Used 2006 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews
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Subaru FAN For LIFE!!!!!
Paul Rojas, 09/15/2017
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
26 of 26 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2006 Subaru forester off a second owner in 2010. At the time of purchase it had 110K miles. I have put over 200K miles on my baby and she still runs like a champ! All I have done as far as maintenance is changed out the timing belt and water pump every 100k miles and of corse its regular maintenance like oil and fluid change every 3k miles. Im a huge out door person and this car is great for camping and handles great in the snow, rain and graveled roads because of it all wheel drive. I truly recommend to all!!
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Great car but lots of repairs Starting at 120k.
mtnmrm@gmail.com, 02/23/2016
updated 02/27/2017
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
65 of 68 people found this review helpful
I bought this at 100,000 miles for 8000. I'm on the fence on whether It was worth it or not. Been a good car but i've put some real maintenance dough into it. Pros: handling, acceleration, steering, quite roomy because of it's boxy shape and the seats that can fold forward. Really high clearance, all wheel drive, good suspension all means that this car can handle a wide variety of conditions, from poorly maintained roads to very wintry weather. I use my car for construction and enjoye the spaciousness in the back (especially with seats folded down) and being able to get places that big trucks sometimes can't get to. Cons: It's interior is quite delicate. I know I said I used it for construction, but I've had a number of cars before and I was disappointed with how easily the interior aged, dinged, scratched, and the upholstery tore and the carpet at the feet are tearing and wearing as well. The biggest issue is the major and minor repairs that you risk after about 120k miles on it, maybe sooner if you're not lucky. I guess this is true for most cars that aren't Toyota or Honda. I have put $3000 into it in four years. The big issues have been head gasket repair, multiple belt issues. The little issues have been thermostat, leaking and burning oil, emergency break stopped working, hatch stopped shutting, weather stripping coming undone and lots of air noise, leaking steering fluid. All this on top of a drop in gas mileage since I bought it, and "regular maintenance" like getting the timing belt replaced and fluid changes so looking back I would have looked for something maybe less 'nice' but more reliable. So far head gaskets are good, fingers crossed......
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2006 Subaru Forester for sale near you
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- 2.5 X Premium Package WagonMSRP: $4,50036 mi away
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Not a pretty car but a pretty darn great car
Sam M., 08/07/2018
updated 08/27/2019
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
33 of 34 people found this review helpful
2-Year ownership/200K milestone update: Foz is still running strong, a couple minor things. The AC compressor burnt out and calipers were dragging, which bumped us up to a pleasant 25mpg. There's a mysterious slow oil leak to hunt down, I have to top off a quart every few weeks. First time towing a trailer & atv (2000 lbs total) with tranny cooler and some offroad hills - Foz pulled like a champ with a tolerable dent to gas mileage (~18mpg). Clean coolant and consistent, approaching 80K since head gasket replacement. Over 2 years, the Foz has not once thrown me a CEL and no pending codes. We've even earned our first rust spots- a Northeastern badge of pride. Hoping that 250K is in the future for this $2K Craigslist find. - - - - - - - - - If you wanted a show pony, you wouldn't be reading this. If you're looking for a modest work horse, you've hit the jackpot. I've only owned this humble car for a year, but experiencing all four seasons in the snow belt of NY has me convinced that I will own nothing less than AWD for the rest of my life. First off, I live in farm country and I hike in the Adirondacks frequently. I love snow driving, but haven't yet had a car that was up for the task. Until the Foz. This small beast has carried me through mountain blizzards and backcountry roads with control and confidence. I've even pulled an SUV out of a snow bank -- this is NOT the turbo model. Mpg in summer is decent 22/24mpg & the winter is an iffy 18 but the gas $$ is worth the extra confidence in the snow. Interior is plastic and plain with pretty dated-looking controls - no frills. Seats are actually comfy and the backseat/trunk area is HUGE with seats folded down. Bought this thing for cheap with a salvage title & the "Subaru problem trifecta" recently replaced (head gaskets, timing belt, water pump). No big ticket repairs yet at 190K. Take care of regular maintenance & it'll take of you. No one will ever tell you this awkward wagon is beautiful, but what she lacks in looks, she'll make up for in grit.
