2005 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews Page 7

Nice to drive

Written by: Dave on 06/02/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

Driving is fun again; while I liked this Limited in the show room it has been a delight to drive. In the snow it was a dream, smooth and very much in control. The power ports are well placed. One surprise that was unexpected is that you can leave an interior drivers spot light on by accident and find the battery dead in the morning. No auto shut off as all of my past cars. I would love to say I have all the power I need with the 4 but not always without really downshifting to get things moving. I would have picked the 6 or turbo but the higher priced gas is needed. Rear door too narrow at times. The family loves it and it never gets to rest in the driveway 15K in 6 months.

Favorite Features

Dual climate control works well. Fit and finish all around is well done. BMW it's not but the over all look and feel reminds me of my 528e in the cabin.

Suggested Improvements

Open up the rear cargo area a bit; too narrow at the door so I could get what would fit easily inside. Power monitor for the front seat spot lights so they can't drain the battery. Rear seat needs just a little more room where you place your feet.

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Best Subaru I've owned

Written by: John on 05/31/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

This is my 8th Subaru and I think it's the best. The fit, finish, and power of this 2.5XT Limited is far superior to any previous Subaru I've owned. Some minor complaints like no upfront interior lighting and relatively poor gas mileage and the requirement of premium fuel do not negate the pure "fun to drive" quality of this car. There are some annoying whistles that start at around 40mph but the removal of the cross bars on the roof might stop that problem. I bought the red garnet pearl with the taupe interior and manual transmission. I'm surprised at how many people say what a handsome car it is and some young boys told me I've got a "dope" car. Thats' a good thing I hope.

Favorite Features

I'm glad I picked the red garnet pearl, very handsome color. The seats are very supportive and comfortable. The new headlights are better than older models. What can I say about the engine, it moves! The entire car is a vast but subtle improvement over previous Subarus. Subarus evolve.

Suggested Improvements

Front interior lighting. VDC should be available as an option. Better sound system should also be an option. Braking could be better. Make it slightly longer and wider for better seating comfort and leg room.

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smooth yet tough

Written by: crusin' texas on 05/28/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

A perfect vehicle for almost any occasion. Rush hour, around town, highway or back country roads. It handles superbly and responsive. If folks are aware of the notoriously short Texas Highway on-ramps then you'd appreciate this car's power. Can go from a mere coasting at 20 mph to 70 in no time. Able to move down and around country roads without fishtailing all over the road. Around town, the maneuverability and quickness is great. Only had one problem -- stereo and climate control unit failure. But the dealer serviced the car quickly and provided a loaner until car was fixed.

Favorite Features

H6, AWD, fit and finish. Exterior and interior design and quality. Low tire pressure indicator. Handling and control. Best all-around vehicle I've bought for most situations. Except for long drives or vacations with family it is a bit on the tight side.

Suggested Improvements

Delete the sunroof. Not all folks care for one. Especially us southerners. MP3, less finicky climate control. More leg room in front and back. Include cargo nets as standard equipment. Paint tends to scratch and chip easy. Factory deep-tinted windows. Improve gas mileage.

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Quality Cars

Written by: Jody on 05/27/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

This is an amazing car. I have driven BMW's, Land Rovers, and some other top line vehicles. Standard features of the Subaru are options on cars like BMW's taking the sticker price well into the high 30's and 40's. The Subaru is an amazing quality car, with unique features. In addition, it is put together in America. I am hooked!

Favorite Features

Performance and style. The car is like a jet off a runway.

Suggested Improvements

Make the mp3 a standard feature as well as tinted windows. In addition, a subwoofer and 8 speakers would give the sound system more kick. A system similar to the limited produced in 2001 with a set of tweeters in the cargo area.

