Used 2006 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews
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OUR FIRST SUBARU
I bought a 2006 for my wife when it was a yr old w/25000 miles. My wife was a home hospice nurse @ the time, and traveled everyday to patients homes. Even during the bad snow stom of 2008, she made all her visits without even one slip, slide, or getting stuck. Had performed SUPERBLY during bad winter weather. You'll be glad you bought a Saburu with AWD. A very secure feeling. In fact, we;re picking up ou 2011 Subaru outback tomorrow for ME.
Beautiful Car; Great Capability
This car is beautiful on the outside, fuel efficient and functional. The all wheel drive makes it easy to steer in any conditions. Love this Car!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
- 2.5 X WagonMSRP: $4,995313 mi away
- 2.5 X Premium Package WagonMSRP: $4,500454 mi away
- 2.5 X WagonMSRP: $6,450698 mi away
A safe vehicle, fun to drive
Just got back from a 3000+ mile road trip. The Forester cruises easily at 75+ mph and the seats and interior cabin are comfortable. Good reserve power for passing on 2 lane country roads. Plenty of cargo space. Good handling and brakes. Average mpg was 25 would be higher if I slowed down to 60 mph. I'm glad I bought the vehicle. I haven't driven it in really bad weather yet so I'm waiting for winter to arrive.
best car for cold weather
My '06 Subaru Forester is far more polished and sophisticated than the '05 Honda Civic EX I just sold. It is equal in quality workmanship to the '04 Toyota Prius I owned before that. The car is simply incredible -- the best combination of safety, reliability, cold weather stability, economy, comfort (surprising legroom for a tall driver) and performance. It is the best bad weather car I know of. I hate traveling when I have to rent other cars and can't wait to get home to my Subaru.
THINKING, FEELING, DRIVING!
Best car ever. The buying experience was non-pushy, caring and my sales consultant still is in contact with me ... amazing. I've owned a BMW325 then a stupid KIA Sportage. Fish tail city on ice with the KIA. The Beemer was nice in bad weather, still slid on ice at rare times but ... my Forrester is just a sure footed, fun driving experience. Deep NYC rain, snow, ice, sharp cornering, passing; no problem. I look for reasons to drive. I call my car an engineering marvel. My honey, an electrical engineer says the same. I LOVE my Forester.
My first Subaru
I just purchased a used Subaru forester on Monday, just three days ago. I am completely surprised at the quality and power that this 4cyl has. I was driving a V6 and this is much more responsive and quicker. This is my first Subaru. I have owned nothing but American cars before. In just three days I would say that I'm a convert for life, not just only based on my mere three days but on other Subaru owners that have told me their experiences. I love my Forester and can't wait to actually feel safe while driving in bad winter conditions. FOR ONCE! I highly recommend it to all. Buy a Subaru and you will not be disappointed.
Should be a Best Buy
Drove the others; wish Toyota hadn't supersized their RAV-4, Honda close, Saturn not yet, I agree with "Car & Driver" Best in Class.
Oz Subaru experience
The Forester is great, traveling nicely on a recent trip to Cairns [about 3000 miles]. Gear shift is easy to use, the 2.5 petrol engine has plenty of grunt and the reinforced suspension is much stiffer than the old version. I like the versatility, storing lots of stuff in the back, carrying canoes on the top, driving long distances listening to CDs or the stereo etc. It is nearly as good as my wife's Outback, so that is saying something!
Snow machine
This is a solid machine, minus the head gasket issues. I did have to replace the head gaskets, but otherwise a great, reliable vehicle. This is my second Forester.
A really nice SUV
I am not new to the Subaru family; I traded in a 2000 Forester with well over 150K on the clock for a new 06. This vehicle is better then ever. Worth a look for sure..
Love my Subie!
This is the first Subie that I have owned and I am converted. I bought this car to replace a 2004 Nissan Xterra that was destroyed in a roll over. This car is great in the snow, safe, reliable, and fun to drive. My only complaint is the passenger volume as I have 3 month old twins and need the back seat for 2 rear facing car seats. With the car seats in place, the front seats are pushed forward quite a bit sacrificing a lot of front leg room. This isn't really a problem for me since I am only 5'3" but my 6' tall husband's knees are almost pushed into the dash. I am considering trading in the 2006 for a 2009 just for the larger interior. Overall, this car is a great alternative to large SUVs!
My wife is happy
This is our first Subaru and my wife loves it. She says with this car, she feels like going somewhere (without being driven). You can't get more praise than that. My wife hates driving!