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Possibly the most functional car....not the best looking
dukedokken, 07/21/2012
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
23 of 24 people found this review helpful
I've been the sole wonder of my 06 Forester XT. There's been a few times when I've wanted to trade it for something different to switch it up, but it's almost impossible because you feel like you're getting less of a car. Pros. Panoramic Sunroof, heated leather seats, handles all real world weather conditions, reliable, XT is VERY fast, quiet, good sound system. reliable Cons maintenance can be pricey
Watch those big ticket repairs.
James Bond, 08/26/2015
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
52 of 57 people found this review helpful
No surprise here but this car is amazing in bad weather. I love driving this car in the snow, wind, rain and I feel very safe and secure while doing so. My main beef with this car is that it has about 140000 miles on it and I'm going to have to let it go because it needs some very pricey repairs. Repairs: -Head gaskets are leaking. It's basically a time bomb and I was quoted $1800 to replace the gaskets. -My front differential blew up. Luckily they found a used one and I didn't need to replace transmission. This cost me $2000 and it left me stranded on the side of the road in the middle of the night. -3 wheel bearings ($300 each i believe) -Now my transmission is slipping. My gas mileage dropped from 22 to 17mpg. I feel like it's a matter of time before I do need to replace the transmission and that won't be worth paying since it will cost nearly what the car is worth. -I had the timing belt and water pump replaced at 100k miles. Standard procedure but just be aware if this has been done or not around that mileage as it cost about $1000. I have not had very many small repairs. It's been a fairly reliable car other than the above big ticket issues. I've noticed a lot of used Foresters around the same year are around that 130k mile mark so I'm guessing this is sort of the point in these cars life where you either dump a ton of money into it or sell it.
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170k & going strong
SD Jones, 12/21/2018
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I Purchased the car new in 2006. Less than $3000 total put into the car in 12 years . I just did my second timing belt and water pump. Front struts were done this year. Road noise and tech features are the only negatives to this vehicle.
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Nickle and Dime
misterk5, 04/06/2015
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
23 of 26 people found this review helpful
I absolutely love the way the car drives. The handling and performance in snow are great. That being said, this car is an absolute nightmare for maintenance. Head gaskets, catalytic converter replaced and needs another catalytic converter because no one can figure out why the car is burning up catalytic converters. Have also replaced the coil pack, which was not cheap. I'm going back to Honda as soon as I can.
Great Practical Vehicle
spartikus, 12/11/2012
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
I bought this vehicle with 76000 miles on it. It runs and drives like a new one! The AWD feature is amazing in the snow and on ice. The interior is a little cheap, but its not bad. It is a perfect car for us as we have one infant whose carseat sits in the middle of the rear seat. The boxer motors are bulletproof and as far as people saying it is like a rollercoaster.....its an AWD vehicle. There is going to be an obvious deceleration when going through gears. There is more friction to keep power to all wheels. I would highly recommend this vehicle.
Super Subaru
Janette Davis, 12/10/2015
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
16 of 18 people found this review helpful
Of the numerous cars I have owned, this is the third Subaru I have owned. This one is number two on my favorites list. Last one met its end after more 200,000 miles. I still miss it. This one was a fair replacement, but the interior got it share of wear and tear. The old one held up to the same conditions that this one failed to work with. I have dogs, their claws did not make a dent in the last one, this one showed their affects right away. Other than that and the Cruise Control issue, it is a great car. The storage room in the back has been very useful. It is strong enough to pull other cars out of the mud. The back seats fold up so you have even more room and there is a cover for the back storage so no one can see what you are hauling if you have something you want to keep out of sight.
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My Best Car
Ray, 12/18/2005
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
This is my best car buying experience to date. Found my 2006 Subaru Forester XT2.5 on the web. My sales "lady" was the best. Too bad she no longer works for the same dealership. Now I know why Subaru owners are very loyal. Car performs and handles like a race car.
