard with full-time all-wheel drive. Manual transmission-equipped vehicles have a Hill Holder clutch feature that keeps the vehicle from rolling back on steep inclines.
Safety
ABS is standard on all Forester models; additionally, all models except the base X have four-wheel disc brakes. Other safety features include active head restraints and side-impact airbags. The IIHS gave the Forester a "Good" rating (its best) for frontal offset and side-impact crashes, and named it a "Best Pick" in the compact SUV class. The Subaru Forester also earned a perfect five stars in all front- and side-impact testing conducted by the NHTSA. If safety is of utmost importance in your selection of a small SUV, the Forester should be seriously considered.
Driving
The base 2.5-liter engine provides adequate performance, but for those seeking maximum acceleration, we recommend the thrilling turbocharged XT Limited paired with the standard five-speed manual transmission. In terms of handling, the Forester is stable and predictable even when pushed to its limits. The steering is a bit vague at speed, and the soft suspension tuning results in some body roll, but for day-to-day driving, the 2006 Subaru Forester is comfortable and controllable enough to suit most drivers.
Interior
The Subaru Forester earns praise for the high-quality look and feel of its interior. Even the base X model is well equipped and user-friendly, and leather-equipped models feel downright luxurious. The front seats are supportive with adequate room for most adults, but the rear quarters are a little tight for adults and toddlers in bulky car seats. Rear cargo room with the seats folded measures 57.7 cubic feet, a bit shy of the major players in this class.
2006 Subaru Forester models
The Subaru Forester is available in three trim levels: 2.5 X, 2.5 X L.L. Bean Edition and 2.5 XT Limited. The X comes with power windows, locks and mirrors; air conditioning with air filtration; cruise control; tilt steering; 16-inch wheels and tires; AM/FM/weather band CD audio; and remote keyless entry. Opting for the Premium Package gets you rear disc brakes, a limited-slip rear differential, alloy wheels, upgraded trim, a power driver seat, an upgraded audio system, automatic climate control, heated seats and a power moonroof. The L.L. Bean Edition is your ticket to two-tone paint, a leather-and-wood Momo steering wheel, unique wheels and exterior trim, leather seats with perforated Alcantara bolsters, and a self-leveling rear suspension. In addition to a more powerful engine, XT Limited models have a unique leather interior, luminescent sport instruments, a seven-speaker audio system and aluminum roof rails.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Subaru Forester.
5 star(67%)
4 star(22%)
3 star(8%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(2%)
130 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Subaru FAN For LIFE!!!!!
Paul Rojas, 09/15/2017
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
I bought my 2006 Subaru forester off a second owner in 2010. At the time of purchase it had 110K miles. I have put over 200K miles on my baby and she still runs like a champ! All I have done as far as maintenance is changed out the timing belt and water pump every 100k miles and of corse its regular maintenance like oil and fluid change every 3k miles. Im a huge out door person and this … car is great for camping and handles great in the snow, rain and graveled roads because of it all wheel drive. I truly recommend to all!!
4 out of 5 stars
Great car but lots of repairs Starting at 120k.
mtnmrm@gmail.com, 02/23/2016
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
I bought this at 100,000 miles for 8000. I'm on the fence on whether It was worth it or not. Been a good car but i've put some real maintenance dough into it.
Pros: handling, acceleration, steering, quite roomy because of it's boxy shape and the seats that can fold forward. Really high clearance, all wheel drive, good suspension all means that this car can handle a wide variety of … conditions, from poorly maintained roads to very wintry weather. I use my car for construction and enjoye the spaciousness in the back (especially with seats folded down) and being able to get places that big trucks sometimes can't get to.
Cons: It's interior is quite delicate. I know I said I used it for construction, but I've had a number of cars before and I was disappointed with how easily the interior aged, dinged, scratched, and the upholstery tore and the carpet at the feet are tearing and wearing as well. The biggest issue is the major and minor repairs that you risk after about 120k miles on it, maybe sooner if you're not lucky. I guess this is true for most cars that aren't Toyota or Honda. I have put $3000 into it in four years. The big issues have been head gasket repair, multiple belt issues. The little issues have been thermostat, leaking and burning oil, emergency break stopped working, hatch stopped shutting, weather stripping coming undone and lots of air noise, leaking steering fluid. All this on top of a drop in gas mileage since I bought it, and "regular maintenance" like getting the timing belt replaced and fluid changes so looking back I would have looked for something maybe less 'nice' but more reliable.
So far head gaskets are good, fingers crossed......
