2005 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews Page 6

What a wonderful car

Written by: David on 07/28/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

I love this car. It's easily the best car I've ever owned.

Favorite Features

The turbo engine.

Suggested Improvements

The speakers could be upgraded, They're not bad, but they could be better. Turbo lag is noticeable, but hey, that's what turbos do!

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Outback is Outfront

Written by: Jim Hauff on 07/25/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

I've owned several 4x4's in the past, but never an AWD. I bought the Outback after extensive research and test drives against several other comparable mid to full size SUVs. I have not, for a moment, regretted my decision to purchase this little gem. I bought an 2.5FX Limited wirh all the options and an auto 5 speed Sport Shift transmission. I still haven't gotten over the power this vehicle exhibits. When the turbo kicks in, it's like going into hyperdrive. The interior is excellently finished and ergonomic. The exterior fit and finish is like cars costing much more. The only problem -- gas mileage goes down when you hit the turbo, who cares? It's too much FUN!

Favorite Features

Turbo charged 250 hp/250 ft. lb. engine; 5 speed, sport shift with 3 options. Interior amenities are as good as a vehicle costing much more. Finish is excellent. Power moon roof is very functional with multiple open settings. This vehicle is FUN to drive but does not get enough press.

Suggested Improvements

Key unlockable rear hatch and passenger door. Turbo boost gauge would be nice to have, but maybe not necessary. Halogen headlights would be sufficient. The Xenon Projector beams tend to cause an awful lot of high beam flashes from oncoming traffic and people in front have even pulled over.

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GREAT SEDAN

Written by: dfw outback on 07/07/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

this car does it all. I love to drive it when my wife finally allows me to have the keys... we have two children and have taken some family trips with plenty of room for everyone. great car.

Favorite Features

long list of safety features. AWD. love the styling of the sedan. 250 HP H6 ENGINE...WOW !!!

Suggested Improvements

satelite radio.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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WHERE'S THE TORQUE?

Written by: ROSALIE on 07/01/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

Truly a great car except that there is hesitation and lack of torque. I love the styling, sound system, steering, interior (except rear leg room).

Favorite Features

Sound system, handling, quietness, control and great paint job.

Suggested Improvements

Some how the torque curve should be changed to create more torque at a lower rpm, and hesitation, like turbo lag needs to be addressed.

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gas mileage

Written by: jim on 06/21/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

I love it, but its gas mileage is a joke. My last car a 2000 6 cylinder GMC Jimmy. Got ~19mpg and I am averaging less than 18 with the 6 cylinder Outback. I guess I have to go get gas even more often. Its power and handling for a wagon are excellent. Driving in the snow is a blast.

Favorite Features

Moonroof, all wheel drive.

Suggested Improvements

Bigger gas tank and a new design for the remote...every time you take it out of your pocket the doors lock or unlock. I hope they have fixed this already.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Midsized Rocket with lots of room

Written by: cberry211 on 06/20/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

This is my second Outback and what a difference. This is a classy car inside and out and the real surprise is when you step on the gas. Turbos do take a second to spool up but then watch out. It's easy for this car to get away from you. Nice fit and finish. Stereo is great. Some wind noise that seems to go with the territory (my old one was terrible). All in all a good deal compared to BMWs costing thousands more.

Favorite Features

Turbo engine, six CD changer, huge sunroof, classy leather interior.

Suggested Improvements

Work on the wind noise at the front side windows by the mirror.

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Great Fun

Written by: MWiener2 on 06/16/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

I love my XT. Handles itself well off-road as well. Highway driving at 60mph will get you almost 28 mpg. The stock RE92A tires are ok in the summer, but really poor in snow and wet.

Favorite Features

Turbo zoom, AWD prowess.

Suggested Improvements

Change stock tires.

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Some improvements, some problems

Written by: sb_sweetie on 06/12/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

I owned my first Outback ('95) for 10 years before replacing it with the updated 2005. I love the look and some features of the new version, but am annoyed by others. The car handles well and the transmission is great. It drives much like the '95, but feels much more solid and safer. What annoys me is the cabin; it seems to have shrunk a few critical inches in all directions. The fit is tight for me and my 6'2" husband. I never felt this way in the '95. Also, the rear-view mirror is set too low (I'm 5'7") and obscures my view through the front. Maybe I'll get used to this, but for now, it annoys me (I've only had the car for a week). I guess I'm somewhat disappointed in the '05.

Favorite Features

Leather, panoramic moonroof, standard side-curtain airbags, exterior styling.

Suggested Improvements

Interior is TOO cramped. Not suitable for four adults (or even a tall driver). Raise the rear-view mirror. Memory on the power-driver seat. Telescoping steering wheel. Turn-off feature for the seatbelt alert. LATCH in the rear- center seat position.

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Still love it, but...

Written by: drobine on 06/08/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

I reviewed this in October 2004 soon after buying it. After seven months, 11,000 miles a cross country (MI to AZ) move and several light off road expeditions, I still stand by my review of it, and would buy another. One caveat, though. We had a blow out on the left front tire leaving it unrepairable. Due to the wear on the tire being greater than 3/32" (4/32" on the front and 2/32" on the rear), Subaru required the tire store to replace all four tires to prevent damage to the transmission. That was quite a shock! It still doesn't strike me as reasonable that a transmission can't accommodate a 4/32" difference in the front tires. Just beware.

Favorite Features

This car handles great, is quick, very quick when my wife isn't with me! It's comfortable, well-built, and goes off road anywhere a stock SUV will, i.e. most Forest Service roads.

Suggested Improvements

C'mon Subaru! What's up with the tranny? 3/32" wear is all it can tolerate? You've got to do better than that! Also, the audio controls on the steering wheel should scan through the presets when a preset is selected, and tune when one is not. It only tunes the radio up and down. Minor issue.

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My new XT Limited

Written by: pthal on 06/08/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

I bought this car in 5/'05 using the 1,000 dealer incentive for a total of $28,600 (traded in a BMW 328i). All around it has great power but drives a little more like a SUV than I thought it would--sits higher than the previous model. Handling can't compare to a BMW but the acceleration is great. Love my bike rack and I'm impressed by the quality of the interior. The more aggressive stance of the car is what appealed to me vs. previous version.

Favorite Features

Turbo, moon roof, nice ride over bumps, quality of the interior, good AC.

Suggested Improvements

Wish handling was a little crisper. My right leg gets tired when I drive--most likely because the front seat could be a little longer and I feel like I need to keep my leg tensed all the time (drives me crazy). Radio is just adequate--wish I could play MP3 or have a direct link to an iPod.

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