Used 2005 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews
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I like it but it could be much better
Chris M, 09/21/2005
2005 Subaru Outback 3.0 R L.L.Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
We bought this car to get out of the normal SUV body style and to improve on our gas mileage from a 2002 Jeep Liberty. The improvement worked out to about 3 mpg better than the way heavier Jeep. The car drives great, I expect it to be reliable, but there are a lot of small things that were missed. The flip door space in the center of the dash just shows the lack of imagination. That was the best they could come up with for that space?
My new SUV
John Hammock, 06/22/2004
2005 Subaru Outback 3.0 R L.L.Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Coming out of our SUV we looked at, and drove several cars. I passed on my chance forthe Infiniti G35x so my wife could have her wagon, so far we not been disapointed. And, the 2005 Outback seems to turn more heads than I would have thought possible.
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Very nice but not quiet.
tfh, 01/26/2005
2005 Subaru Outback 3.0 R VDC Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Had a 1997 Outback limited and really liked it. Got a 2005 3.0 VDC. Very impressed by improvements in interior and the new six cylinder engine. Does well in snow. However, at low speeds when using normal acceleration it makes a very noticeable whining sound. Took it in to dealer where purchased and a mechanic rode in it and said the sound was normal transmission sound for that car. Be sure to drive the car at low speeds in quiet area before buying if you desire a quiet car. As nice as it is otherwise, I would probably not buy it again. Also has significant wind noise at highway speeds (as 50 mph and above). Otherwise it is really a nice car.
A good time
nidwaldner, 01/23/2011
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Just sold my 2.5 after 84,000 miles for $9000 trade-in. It was dependable. Never broke down. It was perfect for hiking, camping and snowboarding trips. It got me to work when most of Seattle shut down after snow. Went through 8 headlight bulbs (3 under warranty) and 2 rear wheel bearings (warranty). OEM tires not great so upgraded when originals worn and bought snow tires for the winter months. Total cost (depreciation and wear & tear) over 6 years was 26.2 cents/mile, which I think is good. I averaged about 23mpg in mixed driving. Now have 2011, which provides more interior space for my growing family.
Reliable and affordable
Josiah, 06/13/2018
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
This Subaru is an absolute blessing from Jesus Christ! It hasn’t broken down on me once, very enjoyable to drive, surprising storage capability, and is incredibly cheap to maintain. Highway driving I get 35 mpg and average 28 doing mixed city/highway. The only major downside to the car is the lack of “oomph” with acceleration. It does okay, but you really have to push it to pass someone on a two-lane road. Overall fantastic car!
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After 30,000 miles!
sabatia, 10/18/2005
2005 Subaru Outback 3.0 R L.L.Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I have driven 30k miles, including three trips to my extreme getaway in the near arctic in winter and summer, city driving, and semi-rural around home. This car is fun to drive, feels quite safe, has plenty of cargo room, a big sunroof. If I could do it again, I would have gone up one more step to the VDC and gotten a major winter safety boost. The all-wheel drive is seamless and has gotten me out of some very slippery and rough situations in my explorations of very remote areas in all seasons. I live in a very wealthy area and I don't see any car I'd rather have!
A Lemon of a Great Car
husker_soobie, 07/02/2011
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
4th Soob. Bought it used at 2 yrs old with 40k miles Fast forward 4 yrs now at 100k. The last 2 yrs have been a nightmare. Brakes, headlight bulbs, CV's, spark plugs, axles, 2 Oxygen Sensors (in December '10, failed April '11 - part under warranty-not labor. The car was great to drive in inclement weather, & was a looker, it was a mess under the hood. We've spent $2200 in the last 7 months. Took it in for brakes AGAIN last week only to find out that we had a bad head gasket. We used 3.5 qts of oil in 2000 miles! Estimates $1700, plus impending timing belt, water pump & steering pump $1200 more. Just traded for a new Forester. Praying this one isn't possessed by demons!
