2006 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews

Can't believe this is a Subaru

Vehicle

2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I bought my 2006 Outback used with 78K miles. After 800 miles of driving, the weather turned cold and the tranny started slamming from 3rd into 4th. I took it to the dealer and they recommended I replace the tranny for $3400. There's also a rubber/oil burning smell when driven long distances. The radio and drivers window randomly stop working and the entire lighter assembly pulled completely out when I tried to unplug my car charger. This car must have been built the Monday after Superbowl Sunday before coffee. I'm so disappointed in this car. Subaru is supposed to be so reliable but I can't wait to trade it. The good is it does great in the snow. I had a 2003 Impreza and loved it!
Read the full review

---

Dependable workhorse

Vehicle

2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Our family has been running this Outback for almost four years. We put a little over 50K miles on it, with probably 30K of daily commute and 10K of annual ski trips. Subarus are usually praised for their AWD, but in the first couple of winters I had some skidding incidents (shouldn't have pressed the gas pedal so carelessly on tight turns! This is a manual transmission car, so not all of the fancy electronic stabilization systems are available). Once that has been figured out, we found ourselves working as a snow taxi for our friends in a small Midwestern town. I was disappointed with the fuel economy at first (it was clearly below the nominal rating), but then it somehow got better.
Read the full review

---

Good to drive and reliable

Vehicle

2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

This is my second Subaru (first being a 1986 Brat). Have put over 50,000 on it in three years, have had absolutely no problems. This car has been through winter snow, off road in the high desert, city traffic, and has never failed to perform. It's not the flashiest car out there, nor the fastest, nor the one pulling the biggest load, but it will get you from point A to point B with minimum worry.
Read the full review

---

Check Engine Light For the LOSS

Vehicle

2006 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Ltd 4dr Wagon AWD w/Black Int (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

I purchased mine as a CPO. Within 2 months the drivers side window stopped going up and down, the sunroof refused to open, and the check engine light has come on 3 times. It has been the dealer 4 times in 2 months! I am BEYOND unhappy with the purchase! Subaru clearly also doesn't know how to fix the check engine light as the code is for an engine misfire cylinder 2 - we first were told to do the spark plugs, done, then when it went back they did the coil for just that cylinder, and now who knows what they will come up with. I can't rely on the car not to throw a code. Waste of money.
Read the full review

---

cv caps

Vehicle

2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I have never had a car with so many problems and it's not even paid off! My Mazda's and Camry's were great! I've had both cv caps leak (not at the same time, so it will cost more for repair), the cruise control turned off and the engine light went out in the middle of the desert. Problem was not cruise control! I sure do miss my Camry.
Read the full review

---

Worst car I've ever owned!!

Vehicle

2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

This is the worst car I've ever owned. NO steering control on snowy roads. Brakes smokes and won't respond in wet, snowy weather. Car stops for no reason in the middle of the road with no warning. Have to replace oil every time I stop for gas because it burns out completely. Had the engine almost seize because of this! DO NOT Buy!!!!!
Read the full review

---

A home run...

Vehicle

2006 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5A)

Review

I purchased this car to replace a 2000 Volvo x-Country wagon which fell apart at 59,000 miles. I bought the Subaru Outback because 1)it provided wagon- like features; 2) it was cheaper than a Volvo; 3) the 2.5 ltr. turbo flies. We are now at 45,000 miles and have been DELIGHTED with 1)it's reliability- never a problem; 2) the engine- wow, does this car move; 3) it's capabilities- all wheel drive makes this car indestructible on snow, ice and rain. Negatives- we wish the car was a wee bit larger. Also, lack of a telescoping steering wheel is annoying. We love this car but looked at the new and larger 2010 redesign. However, without a 2.5 liter turbo option, we prefer our car. Zoom Zoom!
Read the full review

---

Comfort, convenience, and safety

Vehicle

2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

This is our second Subaru. The first was a 1999 Forester. We bought this one because it had better ground clearance than the Forester, was more roomy and looked better. Ours is a stick shift which we like because of the better control and because we tow it behind our RV on trips. We average about 21 mpg in mixed driving and around 29 mpg on the highway. Love the car. No problems aside from an alignment problem when new which was taken car of by the dealer. Wife is an EMT and HAS to be able to get through...this does--and does it very smoothly! We'll get another in a couple of years as well.
Read the full review

---

2006 Subaru Outback not a hardy 4WD

Vehicle

2006 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

Three big disappointments: 1. it is promoted as a 4 WD with high clearance. So you would think you could take it on a mountain road. Although it has high clearance there is no "low gear" so it doesn't have the umpf to make it up a steep hill (I do not mean extreme steep just a somewhat steep hill -- like to a trailhead). 2. I have owned this car for 3 years and I have had to replace two rear wheel bearings. A mechanic told me that when Subaru redesigned the Outback the rear wheel bearings weren't of the quality as the previous design. 3. We had absolutely no steering control on a powder snowy road last winter & crashed 5mph. I've never experienced anything like that in previous cars.
Read the full review

---

All around good

Vehicle

2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

The Limited offers all the extras and the standard 4cyld is more than adequate for average usage. Good snow and ice traction keeps you going through all 4 season. A good highway car if you don't need lots of extra space. Drives more like a car costing much more and the build quality is outstanding. Drove this car cross country MA to CA and averaged over 28mpg. With a small trailer from CA to MI the average was almost 21mpg. Speeds were up to 75mph on both trips. Take it easy and get 30+mpg.
Read the full review

---