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Used 2005 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
279 reviews

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Nice to drive

Dave, 06/02/2005
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Driving is fun again; while I liked this Limited in the show room it has been a delight to drive. In the snow it was a dream, smooth and very much in control. The power ports are well placed. One surprise that was unexpected is that you can leave an interior drivers spot light on by accident and find the battery dead in the morning. No auto shut off as all of my past cars. I would love to say I have all the power I need with the 4 but not always without really downshifting to get things moving. I would have picked the 6 or turbo but the higher priced gas is needed. Rear door too narrow at times. The family loves it and it never gets to rest in the driveway 15K in 6 months.

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4 out of 5 stars

Some improvements, some problems

sb_sweetie, 06/12/2005
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I owned my first Outback ('95) for 10 years before replacing it with the updated 2005. I love the look and some features of the new version, but am annoyed by others. The car handles well and the transmission is great. It drives much like the '95, but feels much more solid and safer. What annoys me is the cabin; it seems to have shrunk a few critical inches in all directions. The fit is tight for me and my 6'2" husband. I never felt this way in the '95. Also, the rear-view mirror is set too low (I'm 5'7") and obscures my view through the front. Maybe I'll get used to this, but for now, it annoys me (I've only had the car for a week). I guess I'm somewhat disappointed in the '05.

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5 out of 5 stars

Refined excellence exceeds expectations

Katway, 09/28/2004
2005 Subaru Outback 3.0 R VDC Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The Outback 3.0R VDC is an absolutely terrific crossover. It handles like a BMW, takes rough roads like a Land Rover, and accelerates like a Volvo V70R. In my brief ownership, this vehicle has exceeded all expectations. Subaru is clearly making a forward push toward the luxury cars and the 3.0R VDC certainly delivers. I own a Volvo V70R that I like very much, but the Subaru is by far my favorite to drive. It's fun to drive in the city, on the highways, and in the country side. I'm a very pleased owner and look forward to years of enjoyment in this vehicle.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

a very fine car

kmfitz, 09/01/2004
2005 Subaru Outback 3.0 R L.L.Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

a fine looking car, a fine, fun driving car. i had previously had a 2000 Outback that i was very happy with..and this car is all that and more. more power, more luxury, more toys.

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4 out of 5 stars

A Big Step Up for Subie

Jack Hinks, 08/13/2004
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Needed a second 4WD wagon – I drive an A4 Avant 1.8T – and this was the only good choice below $30K. Much better than last year's. Roomy interior with sturdy upholstery, far nicer back end, decent power, killer turning radius. It's no Audi – I think it's a little floaty at highway speeds, and nobody does interiors like Ingolstadt – but it's darned fine for the dough and it feels plenty secure all the same. Can't wait for winter...

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