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myBMW wagon

Written by: Evan on 05/25/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

Instead of hitting the brake in a turn you hit the gas. The 4 wheel drive and way the transmission delivers power rocket the car through any turn. There is no body lean to speak of. It takes all the road imperfections and runs right through them. Nice driver's car. Looked at an Acura TL and this handled better, much tighter turning radius, and 3 times the cargo space. The BMW with equivalent horsepower was way out of my price range. Go for it. I got $1,000 under invoice. They have hidden incentives to the dealer in the form of contests.

Favorite Features

Steering, and I normally drive a Miata.

Suggested Improvements

Bigger exhaust system.

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Very good wagon

Written by: Andrew on 05/12/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

Fuel mileage varies depending on whether I'm driving (31 mpg) or my wife (24 mpg). No problems after 10 months of ownership. RPM at highway speeds seems high (approx. 3000 rpm at 65). This results in noticeable noise at higher speeds and lower fuel economy. Protenza RE92 tires receive poor ratings by consumers on tirerack.com. Especially for winter conditions. People who live where it snows should consider buying better tires for winter. Save the Protenzas for the summer. Stability control should be offered as an option. Although I feel the 168hp motor is adequate, Subaru should offer a 180-200hp motor in addition to the 168 and 250. Shifter is stiff in cold weather. Great car in general.

Favorite Features

Fuel mileage, space, safety, looks, dependability, all wheel drive.

Suggested Improvements

200 hp motor option (something between 168 hp and 250 motor) 2) Subaru needs to offer stability control 3) possibly higher gearing for highway driving. 4) better standard tires. 5) offer a towing package. -- not much else.

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lovely to look at lovely to drive

Written by: c.j. taylor on 04/28/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

A fine car, thoughtful and energetic. Not too bad on gas and really sure footed on any surface.

Favorite Features

Accelerates and stays where I put it.

Suggested Improvements

More cavities and bins inside for 'stuff'. A bit higher up on the road.

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The Outback LL Bean Rocks

Written by: Newly_Loyal on 04/25/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

This is my second Outback. My first a 2001 was fun to drive - handled well and made me a Subaru Believer. Alas, the flat four was not powerful enough when I needed it. Now the 2005 LL Bean is a different story. The 6 cylinder at an improved 250 horses is just what the doctor ordered. It is slow off the line, but once moving, look out. I am not into a lot of auto froo froo. The leather seats are more of a nuisance than fabric. It is a shame that the Suby execs in their (in) finite wisdom insist that the "good" engine only gets installed in the uberdeluxe models! Some of us need the real utility of a workin' wagon!

Favorite Features

Ah the little flat 6-cylinder! And the ability to lay the back seats down without removing headrests. The sound system is excellent [no MP3's :(]. I got the subwoofer and it improves all.

Suggested Improvements

The driver's seatbelt needs a better retraction tension. Taller drivers seem to get the belt latch slammed in the door. Did ya'll ever hear of MP3's? Subaru seems to have been out to recess for that class! About 1" of seat depth seems missing from the driver & passenger seats from earlier models.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Super Value

Written by: hkoestner on 04/23/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

Have 3 Subarus in family, two 2005s - the '05 Outback with 5 speed is a wagon, SUV and sports car rolled into one. As with all my Subies, this one has almost 20k on it and no problems; great handling, superb in snow & comfortable. I am in sales and spend a lot of time in the car driving. Living in snowy winters you get the comfort as well as absolutely superior handling in all weather conditions. I trade them every 3 years or at around 40k, always buying Subies. I only consider Subies. Why change to something else when they work so well. Great looks, great handling, great reliability, comfortable and finally great value.

Favorite Features

AWD, handling, exterior and interior looks and features, decent mileage, heated windshield, peppie with 5 speed.

Suggested Improvements

none come to mind.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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spice

Written by: merle on 03/31/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

I love my Outback. It's one of two we have; the other, a '97, is also in excellent shape and reliable. I feel very safe and secure when driving or a passenger in either Outback. Especially after a long winter!

Favorite Features

Heated seat lots of room All wheel drive.

Suggested Improvements

Heated steering wheel would like to be able to open the rear side windows for more fresh ventilation - I have a dog and she travels in the very back.

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