Used 2006 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews
Used Forester for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
A GREAT LITTLE SUV WAGON
JIM, 05/02/2006
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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,
2006 Forester
K Barnes, 05/26/2006
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
2006 Subaru Forester for sale near you
Showing 3 of 47 listings
- 2.5 X Premium Package WagonMSRP: $4,950465 mi away
- 2.5 X WagonMSRP: $6,975535 mi away
- 2.5 X Premium Package WagonMSRP: $5,995659 mi away
See all 47 listings
Sport & Luxury
Karen, 05/30/2006
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Forester in the mountains
brunte, 06/13/2006
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
1st Subaru
Eugene, 06/23/2006
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
Happy with my first Subaru
Celia, 07/29/2006
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
The Ultimate sleeper & Stealth machine!
Bren, 08/29/2006
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
Strong Competitor
Secure Feeling, 08/30/2006
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Love my Forester
Peaches, 09/12/2006
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Update from Brunte
Brunte, 09/25/2006
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
BiggLou55, 10/12/2006
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
Jesse, 10/25/2006
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Love my Subarus
SubieGuy, 10/31/2006
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Love My 2006 Forester Premium
Kathy, 12/20/2006
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
I like my Forester
Venkee, 01/19/2007
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
2006 Forester X
subtex, 01/22/2007
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Lacking Quality 2006
Robdisc1, 01/25/2007
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My Subaru's main problem is its HESITATION on take off. It has about a 2 second hesitation when pulling out after pressing the gas pedal. Dangerous to plan your entrance into heavy traffic. Seems a bit life threatening. Also, the roof rack whistles pretty loud. I also get a burnt oil smell as it warms up. Lastly it gets door dings very easily. I've had a new car every year for the last 9 years. This one is the worst. The dealer told me the hesitation problem is being worked on by Subaru and I'd be notified; that was 8 months ago.
Forester 2.5X
Forester, 02/11/2007
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great compact SUV, very happy with overall performance, will buy another Subaru after this. Having owned domestic vehicles over past years I made a great decision buying a Subaru.
Great Vehicle
jxlewis, 02/22/2007
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Pros: Handling and traction in rain & snow. Cons: Noisy fuel pump. Drives and handles well. AWD provides great handling in the rain and snow. Ride is a little too hard over rough roads and RR tracks. Seats are firm and comfortable. Front seat space is adequate if you're not overweight, height no problem at 6'3". Rear seat leg space is inadequate. Console and controls are placed well and easy to adjust while driving.
1st Subaru after 17 years of Cherokees
babybob, 03/07/2007
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Since Jeep no longer made the Cherokee & gas prices are high, it seemed to be the logical choice to get a "highly regarded" Forester. I've owned it for almost a year & have 12500 miles on it. The car (& make no mistake, it is a car) gets decent mileage for this type of vehicle, rides peppily after a bit of sluggishness at the start, & gives a decent ride on a nice dry highway. The build quality of the body seems flimsy, tinny. Doesn't come across as a sturdy car at all. Has developed several rattles & a crunching sound in the rear when going over speed bumps/dips. Experience in the snow has been frightful, if not downright dangerous. Useless in SLUSH(!) in city driving. Won't even think of taking it offroad.
OK Overall, Great in snow!
Higgledy, 03/22/2007
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After driving this car for 14 months and 36,000 miles I am ready to trade on something more refined. In 36,000 miles I had one major repair--replaced the catalytic converter, covered under warranty. But the thing that bothers me most is the rattles, noise, and harshness that have developed in 14 months.
Love it!
AG, 04/01/2007
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had 2002 Forester X for four years and I really liked it. But then traded it for 2006 XT and that's the huge difference! I love that car. I love the acceleration, and not only from the stop, but it feels like it always has more power and can jump forward. What a surprise for BMW drivers! Nice cornering, good braking. Drove in February on snowy and icy freeway between Detroit and Chicago - no problem with traction or anything else. When my lease expires in two years I will have another Forester, or maybe even keep this one. Money well spent!
Fun car but needs improvements!
djenson, 03/02/2008
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I live in NCW Washington and drive 30 miles to work and this winter have had many challenges with record snow, fog and ice. I love the all wheel drive and the heated seats. I have had problems with the 36000 warranty and with Subaru following up and fixing a quality control problem.
I love this car!
luckyowner, 11/07/2007
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Every day I drive it, I think to myself how lucky I am to have selected a Subaru Forester. It is perfect for the active sports lifestyle I live - a hitch for the bike rack, roof racks for the canoe, fold down to flat cargo area for sleeping when it's too wet outside to sleep in the tent. All that and great handling in the snow on the way to the ski resort. I couldn't have asked for more features and at an extremely reasonable price.
Subaru 2006 Forrester
JB, 10/16/2017
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Transmission seems to not be in the greatest shape for the miles on the car, hesitating and slipping at times.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
So Practicle it is discusting
Chuck from Colorado, 04/27/2018
updated 10/31/2019
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The only thing I dislike is the hill-holder.
- Safety
- Technology
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Far surpised my high expectations!
Carol Bourke Victoria BC, 10/24/2023
updated 04/25/2024
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My little Subaru Forester has been a Godsend. I have had three collisions in 17 years of ownership (not caused by me) where the other cars ( or deer) suffered much more damage than mine. She is a little tank! Also she has great visibility, storage capacity, still tight and quiet, no mechanical problems and runs like a top!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Update - 1st Subaru for Me
MB, 11/15/2006
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
Had the car since April '06, and after about 6,000 miles, it just hasn't grown on me. The guy who complained about the jerky ride is right -- sometimes it feels like a roller coaster because the engine speeds up and slows down so much. And yes to the skewed consumer magazine opinions -- the Forester X does not deserve a top rating. I don't get near the 25 MPG the others talk about. I am lucky to get 21 MPG. I had a Jeep Liberty before the Subaru, and I can't wait to go back to Jeep. I haven't driven the Subaru in the snow yet, and if it doesn't perform like my Jeep, it's going! Haven't gained respect for the Subaru like I did for the Jeep (owned 4 Jeeps prior to the Forester).
Nightmare of a car!
Ray Balker, 10/30/2006
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 7 people found this review helpful
Do not even think of touching this piece of junk. This thing shifts like crazy. During a gear shift, the car slows down by a couple of MPH and revs up to another couple of MPH. I have back pain and neck pain because of this. The car talk guys were right, buy this if you want to be whiplashed every day and every time you drive this car.
OK but still room for improvement
bobo, 10/04/2005
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 9 people found this review helpful
The Forester replaced a 2003 Honda CR-V. The Forester has acceleration equal to the Honda, but I expected the Forester to be better since it has more horsepower and less weight. The Forester has much better handling on mountain roads (where I mostly drive). The Honda had disc brakes on all wheels, but Subaru saved a few bucks by providing drum brakes at the rear. The Honda had much more interior room and miscellaneous storage spaces. The Forester has some annoying buzzes and rattles in the dash area on rough roads. Even at 75,000 miles, the Honda had none. The controls on the Forester lack the silky smoothness of the Honda. The Honda (EX model) had a better sound system.