5 out of 5 stars
Not a pretty car but a pretty darn great car
Sam M., 08/07/2018
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
2-Year ownership/200K milestone update:
Foz is still running strong, a couple minor things. The AC compressor burnt out and calipers were dragging, which bumped us up to a pleasant 25mpg. There's a mysterious slow oil leak to hunt down, I have to top off a quart every few weeks. First time towing a trailer & atv (2000 lbs total) with tranny cooler and some offroad hills - Foz pulled like … a champ with a tolerable dent to gas mileage (~18mpg). Clean coolant and consistent, approaching 80K since head gasket replacement. Over 2 years, the Foz has not once thrown me a CEL and no pending codes. We've even earned our first rust spots- a Northeastern badge of pride. Hoping that 250K is in the future for this $2K Craigslist find.
- - - - - - - - -
If you wanted a show pony, you wouldn't be reading this. If you're looking for a modest work horse, you've hit the jackpot. I've only owned this humble car for a year, but experiencing all four seasons in the snow belt of NY has me convinced that I will own nothing less than AWD for the rest of my life. First off, I live in farm country and I hike in the Adirondacks frequently. I love snow driving, but haven't yet had a car that was up for the task. Until the Foz. This small beast has carried me through mountain blizzards and backcountry roads with control and confidence. I've even pulled an SUV out of a snow bank -- this is NOT the turbo model. Mpg in summer is decent 22/24mpg & the winter is an iffy 18 but the gas $$ is worth the extra confidence in the snow. Interior is plastic and plain with pretty dated-looking controls - no frills. Seats are actually comfy and the backseat/trunk area is HUGE with seats folded down. Bought this thing for cheap with a salvage title & the "Subaru problem trifecta" recently replaced (head gaskets, timing belt, water pump). No big ticket repairs yet at 190K. Take care of regular maintenance & it'll take of you. No one will ever tell you this awkward wagon is beautiful, but what she lacks in looks, she'll make up for in grit.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Possibly the most functional car....not the best looking
dukedokken, 07/21/2012
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
I've been the sole wonder of my 06 Forester XT. There's been a few times when I've wanted to trade it for something different to switch it up, but it's almost impossible because you feel like you're getting less of a car.
Pros.
Panoramic Sunroof, heated leather seats, handles all real world weather conditions, reliable, XT is VERY fast, quiet, good sound system. reliable …
Cons
maintenance can be pricey
2006 Forester Highlights
2.5 X
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $21,795 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $181/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 32.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Forester include:
- Alarm
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
People who viewed this also viewed
4.3 average Rating out of 114 reviews. |
Starting at $29,500 |
4.0 average Rating out of 40 reviews. |
Starting at $28,895 |
4.2 average Rating out of 37 reviews. |
Starting at $25,195 |
Related Used 2006 Subaru Forester info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Tesla Model 3 2021
- Used Toyota RAV4 Prime 2021
- Used Hyundai Elantra 2021
- Used Jeep Grand Cherokee 2016 For Sale
- Used BMW X5 2022
Shop similar models
- Used Subaru Outback
- Used Subaru Crosstrek
- Used Nissan Rogue
- Used Toyota Corolla-cross
- Used Mitsubishi Outlander-sport
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Subaru Forester 2018
- Used Subaru Forester 2013
- Used Subaru Forester 2012
- Used Subaru Forester 2014
- Used Subaru Forester 2017
- Used Subaru Forester 2011
- Used Subaru Forester 2015
- Used Subaru Forester 2010
- Used Subaru Forester 2019
- Used Subaru Forester 2016
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Kia Sportage Hybrid 2023
- Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe 2023
- 2023 Escalade ESV
- BMW 2 Series 2024
- 2025 BMW X6
- 2023 MINI Hardtop 2 Door
- 2024 BMW 7 Series
- 2023 Subaru Impreza
- 2023 Convertible
- 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
Research other models of Subaru
- Subaru Impreza
- Subaru WRX Cars
- 2023 Subaru Forester
- 2023Subaru Ascent
- Subaru Subaru Forester
- BRZ Car
- Subaru Legacy
- Subaru Outback Wilderness
- Subaru XV Crosstrek 2023
- Subaru Outback 2023
Research similar vehicles
- Kia Soul 2023
- 2023 Porsche Panamera
- 2023 Audi RS 6
- Volvo V60 Cross Country
- Audi R6 RS
- Volvo V60 For Sale
- V90 Cross Country
- Kia Soul2023
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
- 2023 A4 allroad
Other models
- Used Honda Element in Flemington, NJ
- Used Acura Integra in Bend, OR
- Used Hyundai Ioniq-5 in Mount Pleasant, TX
- Used BMW I8 in New Germany, MN
- Used Lexus RC-F in Temperance, MI
- Used Land-Rover Discovery-Series-Ii in Seaside, CA
- Used Porsche Carrera-Gt in Murrieta, CA
- Used Lexus Es-300H in Roxboro, NC
- Used Toyota Avalon-Hybrid in Fallbrook, CA
- Used Infiniti QX4 in Moorhead, MN