A GREAT LITTLE SUV WAGON
What a great little SUV wagon, try it you love it. Drive it and you will be convinced that it is one of best all-wheel drive wagons on the road in this price range. This is my second Subaru Forester that I have own,
SOLID & RELIABLE ALL WEATHER COMMUTER
I've driven this car now for a year and a half. During that time I've put on 35,000 miles. I should add I downsized from a Toyota Landcruiser. The biggest question any prospective buyer wants to know is: "would you buy it again?" My answer would be a resounding YES. This is a super little vehicle. I don't know where some of these reviewers learned to drive in inclement weather, but we live in New England and ours fly's in the snow. Never a hint of slipping. Creature comforts are average. I wish the cloth seats weren't so prone to wearing and staining. But ours has over 50K miles on it and we've done nothing but change the oil. This is a great AWD vehicle with very good mileage.
Sport & Luxury
The Forester XT is definitely a luxury SUV to me. It is sleek, but practical. It handles very well, hugging even fast turns nicely. It makes you feel confident. I'm never afraid to merge. It has plenty of power. The heated seats are great. It is quite roomy and does pretty well for gas mileage as far as SUVs go. I love the leather interior. It is easy to clean and the overall appearance to me is just classy, but at the same time it is very practical. I feel really good about my choice. I honestly think it is my favorite car I've ever owned. No regrets here.
Replaced a 1998 Forester L
New Forester is tighter and way more fun to drive with the improved acceleration.
Solid Performer
Moving from a Lexus SUV to the Forester made me a believer. Solidly built and this car handles like a champ in inclement weather. Living in New England, this car runs up hills in snow and cruises wonderfully on the highway. My '06 has 30,000 miles and basically still runs like new. Heated seats are great in our cold winters although if I'd buy the leather next time around as my tan cloth seats stain easily. Gas mileage is fantastic coming out of a gas guzzling SUV. Visibility is also great, love the huge sunroof. I'd buy this car again in a second. It's a great value and such a common sense vehicle.
Forester in the mountains
200 miles daily commute in a Chevy Suburban is not practical, so I got a Subie. Best MPG at 29,9, worst at 26. Without exceeding speed limits (by much) the Forester "saves" more than 50 hours per year due to superior cornering on the mountain roads I travel. After driving it for 12,000 miles, I just regret not spending a few thousands more for a turbo.
Better Than Expected
Bought this car after viewing Consumer Reports; safety and handling are definite concerns. The Forester handles like a dream in inclement weather, really sticks to the ground around curves. Gas mileage runs 22-23 mpg, was expecting a bit better but still good. Only thing I dislike about the car is the driver's cupholders and center armrest, not convenient nor comfortable. Otherwise, it's a great car!
1st Subaru
Bought our first Subaru 2 months ago. Also looked at RAV4 and CR-V. So far we're not disappointed. Getting about 25 MPG mixed driving. Overall an excellent car!
Would buy another one
I've had my Forester for a little over 4 years now. It has served me well in the city and on back-country roads. It does an excellent job in ice and snow, is easy to park, and carries a lot of gear. With the XT package it has more than enough pick up and is a lot of fun to drive.
2006 Forester
I wanted a car for snow trips that got better mileage than my gas guzzling Jeep Wrangler. I average 22-24 in town and once got 31 mpg going 65 on the flats of Utah. It is a stick. Does great in snow. It is also roomy because of its boxy shape. The rear seat footroom is minimal however. The headrests are too far forward. The black dotted material on the door will chafe your elbows if you rest them there. I find the car quiet which others say is noisy. Car has tight turning radius. Did not buy it for its looks. Is functional not fashionable. High ground clearance prevents a lot of bottoming out. Needs a telescoping steering wheel. Have to reach too far to reach wheel with seat back.
Don't get a 2006 5-speed manual
Bought new 5-speed in Oct '05. Problems after 2 weeks. After "cold starting" vehicle and putting in gear, when clutch is pressed in, RPMs shoot up to 3000+. When clutch is released, RPMs go to around 1500. Press clutch in again, RPMs shoot back up. Can put car in 1st gear, and without pressing accelerator, car accelerates to about 20mph with RPMs climbing to 3000+. One time I kept clutch depressed to observe RPMs. RPMs went through a series of about 6 large damped oscillations over a period of 30- 45 seconds. Malfunction is very repeatable. Took car to 2 dealerships. Neither able to diagnose and repair. Safety concern ... so I am contacting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Happy with my first Subaru
We have only had the Forester for one month, but it has met all of initial expectations. Getting 27 - 28 mpg with mixed city and highway driving, with AC blowing in Texas heat, & driving the speed limit. Thought that I would own a RAV4 forever, but once they enlarged the size, I went looking elsewhere for the best combination of a 4 cylinder car, safety, & fuel economy. Ended up trading a Tacoma for it, and have not missed the truck as the roof rack & interior can handle what we used the truck for. Also purchased a Honda Fit at the same time to use as in-town car for better mpg, and are very pleased with this combination. But on highways/in rain, we definitely prefer the Forester!