100,000 miles of service---*wheel bearings
eldee123, 01/27/2011
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
I live in the mountains at Lake Tahoe. This car is more fun to drive up the mountain than my classic Corvette. The roof line is low enough to load my bikes on the roof rack. For some weird reason headlight bulbs don't last as long as you would expect. All owners need to know the warrantee on the wheel bearing problem is 100,000 miles. contact the Subaru mothership if a dealer won't fix it for free. I'm going for a 2011 now and that should last me the rest of my life :-}
STAY AWAY
Stinley P, 12/28/2017
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 8 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in August of 2016 after Three months check engine light turns on and off. Dealer could not figure out what it is but did not affect the way it was driving. Caused me to fail inspection. June of 2017 spent 500$ to repair both axles July of 2017 spent 300$ to replace brakes. November of 2017 spent 500$ to replace brakes again.Now December of 2017 Transmission blew. Mechanic says it needs a new transmission and new axles. DO NOT buy this car if you are not willing to put a lot of money into it. It is well in the snow and has nice speakers in the limited trim other than that the back seats are uncomfortable for one person let alone three. The front seats are alright. Has a lot of road noise when going over 40 mph had to play music loudly to not hear it. I would recommend you get a Camry with snow tires and call it a day.
- Safety
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Subaru Outback.
Trudie , 11/23/2010
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
6 of 11 people found this review helpful
Okay, so we had moved up to the Big Bear mountains and we needed an AWD car. After reading reviews and considering several options we decided to go with a used Subaru Outback. We purchased the car in El Cajon which was 300 miles away because this car is difficult to find. We found the one we wanted, carfax checked out it was great we took it. We have now owned the car for 8 months and it has gone through 2 transmissions, torn two axle boots, and has overall been out of commission for months. I would not recommend this car to anyone. Especially now because the transmission in it now is having the SAME issues that the other 2 were having. This car has been unreliable from the start. Don't buy.
Constant problems
Mike Howard, 04/05/2016
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
9 of 20 people found this review helpful
Had nothing but problems since the warranty ran out. The brakes and struts need to replaced way too often, I've had to replace all 4 bearings at least once and I've got another making noise already. The engine leaks oil and it's a head gasket leak so too expensive to repair. Also had to replace both front half-shafts. Headlights burn out after about 9 months at best. Car is not overly comfortable on long drives, and there is no place to rest your right foot when using cruise control. The back seat is tight. Will never buy another Subaru again.
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2005 Subaru Outback Turbo Wagon
Andy, 11/11/2018
updated 11/18/2024
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is my third Subaru which I purchased new in 2005 after moving back to Denver from Atlanta. I had a 2002 Outback which I was very pleased with, but wanted a turbo for all the mountain driving I do. The added performance of the 2005 made a huge difference. The car's traction in snow and handling in all conditions have been excellent. I have over 170,000 miles on the car and have recently had to replace wheel bearings and struts, but overall reliability has been very good. I dread having to replace the vehicle if maintenance costs continue to rise because the turbo charged engine and standard transmission are no longer available in the Outback model. I no longer own this vehicle as I traded it in on a 2019 Outback 3.6R.
- Performance
- Comfort
3,0R VDC is great!
KarlB, 08/05/2004
2005 Subaru Outback 3.0 R VDC Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I've been super impressed with the Outback, it has fantastic build quality and drives like a sports car, yet can go offroad most places a large SUV can. Power is great with the 3.0R being one of the most powerful 3.0liter engines in a production car in the world. The all wheel drive system works amazingly well, there is never even the slightest hesitation, no delay engaging as in other cars without permanent AWD.
