2005 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews Page 2

Best car I've ever owned

Written by: Dave on 06/12/2007

Vehicle

2005 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

I live in snow country and NEVER need chains. The turbo delivers excellent performance with decent fuel economy (25 MPG highway).

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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An All-Around Excellent Car

Written by: Viking on 05/15/2007

Vehicle

2005 Subaru Outback 3.0 R L.L.Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This is an excellent car. Actually, this car does not really have any direct competition for the price. It is very comfortable and looks upscale in and out. Of course, I wish I would average better that 21 MPG, but a lot of my driving is real stop and go. The car has never had to be repaired, only its regular servicing. Perhaps it is the brochure cover green, but I always get a lot of compliments on its looks. The car has no shortage of power and it handles incredibly well.

Favorite Features

Quality, style, size, features including a mammoth sunroof!

Suggested Improvements

Telescoping steering wheel, better fuel efficiency, auto-up/down front power windows.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Best I've Ever Owned

Written by: BILL on 04/14/2007

Vehicle

2005 Subaru Outback 3.0 R AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Great overall value as with previous Subarus I've owned, but very refined. Compares favorably to an Audi A4 Quattro in performance, features and comfort, but it was $10-12k less. Full-time AWD is seamless and sure, and the 6 cyl boxster engine with the Auto stick trans is great for both performance and convenience, but I still get 26-29 mpg in mixed driving. In almost 60k on the odo, not a single maintenance issue. I know all cars are getting better all the time, but I've owned dozens of every type and major brand over 38 years, and this is the best ever for me. I'm keeping this one, but if I had to trade, I'd swap for a newer version of the same.

Favorite Features

AWD; Boxster 6; 5 sp auto-stick; heated leather seats, mirrors, w/s and rear glass; power everything; high clearance; good mileage.

Suggested Improvements

Could be offered in other trim levels, and still be a great deal. May have changed, but for '05 only this 3.0 R was offered.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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stealth wagon

Written by: arizona on 02/08/2007

Vehicle

2005 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

Car is pleasant to look at but doesn't attract attention. The turbo gives it a serious turn of speed. Has been comfortable on long (7 hour) highway trips. Has performed well on off road camping excursions. Did very well last year during a major snowstorm and snow covered roads in Colorado (where every third car seemed to be a Subaru). Holds a surprising amount of gear. Longer wheelbase gives it a more comfortable highway ride than the Forester.

Favorite Features

Car is fast in town, fast on the road, gets decent mileage, goes off road, is good in snow, has a luxurious attractive interior, and holds a surprising amount of gear.

Suggested Improvements

Key is too big, remote door switch is too sensitive.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Great Value for your Money

Written by: 23simply on 12/29/2006

Vehicle

2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

We were looking for an AWD or a 4WD, however, gas mileage and the NHTSA crash test rating were two big factors for us. We found this perfect and value laden family AWD that gives you the ground clearance and the traction of an SUV, the comfort of a long wheelbase car and the price of a 4 door sedan. Amazing! We love it, perfect for the family on the go, perfect for the New England Region. Oh the NHTSA rating for front and side crash test? 5/5... sweet!

Favorite Features

Great ride, good headroom and legroom, side airbags and overhead airbags standard, AWD with ABS and A/T sport mode, heated side view mirrors and DRL.

Suggested Improvements

Speed sensing door locks, 5 A/T, traction control for the standard models, full auto driver's side power window (single touch for opening but not for closing).

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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fun to drive; service dept. stinks

Written by: ecwma on 11/28/2006

Vehicle

2005 Subaru Outback 3.0 R VDC Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This VDC is an amazing car to drive but has had lots of "little" things go wrong with it; also had to replace tires at 30,000 miles - not cheap. AC did not work first several months I had the car; local service could not find anything wrong with it. Seat was broken but was worst after service department "fixed" it. Windshield broke/cracked with one small rock hitting it on way to work. It was out of alignment, local service said no; had warped rotors already. Subaru needs to communicate with service departments. It's been a lot of little things but many of those are service department errors...thinking of trading for a Honda - more reliable and service better.

Favorite Features

Love the way the VDC handles; lots of power for getting onto interstates/passing etc.; feels safe in car; good safety features; great stereo system. Lots of storage with seats down; 4 temp heated front seats...great in winter; quiet engine. AWD is great; double sunroof...like having a convertible.

Suggested Improvements

Better tires for the new cars; better communication with service departments; better gas mileage; more soda cup holders; heat controls for back seat passengers; outside keyless entry pads; auto lock on doors when you put car in gear.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Good mileage

Written by: rppups on 11/09/2006

Vehicle

2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

If you're looking for an all-around utility car this may be it. Handles great in the snow/ice, rides smooth, lots of storage, good looking, and I average almost 28 mpg with 30,000 miles on the engine. The only thing I find lacking is power, but that's the trade off for the good mileage.

Favorite Features

Bad weather performance, huge sun roof, storage, mileage.

Suggested Improvements

More power, front windows tend to fog easily and seem to always have a film on them, auto up feature for driver side window, ability to lock rear windows but still be able to lower them from driver control panel without having to unlock them.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Good car

Written by: Charles on 11/05/2006

Vehicle

2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Great car. Only improvements could be more interior lighting when the doors are opened at night and more power under the hood. Otherwise, I would say this car is amazing. It functions well, is incredibly safe (I emerged unscratched in a head on collision), and looks great.

Favorite Features

Fuel economy/temperature display, layout of stereo, overall design.

Suggested Improvements

More interior lighting, more power (buy the turbo Outback).

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Subaru Wagon

Written by: wrh2046 on 10/18/2006

Vehicle

2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This car is very tight, no rattles. It is a dream to drive on long trips.T he one thing I don't like it need to use premium gas. This is my third one- two L.L Bean wagons, and one Forester that my wife drives and she loves it.

Favorite Features

Quiet. Great on long trips.

Suggested Improvements

Requires premium gas.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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'05 Outback XT - Standard

Written by: rfisher on 09/21/2006

Vehicle

2005 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

I had a 2004 WRX which was too small for family of 5 with 4 dogs. Needed more space. Got great price at end of year for '05 with rebates and upgraded to Outback XT. I love the extra room and features of this car. It is built much better than the WRX.

Favorite Features

I love turning on the car and watching the gauges light up. Great pick up, wonderful interior finish and most of all fun to drive!

Suggested Improvements

iPod jack, better fuel economy, more hp. Give us a 300 hp Outback. I went from 227 to 250 and I still want more.

1 out 4 people found this review helpful

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