Fun to Drive!
I just traded in my 2005 Forester XS for a 2006 XT. What an incredible difference in performance. The turbo version is a bullet off the line and I have blown away some "performance" cars and probably left them wondering what just happened.
The Ultimate sleeper & Stealth machine!
This is our second Forester (my wife drives a 2003 XS with PP). The power of the turbo is outstanding, yet it is still very practical & enjoyable on long drives....went to Washington DC & spent time in cottage country of central Ontario. Looking forward to the winter time with one of the best full time AWD systems in the industry!
Great little car
This is my first Subaru. So far I have been pleased, 1000 miles and averaging 25 mpg. I looked Chevrolet, Honda and Toyota. I think the Forester is the best compromise between American comfortable cars and Japanese quality.
Strong Competitor
Fine small SUV choice. Very solid build. Excellent crash test scores. View is clear and unobstructed. Has good acceleration. The leather interior and wood steering wheel are nice touches. It doesn't sit so high as to make it difficult for some to get into and out of, similar to a car. This is my 3rd Subie, and they've all been tanks in winter driving. The gas mileage is a plus also.
my second Forester
We love our Forester. Good visibility, heated mirrors, stays on the road no matter what you try to do.
Love my Forester
I love my Forester. I average 25 mpg in city driving. My complaints are: I can't find it in the parking lot as readily as my old car, which was mica blue and stood out as opposed to my navy blue; and the front seat is not as comfortable as I would prefer on long trips (500+ miles one way). Took out backseat headrests as they blocked my rear vision somewhat. Overall am extremely pleased with my Forester. Highly recommend it.
Good but not exciting
I bought my 06 forester 3 years ago and after 46K miles I can't really complain. It always starts w/o hesitation and everything works like new. I have had the occasional engine hesitation; step on the gas slightly and it takes a second or two before it responds. I don't know if this is a electronic throttle or transmission bug. Needs more front shoulder and leg width. The center console will give your leg a mean cramp if you don't use the cruise control on drives over an hour. Backseat legroom is nil. Unfortunately, I'm starting to get the usual squeaks in and around the dash. It's overall a good vehicle but after 3 years it just hasn't grow on me.
Subaru blows thru snow!
Great car overall, sunroof problem but was replaced @ no cost, just my time. Wonderful in the snow as with good tires, drives thur deep snow better than my ex-suv.
Our first Subie
Only had it for a couple of days but so far it exceeds all expectations. This is as pleased as I have been with a car purchase since I was 19 -- I'm 54. Acceleration, fit and finish, fun to drive, utility; it has it all. This is my wife's driver and she loves it. Great deal to boot!
Update from Brunte
Now at 29000 miles my earlier review still holds - no problems at all, and fuel consumption improving, now never below 27 and on long trips above 33 (if I stay at 60-65 mph).
Great Safe Family Car/SUV
If you have 0, 1 or 2 children and/or pets, this is a GREAT car. We looked at many different vehicles in this price range and found that the Forester fit our needs, lifestyle and budget as well as being the best of the cars we test drove. The power of the 2.5L boxer is adequate, but not as sporty as we would have liked. If you want more power, get the XT model, but we chose the comfort over the power and we made the right choice for us. Overall, we are extremely happy with our Forester, and we will definitely buy another.
Favorite Car in 40 years of driving
I have owned this car for only a few months and have put a quick 12,000 miles on it. I have never owned a car that felt more secure on the road, in all kinds of weather. I drive it mostly in town, but also have taken it now on several 1400 mile round trips on interstate highways, and it handles those high speeds and long hours effortlessly.
Brilliant but frustrating.
If you perform all dealer suggested service, will run you over $200/month. Engine is a marvel, but burns oil. Brakes feel soft, but perform well. Bought "program" car with 10k miles, should have had inspection.
"It captures my youth again"
It lives up to all its reviews and my review is that its an excellent car for today's driving with good mileage and excellent ride and a fun car!
2006 Forester X
I traded in my 1998 Jeep Cherokee for the Forester. It was getting a little tired and I wanted something that would get better fuel economy and still have some off road capability. I wasn't disappointed in these 2 respects. The highway mileage is outstanding (31.6 on a recent trip) and the Forester is astonishing off road in deep sand and even climbing sand hills that we have out here in west Texas. It does however have a couple of annoying problems with the drivetrain management as mentioned in other Forester reviews. Those are the engine revving very high on cold starts and the drivetrain jerk at low speeds. Also the engine has a distinct lack of low end power in my opinion.
