2005 Subaru Outback Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Solid all-terrain capability, nimble handling, a varied engine lineup and a luxurious interior make the Outback an excellent all-weather family vehicle. If you're thinking of buying a traditional SUV, you may find this Subaru a better fit.
Pros
Standard all-wheel drive, generous standard equipment list, exemplary build and materials quality, strong power from turbo and H6 engines, balanced ride and handling dynamics, capable performance off-road.
Cons
Desirable features reserved for top-line models, smaller backseat than most competitors.
What's New for 2005
An all-new and vastly improved Outback is introduced in sedan and wagon body styles. Highlights include a new turbocharged engine, a stronger H6 motor, a stylish new interior and increased ground clearance for more serious off-highway adventures.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Just disappointed
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
My first Subaru will be my last. Bought the Outback based on the Subaru reputation for being bullet proof. Far from it. Subaru must have got a bunch of bad bearings. They extended the warranty on the wheel bearings, which I replaced. The real shocker has been the clutch. Had to replace the throw-out bearing at 52k. Dealer told me to replace the flywheel and clutch plate while he was at it, or may end up paying for labor twice. $1500 later the bearing still makes a noise. Never thought I'd be spending $1500 for a clutch on a Subaru with 52K and I don't ride the clutch.
Favorite Features
The turbo rocks, and the car does handle quite well.
Suggested Improvements
Buy some decent bearings.
AWD is Overrated.
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 4 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Really liked it at first, but after two years, I'm happy to be getting rid of it. I bought it for the cargo space and AWD. Lot's of space, very nice driving position, and comfortable front seats. However, it absolutely stinks in the snow (so much for AWD - had to buy snow tires anyway), the back seat is cramped for a car this big, it is SO underpowered, and it eats gas. Also, some interior elements are really shoddy and scratch easily (what is with the cargo cover?), and very large bumper overhang makes it almost impossible to parallel park. Lastly, after 30k miles, distinctive burning rubber smell started coming through the heat vents. Dealer could never figure out what was wrong.
Favorite Features
Heated seats, mirrors, and windshield wipers. Nice looking car inside and out.
Suggested Improvements
AWD is a gimmick. Get a FWD car and buy some snow tires. You'll save fuel and power.
Never again, going back to Toyota!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I bought this 2.5i Subaru Outback used about two and a half years ago, after totaling my previous car in a nasty rainstorm. The four wheel drive was barely needed overall (milder winters) and my gas mileage plummeted from the mid 30s per gallon (Camry) to more like 20 mpg, sometimes a rare 25 on the highway. Then an annoying clicking sound developed when I turned the wheel and, only two years into the vehicle, both axles were shot. Naturally, they were very expensive because they could not be after-market, only Subaru. Several mechanics told me this is not unusual for Subarus, and after I had to plunk down over $1,000 suggested I head back to Toyota-land.
Favorite Features
It does drive nicely, handles well and safety is something you can count on the Outback for. I also love the cargo area for loading groceries, lengthy or bulky purchases from Home Depot, etc. Very easy on the back and holds a LOT!
Suggested Improvements
If the axles going belly up in under 50,000 miles are supposedly "not unusual", take a look at this, please. Also, I really miss having a cassette deck but I doubt they are coming back any time soon.
Fine car, at least till gas went up
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 2 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
1st class well designed and works well. AC needs a "single" button for one occupant or you're changing two dials to get one change. Bridgestone standard tires simply awful - didn't last long and slid about all over the place. Replaced with Goodyear triple tred and now handles like on rails wet or dry, but more road noise and lost at least 2 mpg. No reliability problems, one set of headlights (33k right now), but mpg is bad. Town driving normally, I get 17-18, put your foot down a little and average barely 16. Long run, get 27mph predictably. Think of her as a 4cyl wagon and that's disappointing. Think of her as a V8 fast, low COG SUV - the best kept secret in motoring!
Favorite Features
Exterior lines, internal finish. Performance. Ground clearance.
Suggested Improvements
Single button for dual zone AC to avoid flipping two dials everytime you want a change. Better MPG (hybrid Subaru - are you out there?). Ext audio (e.g. iPod) hookup (now done latest models I think). One touch close for sunroof (takes 4 right now I think).
Subaru Quality
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Subaru Outback 3.0 R L.L.Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Came from a Volks Jetta VR6 wagon, surprised that the Outback gets better gas mileage then the Jetta, even though the Jetta was a smaller car and front wheel drive. All arround the Outback is good car. Feel very safe with Outback, in addition to its sturdiness. So far it is a reliable car, even though I have spent a total of $1500 on the brakes two different times.
Favorite Features
The Outback is good looking. Very happy with stereo. Highway mileage is better then what was stated. Very comfortable interior.
Suggested Improvements
The sunroof liner creaks. Door windows need a frame. The interior upholstrey could use impovement in the fit and finish. The hooks that hold the floor mats in place broke, need to improve that design.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2009 Subaru Outback
- 2008 Subaru Outback
- 2007 Subaru Outback
- 2006 Subaru Outback
- 2005 Subaru Outback
- 2004 Subaru Outback
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