2005 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews Page 9

You'd be smart to own one

Written by: Gary on 02/19/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

This is my 3rd Subaru. Ask anyone who's owned one and you know why we come back - they don't "break in" until they hit 100,000 miles. I traded my 99 Forester for the 05 LLBean (Pacific blue = outstanding color) because I loved the body style, power & multiple upgrades inside & out. Safety wise, I'm very happy with design and integrity plus side impact/curtain airbags which make this a car that rivals the overstated Volvo. Power is exceptional. Moving from the Forester, very capable/nimble ride w/165 horses, to 250 is unbelievable. It hugs turns better with no lean in turning & braking w/life saving acceleration. Also, I'm getting up to 22 mpg on DC beltway driving which will improve.

Favorite Features

Power, sleek body design/color, handling, braking, safety, driver side seat positioning, moon roof, handling in snow (cannot get it to slide or lose control when "testing" in open areas), leather interior, turn signal indication on side mirrors, heated seats.

Suggested Improvements

Larger side mirrors - I've been surprised too often by blind spots. Acceleration is delayed. Hit the pedal to change lanes for an opening and it takes a second or two to kick in - this is disconcerting and hard to get used to. I wish it were more instantaneous to be safer.

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My New Subaru MPG!

Written by: Joanne Erickson on 02/15/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

My dream was to own a Subaru. I went to buy a used one and couldn't resist the new 2005 LL Bean Outback. I had saved for 12 years and had a substantial down payment plus a 4 year contract. My final plan was for this to be my last car. I drove it for a month before I realized that I was putting a lot of gas in it. I started checking the mileage and realized I was getting 10 mpg average. I was devastated! I checked the mileage several times to make sure. It actually did average 10-12 mpg. I contacted Subaru. They had me bring the car in and reset the computer. I returned home and really paid attention to the mpg. Now in town, I am averaging 8 mpg. Highway mpg is 28.

Favorite Features

I love the "look". It's comfortable to drive. It's fun. In fact I like almost everything about it except for the mileage I am getting in town. I bought the car in winter and it handles great (even in areas that are not plowed). The warm seats are a specialty for me. Love the leather seats.

Suggested Improvements

Better in town mileage. Ability to shut lights off in case I want to "sneak up" on someone. I bit more drivers seat space for hefty drivers. Right arm rest (not optional). I'm not sure I like the anti-skid sound the brakes make. I thought my breaks were going out!

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2005 3.0 Sedan Review

Written by: Melissa Hamm on 02/13/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

This is the 5th Subaru I have owned. I have always loved their cars and have enjoyed upgrading through the years. I bought the 2005 Outback sedan because of the new 6 cylinder 250HP engine. The car has been great with the exception of poor craftsmanship on the interior. I have had 2 interior panels replaced and I have the faux wood grain molding on order that goes on the dash. This is to try to fix rattles that are occurring in the dash and near the rear window. So far, nothing has been resolved with the new parts. I have been extremely disappointed with the way the plastic parts have been put together. Aside from the rattles, the car performs beautifully. AWD awesome!

Favorite Features

Steering wheel controls, new placement of seat heaters, more responsive braking. AWD has been fantastic on all of my Subarus.

Suggested Improvements

Improved interior quality on dash. Plastic parts around the dash squeak and rattle easily. Passenger seat should also raise and lower like the driver's.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Love this Car!

Written by: Pilgrim on 02/13/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

Traded in a 2004 Honda Civic EX at a LOSS to buy this car. At the time we bought the Civic this was our first choice, but the cost was prohibitive. Too bad we did not go with our first choice. If you live in the north this car is the best. Heated seats, wiper de-icers - all designed with us in mind but the AWD is INCREDIBLE! Have had it in 12 inches of fresh snow with NO wheel spin at all. Complaints of lace of power are not as apparent on the manual transmission. Fit & finish are excellent as are the extras such as heated mirrors and seats. No air leaks into the cabin on windy days. If you live in the Great White North and you are considering this car (in any form) BUY IT. You will NOT be disappointed.

Favorite Features

Without a doubt it has to be the AWD. Otherwise nothing shakes or rattles. Already have performed 1st oil change with ease. Service is easy with plenty of room to get to things under the hood. We were surprised at the smooth ride and handling. Love the slick, positive feel of the shift lever.