Dependable Daily Driver
Paul K., 02/06/2019
updated 02/13/2020
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I've been fortunate with this car, replaced a few bearings, clutch, and regular maintenance, 180,000 miles. Im going to have headgaskets done for preventative measures since I plan to drive it another 100,000+ miles. (2006 Foester Premium pkg. With 5 speed 195,000 miles now Feb still on original head gaskets but now giving codes for Catalytic Converter
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The Maine state car!
joanne therrien, 10/02/2016
updated 10/04/2017
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
This car is the best snow car there is. It's reliable, has been my saviour in weather and road conditions no one should be on. I have been"the plow" getting through snow like a tractor. Totally have felt safe, confident, and never missed a day of work because of bad roads. Pure fun with that beautiful moonroof. The car lasted me 11 good years. It was one of my favorite dependable cars I've ever had. With my change in work demanding much more travel, it was time for a trade, so I gave it to my husband and it's still running like a clock. :) The update is he's still driving the 'ol reliable! Pretty darn good!!
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First 20,000 fine so far
BNK, 12/13/2006
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
GREAT visibility. Super easy to drive, back-up and park. Yes, it's not the most comfortable...it's not sold as a comfort car. I'd rather have a little stiffness for the great handling. To those who think it's so bad for your back...did you even test drive it? I get 26-28mpg with about 50/50 highway/city in our warm weather. No problems at all. Easy DIY oil changes. The car does need better tires and a thicker rear sway bar for those wanting performance. Car runs very smoothly and is more fun to drive than any of the past 4 Toyotas I've owned.
Cool beans (L.L. Bean that is)
Duncan Jones, 09/27/2017
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
9 of 11 people found this review helpful
This edition of the Forrester was the best of the normally aspirated models. Great leather seats, superior visibility, and all the dependability you expect from a Subaru.
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Subaruy
realreview, 04/23/2010
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
FXT is a great example of a Subaru. It's not perfect but it makes you happy. Don't know what else gives you what the manual/turbo Forester has for a reasonable price. But I like and bought because of ride height, performance, utility, reliability. I prefer this to my 04 wrx and 05 legacy GT. If you are thinking about this car things you get are: great visibility, ride height, 4wd, utility, reliability, performance (as easy or easier than wrx to mod if you want to). Things you'll have to live with: ugly (it is but its ok) gas mileage (good for what it is but not amazing), bit of wind noise. Not perfect but just does everything and makes you happy.
Subaru Forester X premium
maverick, 07/02/2006
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
The car is a winner with great IIHS crash test ratings. For me it was a toss up between a Toyota RAV4 and this . When it comes to winter driving the Forester beats the RAV4 . During extreme driving conditions , the risk of driving is increased and my motive of buying the Forester was for times like these.
Best no compromise automobile
rootsmanuva82, 08/17/2012
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
The Subaru Forester XT is quite possibly the best no compromise automobile you can buy. The XT combines WRX power, refined and responsive rally-bred handling and grip, smooth ride, comfort, safety and AWD versatility. Build quality is excellent and interior is very "bright" and airy with huge windows and a massive sunroof. Everything you touch is high quality. The XT builds speed with ease and goes down the highway like butter. The only con I can think of is so-so fuel economy. But with the performance you get, its expected.
Love Everything but the Mileage
Indaburgh, 12/03/2009
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
Great car. Pickup is exceptional for a four cylinder. A little on the small side in the seating area. Impressed with how much cargo space it has.
Safe, well handling vehicle
safetyminded, 11/24/2006
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Have a 40 mile daily commute on hilly and winding back roads. Subaru performs well in all seasons. Effective fog lights in inclement weather.
You have to drive it!
John I, 12/12/2005
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought a 2006 XT. I love it. It is fast, comfortable and cruses on the highway with ease. The agility is unbelievable and when you drive it, it feels like a bigger car. The automatic transmission downshifts quickly and smoothly. I have one problem; my wife drove it and now I have two XT's.
The Forester Makes It's Way
Richard Voigt, 01/06/2016
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
8 of 11 people found this review helpful
Car is very reliable and safe. That should be important to you. No regrets after 10 years of ownership. This car is a real gem.
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Disappointing Experience
Jason Tylers, 06/13/2009
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
10 of 15 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new and loved it at first. Within the first year the sunroof malfunctioned and would take several attempts to close. End of year 1 door lock broke. Year two car began leaking in the rain. End of year two engine light came on and car has spent more time in the shop than on the road. Subaru has not been able to fix the problem. At this point I am forced to consider legal options. I will never buy another Subaru again.