Never Again
Keith, 02/03/2006
2005 Subaru Outback 3.0 R VDC Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 6 people found this review helpful
I dislike this Subaru more than any car I have ever owned. I avoid driving this car rather than deal with the car's quirky and dangerous characteristics. Examples: Climbing a hill at highway speeds the car shifts between 4th & 5th gears every 4 seconds on average. The car responds to quick acceleration maneuvers with a 2-3 second delay before accelerating; not a good thing on busy Southern California freeways. The car has only 8K miles. After nine months as a Subaru owner I am ready to visit my Toyota dealer and eat the trade-in costs. I hate this car!
Don’t share the same love for this car as my wrx
Steve Winnie, 04/02/2019
updated 10/07/2021
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
3 of 6 people found this review helpful
I fell in love with Subaru’s after I owned an 02 wrx wagon. I sold it with 275,000+ miles! It was an amazing car. It was very reliable and fun and never let me down. But rust got the best of it :( So I bought this 05 outback XT thinking I would love it just as much. But I was WRONG. Now I was a little jaded because the previous owner modified the car quite a bit and the work that was done was cobbed and not up to the standards I liked. The car also had 182,000 miles on everything except the engine which was rebuilt before I got it. Here are the good aspects: the car is AMAZING in the snow, it’s comfortable on the highway, there is plenty of storage in the back, and it’s a fun little sleeper ( no one expects a station wagon to have over 250 HP under the hood!). BUT gas mileage is not the greatest (if you stay out of boost and cruise along on the highway you can get about 25mpg. The best I’ve ever done was about that) parts are expensive (you should always use OEM Subaru parts or an upgraded aftermarket part otherwise you will have issues), gas is expensive (premium only) and oem braking is horrible (I up graded the brakes with ceramic pads and drilled and slotted rotors, they stop well and look awesome). I spent $3000+ in parts in the first 4 months I owned this car (I did all the work myself since I work on cars for a living). But now that everything has been fixed properly, I really enjoy owning and driving this car. Lately I’ve only had to do oil changes and tire rotations. My tip to you is If you don’t work on cars, do not buy one of these unless you have some money saved up or you know someone who can work on these cars for a reasonable price. The money I spent in parts would have easily been doubled if i had to bring it to a shop.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
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First time Subaru owner
chip, 01/13/2008
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
This is my first Subaru after a string of Hondas and I am generally pleased after 2 1/2 years and 38,000 mi. of ownership. It's a lot of fun to drive and, other than the problems with the headlights and windshield, has been quite reliable.
Terrible
Donna, 03/16/2009
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
The first year I owned it - had to get new brakes, and new tires. Headlights burned out twice. Headlights are terrible - almost ran into the back of a tractor hauling a wagon because I was coming down hill and the lights don't shine upwards at all. 2nd year, had to get new Rotors, Brakes and tires (I made the mistake of buying the same Bridgestone tires). Terrible in the snow - Rear end constantly fishtails - even with new tires. Car sways as if the chassis is going to fall off the frame. I am so disappointed. This is my third Subaru, but will not buy one again.
Frustrated!!
kdurre, 02/23/2010
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
I'm sure I have a lemon but with 89,000 miles there is not much I can do. I do like the car other than the CV joint and Rear wheel baring need to be replaced. The CD player may or may not play. The front driver seat burns you when you use the seat warmer. The passenger seat "passenger sensor" dings all the time unless the seat belt is locked in. The windshield rattles unless papers are pushed down between the glass and dash, even after one windshield replacement. And the transmission lurches to shift until it warms up.