Suggested Improvements

Get rid of the hydraulic clutch. No feel at all. A cable works better and weighs less. Needs an arm rest on the center console. Cup holders need to be moved out of the way of the shifter.

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Great Car on and off road

Written by: Boston Khan on 02/07/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

I have had it for over a month now and it is a superb vehicle. I love the look and the drive. Really wanted to step up and buy the XT but decided I did not need extra horse power especially with the premium gas and sticker costs. Compared it with Infiniti G35x, BMW325x, Audi 1.8t, VW 4motion (primary competition was VW), for the price, performance and build Subaru wins hands down. The interior and the exterior asthetically has been improved to now make it a full on contender. With the snow we have had in New England it is a great car to own, glad I did not go for the Legacy which was cheaper after the 3 feet we got in Jan.

Favorite Features

Safety rating, handling both on and off-road, styling both interior and exterior, build and fit quality, even the smaller engine feels peppy with the manual shift. Ohh, of course the huge sunroof.....

Suggested Improvements

Bluetooth interface, MP3 hookup,Navigation, Subaru just needs to step up when it comes to gadgets - they have the car part of it down perfectly...

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Very nice but not quiet.

Written by: tfh on 01/25/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

Had a 1997 Outback limited and really liked it. Got a 2005 3.0 VDC. Very impressed by improvements in interior and the new six cylinder engine. Does well in snow. However, at low speeds when using normal acceleration it makes a very noticeable whining sound. Took it in to dealer where purchased and a mechanic rode in it and said the sound was normal transmission sound for that car. Be sure to drive the car at low speeds in quiet area before buying if you desire a quiet car. As nice as it is otherwise, I would probably not buy it again. Also has significant wind noise at highway speeds (as 50 mph and above). Otherwise it is really a nice car.

Favorite Features

Safety, looks, interior, sound system, AWD and performance in snow/ice, size, power and quietness of the 6 cylinder engine.

Suggested Improvements

Pronounced whining transmission noise at low speeds with normal acceleration, wind noise at highway speeds, mileage, no memory available on power seats, no satellite radio option.

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2005 AWD 2.5i wagon

Written by: magin on 01/23/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

Fun to drive, comfortable, nice lines, looks good. Base motor has adequate power. Lights are bright at night, good visabilty.

Favorite Features

Love the heated seats. Side curtain air bags.

Suggested Improvements

Hard to keep side windows defrosted. Should have some vents on the sides and back to blow on the windows. Wish the lights, wipers, and cruise controls lit up at night

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New Subaru

Written by: PBRUNNICK on 01/20/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

So far the car has exceeded my expectations. Great ride and performance and too much fun to drive. Very impressed. I had test driven the Audi, and while they are a bit quieter, the cars are very close in quality and far apart in price.

Favorite Features

The five speed and turbo combination

Suggested Improvements

The carpet and mats are appear to be a little on the cheap side.

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Another check engine light

Written by: gvanmoor on 01/20/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

I also have the check engine light problem with the cruise control light blinking (and the cruise control itself non-functioning). The dealer knows about it but so far hasn't come up with a solution yet. Mileage is excellent; between 25 and 27 mpg overall in mixed driving with Interstate speeds close to80 mph. Gas mileage gets a lot worse from 70 to 80mph; probably the price one pays for the high clearance. The engine gets a little bit noisy at speeds over75 mph. With the 5-speed manual, power is adequate, but nothing special. I can imagine this to be worse with the automatic.

Favorite Features

High clearance, solid build quality, many desirable items are standard: driver's side lumbar support, front and side airbags

Suggested Improvements

A few more horsepower wouldn't hurt, less engine noise at highway speeds, offer anti-slip control as an option on all models

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Don`s Bean

Written by: Drdon on 01/19/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

I have had NO problems!! I have looked all over the car and I am impressed with the workmanship. Lots of storage space in the back. Several hidden places to store things.

Favorite Features

The power blows my mind. It is a pleasure to drive and when I want to pass it goes. I also like the sport shift.

Suggested Improvements

I would like a little more storage up front.

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