Fantastic car, but needs rear legroom
Mike, 10/06/2006
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
We bought this car because we needed extra room for a new baby which would be born a few months later. When we bought it we loved just about everything about it. The ride is terrific, the moonroof is the biggest I've seen, the climate control is great. Once we had our baby, we were in for a big surprise - the rear seats are terrible for infant car seats! I tried putting the new infant seat in behind the driver seat (our older daughter's seat is behind the passenger) and the only way it would fit was if I moved the seat so far forward and so far upright that it was no longer comfortable to drive. So now the infant seat is behind the passenger so the passenger will have to suffer.
Faultless
Ken, 09/07/2005
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have put approximately 2000 miles on this car and it has performed flawlessly. The upgraded interior and features remind me of a Volvo (I have owned 4). The performance and handling is like my old BMW 530i. It gets 31 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg in the city, and uses regular unleaded. The car is well designed inside with lots of convenient features. The ride is very smooth. This car is a great alternative to a Honda or Toyota. Dollar for dollar it has more value, in my opinion, and it also drives better than a Honda CR-V or a Toyota RAV4.
Small SUV with Spunk
ERM, 02/24/2006
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Good power on steep hills while rather smooth ride for an SUV. Great value for the cost.
2006 Forester: Perfect for our family!
Everett, 04/19/2006
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
We recently got our Subie in anticipation of our firstborn. Had an Audi A4 Quattro and we sad to see it go. Good news though - WE LOVE OUR FORESTER! We considered the RAV4, Highlander, CRV, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda 5 but ultimately could not resist on the Subaru Forester. Great value, spacious cargo interior, all-wheel drive, car-like feel, good engine response, quiet engine when idling. I've used it to make dump-runs, loaded it up with moving boxes ... even with baby seat and stroller loaded up, there's still plenty of cargo space. My wife loves the storage compartments under the carpeting in the trunk (for jumper cables, bungee cords, large umbrella, etc).
Best car I have ever owned - ever
Lori N, 10/16/2016
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used with 68,000 miles on it. It was four years old at the time and is now 10 years old. In my lifetime I have owned a Celica, Ford Taurus, PT cruiser, and now this car. By far, this car has had less problems other than where in tear repairs than any car of ever had. It feels safer and more solid than any car, but to be honest I've never had an all wheel drive until I got the Subaru. Handling is great. I gave it four stars for comfort because a long ride in the front seat is not overly comfortable without a cushion. For a four-cylinder car this has quite a bit of pick up and a very nice tight turning radius! If you're going to get your kid a used car as their first car, get the Subaru Forrester!
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Great SUV for average family
jrm, 11/01/2006
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
We have found this SUV to meet are needs to a tee, it is not for the off road crowd. But it will get the average person anywhere they want to go. In the city it handles the traffic and parking with no problem. Logging roads and trails back to your favorite fishing spot this SUV gets you there where a bigger vehicle would not even fit. Getting to work, store or home in any reasonable snow storm is a breeze. And you don't feel like you are stopping all the time to fill up with gas. This is just the kind of vehicle that you just jump into and go. You just know it will start and get you where you need to be in a safe and efficient manner. After a while you take it for granted.
ABS light watch out
Diana, 08/15/2016
updated 08/17/2017
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
7 of 14 people found this review helpful
alert light came on. No obvious problems. Took car into dealer. Said I needed new electronic gizmo. Cost me $600. Now there's trouble with braking on loose gravel and the ABS light is back. Car returned for similar work with charges at which time I gave up on the car and leased a 2017 Forester with battery issues due to too much computer usage,etc. while car is off. Can't let car sit for days especially in this desert heat. Must exercise car everyday to keep battery charged. Really need a car without all these extra computer software draining battery while car is sitting. A new car with basics, similar to 2006 model.
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Fun to Drive
Analei, 12/13/2006
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Yes, fun to drive. It's not even a year old and I'm going to pass the 20,000 mile mark this week. I didn't notice how smooth this car is until I got into a friend's PT Cruiser...yuk! My Forester handles well, is comfortable but firm. I hate a boat-like ride or big suvs. I'm averaging 27.5 mpg which is nice. I love the big windows and the cover in the back to cover my shopping bags, especially at Christmas time. All the gauges are logically placed and I can finally reach the radio in a car without leaning over! I'd buy it again if I needed a car right now.