The most boring car in known universe
andysomogyi, 06/25/2011
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
7 of 21 people found this review helpful
I detest this car. Slow, gutless, handles like a barge and the gas milage is pitiful. Only reason I bought this pile of junk is that friend of mine wanted to get rid of it, and it was cheap. It has one of the worst transmissions I've ever driven, now I hate automatics, but this one is particularly bad. The gear ratios is bizarre, shifts are slow and sloppy, and 4'th is way too low. This is one of the worst handling cars I've ever driven, body roll is about as bad as a mid 70's Buick. Engine is truly gutless, and whats worse is given how pathetically slow this car is, the gas milage is even worse. I avg 15 city, and even with the most careful driving, best I can get is about 25 highway
Pleased Overall
bac4uw, 12/07/2004
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The performance is very adequate for most purposes. I took a trip over a mountain pass with the car loaded and never felt underpowered. Highway mileage has generally been 28-30mpg driving 70-80 mph. (100% traffic and hills has yielded 20-21 mpg.) WIth only 1200 miles on the car, I expect the mpg to get better once it is further broken in. The headlights are VERY bright... oncoming drivers flash me a lot at night. Minor gripes: I find the stereo to give weak FM reception and the trunk needs to be slammed HARD to latch and close. Overall, I am happy with my purchase and was able to get a great deal (well below invoice) by getting quotes through Edmunds' site.
We love this car
mar7, 12/08/2004
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Last month my wife and I happily stepped out of a 2002 Passat into a 2005 Outback. After a terrific sales experience, the car has been living up to it's reputation. The interior is spacious and comfortable - my only complaint is the power windows (they're incredibly slow.) We frequently drive rural roads with poor lighting and have no problems with the headlight performance. Speaking of performance, the wagon handles great and will get you where you need to go. Those accustomed to more power will probably need one of the bigger engines, though, as acceleration is leisurely at times with the base engine and automatic.
WOW!
raybenz, 12/09/2004
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
I love this car! This is my second subaru, first being a 95 legacy wagon. There is no comparison. See some whining about the headlights low beam... Put on your glasses or use your high beams to spot those deer... Sheesh! Those are high intensity beams folks... Highway Mileage has been higher than the 25 advertised (IF you use the cruise control!) Lots of pep and fine fit and finish. And the moonroof... Awesome! Having spent 24 hours in this car during evacuation for Hurricane Ivan, while no Large SUV, this care was comfortable and maneuverable in tight traffic.
Great Car
Alaire, 05/01/2005
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love driving this car! This is the second Subaru for my family. The AWD is great for winter driving and the heated seats are a true joy when it is cold out. No matter what I would buy this car again. No question about that!
Interior Lighting
JAY KOSACK, 12/15/2004
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
I had a 2002 LL Bean. My son now has it. Excellent car. The 2005 LL Bean is a great improvement. The performance, ride, comfort and styling are much better. Interior lighting, at night, is a major problem. When this model was made the moon roof was extended. A very nice feature. The problem is the interior light is much further back on the roof. The only lighting for the front of the car is the two door lights, which is not sufficient. They claimed to have (and advertised) a lighted glove box. It doesn't exist. Engine noise is louder than my previous model.
A Gem of a Car
reeder, 11/10/2004
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had my new Outback less than one week. Had a 2001 Forester which has served me well. I love this car! The interior is plush and updated. I have noticed the headlights are not super bright, but everything else is wonderful.
Turn off the Alarm Please!
E. Knight, 05/17/2005
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
For a first time new car buyer, the Subaru Outback is great! The only thing I don't like is the seatbelt safety bell rings constantly when the car is running and you are not even in the car. The alarm goes off when no one is in the passenger seat because it was kicked back too far. The drivers seat even went off when I was driving down the highway and buckled up. That was scary! The other thing was that the rubber molding in the rear wheel well fell off. It needs more behind the seats pockets for holding goodies. The glove box never shuts on the first try.
smooth yet tough
crusin' texas, 05/29/2005
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 perfect vehicle for almost any occasion. Rush hour, around town, highway or back country roads. It handles superbly and responsive. If folks are aware of the notoriously short Texas Highway on-ramps then you'd appreciate this car's power. Can go from a mere coasting at 20 mph to 70 in no time. Able to move down and around country roads without fishtailing all over the road. Around town, the maneuverability and quickness is great. Only had one problem -- stereo and climate control unit failure. But the dealer serviced the car quickly and provided a loaner until car was fixed.
