2005 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews

Happy with power, unhappy with quality

Written by: Mark on 02/17/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I expected the usual Subaru quality with this vehicle. The performance is everything I expected but the build quality is not. Door handle trims falling off and arm rest covers falling off are not what I expect. The latest surprise was having to replace CV boots and clatch at 55000 miles. I've driven manuals all my life and never replaced a clutch.

Favorite Features

Look, comfort.

Suggested Improvements

Better quality, MP3 jack, new keyfob design (sick of it going off in my pocket or when I just hold my keys with something else).

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A good vehicle for active people

Written by: J.Sgambelluri on 01/28/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

One immediate benefit is that one steps in, not down into or up into this car. For handicapped or elderly this is immensely helpful. Nice cab proportion and good cargo area layout accommodates everything from the family dog to a kayak if so desired. It is a surefooted vehicle with adequate power even in Southern California freeway traffic. Very quick steering reaction, good control.

Favorite Features

Stepping in, ease of control, roominess and workmanship

Suggested Improvements

Can't think of any that are important. Perhaps adding some extra color combination interior/exterior would be good.

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First time Subaru owner

Written by: chip on 01/13/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

This is my first Subaru after a string of Hondas and I am generally pleased after 2 1/2 years and 38,000 mi. of ownership. It's a lot of fun to drive and, other than the problems with the headlights and windshield, has been quite reliable.

Favorite Features

Turbo engine (this is a very quick vehicle!), comfortable and well appointed interior, great seat heaters, seamless and confidence inspiring AWD system

Suggested Improvements

Standard Bridgestone RE92A tires performed poorly in wet and snow and they wore out quickly, the windshield seems "soft" and chips easily, headlights keep burning out, could use a bigger fuel tank as highway cruising range is limited, premium fuel requirement is getting expensive!

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Fast and Safe

Written by: Zipperhead on 12/05/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

This vehicle out preforms most cars on the road today. It is one one of the safest cars on the road and even comes with AWD. The interior and design is much like that you find in more exspensive cars from Lexus and Infiniti. You can not beat this car for the price.

Favorite Features

Turbo performance, leather interior, exterior design.

Suggested Improvements

Alloy wheel design, wheels need to be two toned polished alloy.

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I can't wait until I trade it in

Written by: denisa on 12/04/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

As a former Legacy owner, I planned on a Forester, but bought an Outback because the seats were far more comfortable. I regret my decision daily. The projector beam headlights are horrible - they create a dark "curtain" that dips up and down and cuts visibility. They also blind other drivers and I am constantly being flashed. There is steady wind noise on the driver's side. The tires are terrible - slid off the road in slush my first storm out. Shifts between gears too much. The rear window is high, angled and small and makes parking and backing up difficult. The back-up lights are not bright. No keyed trunk release! The seatbelt bell is a nuisance. So-so on fuel. I hate this car.

Favorite Features

The heated seats are the best feature. The seats are comfortable and supportive. The dimming rearview mirror is a nice touch. Car holds a lot of cargo (moved a 5 ft. table, four chairs and a bookcase in one haul). Has been decent on long trips. Nice color (Atlantic Blue).

Suggested Improvements

Get rid of the projector beam headlamps. Reduce wind noise. Make decent tires a standard feature and make them smaller. Increase visibility in rear window. Do something about that seatbelt bell. Better center armrest. Better gas mileage. Shifts back & forth too much.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Money Pit

Written by: Disappointed on 10/04/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

We have an '04 Outback Sedan, 100K miles, runs great - and an '05 Outback XT wagon 5 spd that fell apart. We just traded in the '05 wagon with 92K miles on it. Tires must be replaced in pairs and have equal tread or the car pulls hard and rides rough. Plus, it will not tow the weight Subaru claims. Replaced clutch at about 60K miles ($1000) At 92K, car needed the following: rear window wiper ($400) pwr steer pump ($600) and manual tranny ($3500). On the way to trade it in, cruise control broke and check engine light was on. Loved the car but it fell apart and was very expensive.

Favorite Features

All wheel drive handling, big sun roof.

Suggested Improvements

Give 100K warranty, lower cost of parts. Headlights burn out at rate of one a month. Rate at which things break on this car is unacceptable and the cost of repairs is insane.

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Won't get burned again.

Written by: outback on 09/07/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

Bought an Outback summer of 2005. Came highly recommended by everyone I talked to. I have no idea why. Had to realign at 5000 mi and I hit nothing. OEM tires shot at 20000 miles. Replaced with cheap Cooper tires, ride and handling better than OEM Bridgestones. Seats are very uncomfortable and back seat is way too small. Gas mileage is good (26 to 28 very careful hwy, no A/C) but if you add a roof carrier and bike rack, drops to 23 to 24 mpg. Car is underpowered. Also, the Outback is not an SUV or truck. Not durable.

Favorite Features

Gas mileage -- with no load.

Suggested Improvements

Advertise as the car is - good on hwy commuting in moderately severe road conditions. Not a vehicle for outdoor people. I'll stick to my 2001 Jeep or a 4wd truck for my needs!!

1 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Very Happy

Written by: merlwein on 07/23/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

Once owning it I finally opened it up and this car is great. Has great take off with a nice highway feel. The automatic sport transmission is really fun when you want to feel the pull. Handles very nice around turns with great precision. I have the heated seats and windshield which I can't wait to use this winter.

Favorite Features

The automatic to sport to manual transmission. The sport transmission is great for quick take-offs. Also, the heated windshield, mirrors, seats, etc.

Suggested Improvements

A sensor for your lights to know when it is night. I have already received a ticket for no tail lights. It has all day running lights, it should switch the interior and tail lights on at dusk.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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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.

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