Great Little Car
retrogrouch, 06/02/2006
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought a white 2006 2.5X with a 5-speed manual transmission, including a rear differential cover, a Class II hitch, and mudflaps. The miles per gallon isn't quite what I'd like to have, but otherwise it's a great little car. For trips with my small family (spouse and small child), I put a Yakima RocketBox on the factory rack, and then we have plenty of room. The power is sufficient, and it's surprisingly quiet on the road. The handling is very good, and the 5-speed is fun. I first thought that the hill-holder feature was only clever, but it's actually useful. I like the clearance a whole bunch, and it's cool to sit up in traffic too. Economical, roomy, dependable, comfortable, and quick. What more do most people need?
Won't buy this again
julie, 11/17/2008
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 11 people found this review helpful
I went from a Toyota 4 runner to Subaru LL Bean. I am highly disappointed. The leather seats are very cold in the winter until they warm up. Because of the heater design, my legs are too hot in summer and too cold in winter. The air just doesn't circulate down there. It comes out at chest level only. Passengers in the back seat freeze. The exterior paint job is very bad. It scratches incredibly easy. The windshield takes forever to thaw. It handles well in small amounts of snow but not in anything over 6 inches.
Love My Forester
J. Newman, 11/08/2017
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 6 people found this review helpful
Single owner, low mileage for a 2006, pretty clean inside and out
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Dress for work, minus the heels!
HellOnWheels, 10/26/2006
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
6 of 14 people found this review helpful
Love the car! Cannot drive with heels, even a one inch heel-almost got stuck when shifting. Too bad, it's a drag for that reason. The moon-roof deflector (optional) is a catch-all for water, and acorns. If you haven't had your "wake-up" coffee, you may end up getting an unexpected shower or lap full of acorns! Shoddy option. Also water stained the interior ceiling because of this. Leather interior had a pungent smell for the longest time. Had to get air neutralizer! Cowhide, not plush. Great comfort on long trips, fast and quiet and rugged! I love the car, although may trade it in if changes are made down the road--2008? We'll see.
Just never fell in love
collmm, 01/28/2009
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
I wanted another AWD wagon after trading my 4Motion Passat & purchased the Forrester. This was a logical decision but a big mistake. No mechanical problems just a boring vehicle to drive compared to the Passat. I love wagons but the Forrester exterior is simply unattractive and the paint is cheap! Cheap looking but sturdy interior finishes. My driving is pretty habitual but the gas mileage varied widely in town from 17 to 26 mpg and had to calculate that by hand-no digital "mpg" or "miles to empty" on the Forrester. I've just traded the Forrester after only 5 months for a 2006 Volvo S60 AWD and I have no regrets.
Love our '06 Forester!
RI-Jim, 10/28/2005
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
OK, we've had it just 2 1/2 months and 4,000 miles, but it's an excellent vehicle. Peppy engine (for a non-turbo), nice ride, handles well, has AWD (great for NE winters). The Premium upgrade has heated seats, sun/moonroof, alloy wheels, heated mirrors & windshield, nice sound system. Quiet on the highway, with some engine noise at lower speeds. Getting 26 MPG in mixed driving, 29 highway. Very comfortable seats. Top-rated by Consumer Reports, with really good crash-test results too. It's just a great value!
A winner
Bill, 02/10/2006
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my 5th Subaru and all have served me very well. The handling and performance are excellent. It has a smooth ride and visibility is excellent. Subaru always produces a durable and well engineered car, so I expect this one to be no different.
Fuel Problems
Richard, 12/08/2005
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought a new 06 Forester with the 5-speed manual transmission in Sept 05. After 3800 miles, it has three annoying, potentially dangerous characteristics. The engine races uncontrollably during cold starts after the clutch is released, it bucks when throttle is lightly depressed, and engine speed cycles when slowing to a stop with clutch depressed. The cold start problem is dangerous, as the car will accelerate briskly and unexpectedly to 20 MPH. I havent run into anything yet, but I caution other drivers about this condition. The dealer is cooperative but unable to fix the problem. Subaru says all 06 Forester 5-speeds do this. They are working on a fix, but nothing yet.
Surprising Subaru
xtdriver, 05/02/2006
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
At my spouse's behest we traded our Volvo XC 90 for the Forester XT. I wasn't initially enthused about this plan. However, after a weekend of driving this vehicle on hilly, curvy roads I became a convert. The XT is remarkably agile for a vehicle that has over 8 inches of clearance and the acceleration is stunning for a car with this much utility. It's essentially a station wagon with the heart of a rally car. How it feels on an extended road trip is the only factor that hasn't yet been put to the test. So far I am positively impressed.