Quality Cars
Jody, 05/27/2005
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
This is an amazing car. I have driven BMW's, Land Rovers, and some other top line vehicles. Standard features of the Subaru are options on cars like BMW's taking the sticker price well into the high 30's and 40's. The Subaru is an amazing quality car, with unique features. In addition, it is put together in America. I am hooked!
Best Subaru I've owned
John, 06/01/2005
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my 8th Subaru and I think it's the best. The fit, finish, and power of this 2.5XT Limited is far superior to any previous Subaru I've owned. Some minor complaints like no upfront interior lighting and relatively poor gas mileage and the requirement of premium fuel do not negate the pure "fun to drive" quality of this car. There are some annoying whistles that start at around 40mph but the removal of the cross bars on the roof might stop that problem. I bought the red garnet pearl with the taupe interior and manual transmission. I'm surprised at how many people say what a handsome car it is and some young boys told me I've got a "dope" car. Thats' a good thing I hope.
Reliable
Will Lee, 10/21/2004
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Having owned a Subaru previously I was encouraged to buy another for its reliability. This one I like even more. It is comfortable, has a nice weight to it for highway driving, corners amazingly well for a four door car and has good pickup for a four cylinder auto. And I like the safety facto of the all wheel drive.
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.
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.
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...
Great car
SECCOP, 07/25/2005
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Car has been great in rain, ice and snow. I have never been stuck. Comfortable seats and good view of the road. I am not looking for a race car but the four cylinder version needs more lower end torque.
Outback is Outfront
Jim Hauff, 07/26/2005
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've owned several 4x4's in the past, but never an AWD. I bought the Outback after extensive research and test drives against several other comparable mid to full size SUVs. I have not, for a moment, regretted my decision to purchase this little gem. I bought an 2.5FX Limited wirh all the options and an auto 5 speed Sport Shift transmission. I still haven't gotten over the power this vehicle exhibits. When the turbo kicks in, it's like going into hyperdrive. The interior is excellently finished and ergonomic. The exterior fit and finish is like cars costing much more. The only problem -- gas mileage goes down when you hit the turbo, who cares? It's too much FUN!
Great Car - Poor Transmission
R. Wagner, 12/21/2004
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my fourth Subaru. I really enjoy it. The build quality is the best I've ever seen. Winter weather performance is unbeatable. That being said.....The transmission has a mind of it's own. When the engine is cold, the transmission will downshift at the slightest touch of the accelerator. You almost have to use the sportshift just to control the downshifting. Cold weather starting is just acceptable. It has always started, but we haven't hit the coldest part of the winter yet in Wisconsin. The seat belt sensors are malfunctioning. The warning beeps even when no one is in the passenger seat. Still, there is no other car I would rather drive on a snowy day.
We always buy a Subaru
Pat Wood, 08/17/2005
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
Subaru is a choice of our family because of it's reliability and the service at the Dealership, if needed. We feel it is one of the safest cars to drive on the open road in all kinds of weather. (Especially the western NY weather!) We have owned many Subaru's and only buy a new one because of upgrading.
20,000 miles, 8 month review
occking, 08/30/2005
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
So far very pleased with the vehicle. Gas mileage has steadily improved since new. I do mostly highway driving, going from near Providence RI to Montreal every few weeks; on those trips average (actual) 26.5 to 28 mpg. Trip computer always indicated 1 to 1.5 mpg higher than actual. The front windows seem to fog up very easily however, and I haven't figured out a way yet with the heating system how to eliminate that from happening. Took quite some time to get used the the very low center armrest in the vehicle. Have an excellent place to put my XM Commander unit (satellite radio) right on the center console.