Love my Subarus
This is my third Subaru, my first two being Imprezas that I loved. I needed something with more cargo room, so why not an Impreza-based SUV? I was originally looking for an Outback Sport but drove the Forester and fell in love. She's comfortable, full of features, relatively fast, gets great mileage (for an SUV) and actually FUN to drive.
After 46K - still and awesome car!!
After 46,000 miles - I still love this car! Down the road, there will be a another Subie purchased; that is for sure. I wanted to pass along some advice. When replacing your tires, do not put the Geolanders HT's (OE) back on, these are not good tires. Subaru recommends H-rated tires; however, I replaced them with Yokohama Avid TRz which are t-rated and seems to do better overall. They ride quiet, handle great in rain and snow, and seem to last. Subaru should have made the TRz the OE tire. I have been averaging 27 mpg overall; best I got was 30, the worst I got was 21. Not bad at all. I love this car, and recommend it to anyone. The 09's are bigger and ride a little quieter
'06 cheapened Forester
It's a big mistake to eliminate the popular Forester "XS version" and replace it with a single '06 Forester X version that now requires adding on "options packages" to come even close to the excellent standard features of the '05 Forester XS. And don't let anyone tell you the new LL version matches the old XS - it doesn't. Watch for a big wave of people hoarding '05 XS's, because it came with a great standard package that people love, and you can actually know what you're getting when an "XS" comes back around used.
This is my third Forester
I love the Forester. It really meets my needs. I live in a large city where parking is limited and I find the ease of handling and parking to be wonderful. The 2006 has more leg room in width than my previous Foresters. Also the console and dash are in a better position. I had a bad car accident in 2001 (kid on a cell phone) and the Forester saved my life. I don't know if I will ever own any other car! It takes regular fuel, a plus for me. I have never had problems with any of my Foresters and don't expect any now with the new one. I didn't replace my second Forester; it's still in the family.
We bought another one!
We traded in a 2003 Forester. The new one is very similar but with a vast improvement in brake pedal travel. My wife loves this car more than her first.
Love My 2006 Forester Premium
I'm very, very, happy with this vehicle. Great handling and no problems with the snowy backroads of upstate NY due to AWD. Getting about 23 MPH on average - more would be be nice. Armrest/cup holder setup leaves a lot to be desired. Replaced the tires and added tint to the windows straight away. Love sunroof and CD changer. MP3 outlet would be a nice touch. Hate that seat belt chime - would like to turn off while just sitting with the car in park. Excellent crash test reviews - love the side curtain airbag feature. Would buy this car again in a heartbeat.Wish there was a closer dealer. A great deal for the money - holds its resale value well. Overall very satisfied. Highly recommended!
A Very Pleasant Surprise...
I wanted a AWD/4 Wheel Drive car. I had decided on the Kia Sportage. I liked the looks, features & great warranty. Wasn't so impressed with the mileage, or uncertain reliability record after being brought back after being off market a few years. I saw the reviews of the 2005 Forester here, and then saw Consumer Reports TOP RATED the Forester, and decided to look deeper. I was very pleasantly surprised! The start from stop, without the turbo, was as strong or more so than our Camry, which had originally moved me from the V-6's. Fit, finish and ride are super. I drove it from Palm Springs to Reno and loved it in the mountains. Averaged 26.5 combined, 1500 miles. I am completely pleased.
The Subaru Forester Has It Right!
This car rides and feels like a quality vehicle at least double its price. Very comfortable in most every respect.
I like my Forester
The Subaru has very appealing interiors compared to other compact/small cars. It is certainly different from the boring Corollas. One of the best things about a Forester is the visibility. The visibility itself is a great safety feature. It handles like a car and I feel pretty safe sitting in a Forester. One thing that they can do better is the finishing. There are a couple of allen screws projecting out on the frame right behind the doors. Also, you see plastic rivets on the roof. They should have had some way of not having nuts and bolts projecting out and being visible. But, that is a minor flaw.
Subaru Quality You Can Drive!
This is an outstanding car. Before you buy anything else, take it for a test drive. It really hugs the road especially in the rain. It is a comfortable ride ,not at all rough or truck-like.
Great Car
I owned a Toyota Highlander. I have a very bad lumbar problem. The seats were to short in the highlander for leg support. My Forester seats are great. Everything about my Forester is great. Fun to drive, the sun-roof is so big it's like having a convertible when open. Most important VERY COMFORTABLE - can't say enough GREAT things about this car. Best I have ever owned!