5 Star Crash Rating, Lower Insurance
Richard, 01/05/2007
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Had the Subaru for 10 months, the ride is car like, but you sit higher, with a better command of the road. Put synthetic oil and get 28 city, full time 4 wheel drive is great in all weather. The 5 star crash rating across the board, lowered my insurance $300.00 every 6 months.
MY 06 SUBARU
roger evans, 09/06/2006
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Car has exceptional quality and handling; the only problem is I am a big man and getting in and out is a little problem at times. If you could make an auto seat that would drop back when getting out and return you to where you were comfortable when getting back in would be exceptional design. Otherwise my Subaru is an great auto.
2nd Subaru
Bob, 03/25/2006
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This vehicle is a pleasure to drive. The standard 4 cylinder engine delivers sufficient power and steering is extremely responsive. Ride is comfortable, leg, shoulder and head room are all very sufficient. As to reliability we had a '84 Legacy Wagon that gave us 13 years with no major problems. We look forward to this vehicle to surpass that one.
2006 SECOND FORESTER
BOB K, 03/02/2006
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The 2006 Forester ride and performance was greatly improved over the 2002. Driving the Forester with the larger engine is like driving a sport sedan not an suv. I was very surprised. The quality of the vehicle has improved greatly. Not that my 2002 was a disappointment; I had 90,000 trouble free miles and spend $1700.00 in maintenance in four and one half years. The RAV-4 and Honda CR-V rode more like a truck and cost considerably more.
Love it!
Ian, 02/10/2021
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this lil thing for like $5,000 and its the best 5k I've ever spent. The manual is fun, its great for Pennsylvania snow, and it has enough room inside for my dogs and my other random crap. Great buy! But be weary of the headgaskets because they were designed to fail.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
One of the worst cars I have ever owned
New Subaru owner, 09/02/2005
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Nice car in many respects, but the engine hesitation when starting out from a complete stop is terrible. Gets worse as outside temperature gets over 90 and AC is on. Dealer tells me that it is normal. I think a 3 or 4 second hesitation is unsatisfactory and unsafe since you never know what its going to do when you give it some gas.
Fun and practical
mrjwk1962, 07/14/2006
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Decided to splurge on the turbo engine and am glad I did. The Forester is lots of fun to drive. It has the practicality of a small SUV, but the maneuverability and nimble handling of a car. I love the cargo space, especially with the back seat down. Controls are extremely logical, ergonomic, and easy to use. Some people complain about limited back seat room, but that is not an issue for us.
Nice car, but uncomfortable seats
Katharine, 08/18/2005
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my first Subaru, and I bought it because I moved to the Pocono Mountains in PA, and lots of my neighbors recommended it. I did read that the seats were uncomfortable, and they ARE! Short drives are okay, but after about an hour, my back and bottom start to hurt. Can't something be done to make these seats more comfortable? I love everything else about the car.
Expected Better Quality From Subaru
1st Subaru for Me, 06/15/2006
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Based on everything I read about this vehicle, I expected a quality, problem- free vehicle. Driving it is enjoyable, but I'm finding out that the quality of some of the parts and pieces is cheap. The seat upholstery is kind of thin. The clear plastic on the engine gauges cover squeaks. A piece of rubber under the hood is loose in one spot, etc. One of my windshield washer sprayers stopped working. I have only about 1050 miles on the car so far. I never expected all these annoying things with a Subaru.
Repeat Forester Owner
MaryM, 05/07/2009
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium Package 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love the Forester. Living in New England it has been the perfect car for my family -- it performs well in all weather types, especially the snow. Its compact size is a plus when it comes to parking or city driving. Rear passenger seats could use with a bit more leg room but overall, not a complaint. Recently purchased the '06 LL Bean edition to replace our '06 2.5X that was totaled in an accident. Walked away with only scratches from a seat belt despite the wreckage. If we hadn't been sold on its safety rating the first time around, we are now and we went straight back to the dealer to replace it! Held up its value well & when it comes time to replace our other car, to Subaru we go!
OUR FIRST SUBARU
awporbb1, 12/04/2011
2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 X 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.