Fantastic Crossover!
drobine, 10/23/2004
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
With the H6 boxer, it has plenty of power for driving around town and highway. We bought it to have a comfortable, reliable, around-town car that could go off-road. We couldn't afford a VW Touareg V8. Other cars driven were Toyota 4Runner, Honda Pilot and Acura MDX. The Outback was easier to live with than the 4Runner (too rough in-town), nicer than the Pilot (disappointing finish inside for a Honda), and was a virtual tie with the Acura MDX. The Outback felt more spacious than the Acura while behind the wheel.
Fun to Drive
bkluger, 09/22/2004
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
Just completed a 1200 mile roundtrip that involved interstate highway, two- lane road, and off-road driving. Thoroughly impressed by the overall performance and the highway mileage of better than 25 MPG. After looking and test driving a Jeep Gran Cherokee, Honda Pilot, and an Acura MDX. We decided on the Outback LL Bean, because it represented the best value for our dollar, plus it's fun to drive!
Subaru Outback
eddybauer1, 12/16/2004
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I rented a 2005 Outback last week, check engine light came on, dash rattled on rough snow covered roads, flashed Err 55 where trip miles should be and for a long time, the cruise control light flashed, plastic around gear selector is easily scratched, cramped seating for 6 foot tall people, especially on long trips, it is too narrow up front, and your legs get tired easily. Seats are too firm. I did like the heated seat option, and the AWD. Steering and handling were good, stereo was average. It does have a very refined transmission and engine, it shifts smooth, and the auto stick is fun. Build quality is average.
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.
fantastic car
domestics stink, 10/06/2004
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
My poor nissan pickup truck is getting lonely. I can't get enough of the outback. Comfy, quick, knockout to look at. Subaru has truly out done themselves. We have the L.L.Bean Edition with the boxer 6...wooooohoooo. And having a bit of a growl when you stomp on the gas kinds feels good too. Only complaint is no memory seats. Small small price to pay. Fantastic value.Kudos to Subaru for taking the next step to making the perfect car.
Great car!
Darby, 12/17/2004
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my third Subaru and the best one yet. I followed its development for months last year, and when I first encountered the Atlantic blue/granite trim 2.51 sport wagon, it was love at first sight. Comfortable, peppy ride. Tasteful appointments. Definitely the best car for me! Give it a try...
My First Subaru
Norman, 01/15/2005
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
8 months ago, I researched & test drove all the new SUVs listing around $20,000 for my girlfriend. We finally settled on a Forester (2002). It was love at first site for her, and we both still love that car. When it came time for me to trade in my 4WD pickup, I looked at all the 2005s again, but this time I fell in love with the updated Outback. I test drove four different models, and didn't care much for the turbo-charged 2.5i engine (trans shift was funny). I ended up with a 2005 3.0 R LL Bean addition. Black monotone exterior with taupe leather inside. It looks way more classy than a Subaru is supposed to. Could have bought ANYTHING & NEVER considered Subaru before, now I really LOVE IT!
Fun to Drive
jerseytiger, 01/01/2005
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Pleased so far with the purchase. First time Subaru owner. Areas of concern with previous years have been addressed with 05 model. Researched all similar vehicles with AWD and found this vehicle to provide most bang for the buck, despite the fact that Subaru does not give them away. The car offers many features for all types of drivers: AWD-comfort-performance-reliability and most importantly-safety.
The Best Yet!!
Kabar, 10/23/2004
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my 3rd Outback and by far the best!! Subaru really listened to all the surveys and out-did themselves with the 2005 model! Power, comfort, looks...and fun!! I love the new Color- I bought the Atlantic Blue. I've had so many comments about my "new car" and tell me about the car and it's features!
Seat Comfort
3rd Subaru, 10/15/2004
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This Outback is my 3rd Subaru -- I still own a '93 Legacy LSI wagon. Fantastic exterior design, quality, etc. But... WARNING: I'm 5' 10'' tall and am still having difficulty adjusting to the extra firm seats and a steering wheel that is too far away when my legs are in a comfortable position. Several others have commented about this in Subaru forums - It is not a minor inconvience when you find yourself in pain after a long trip. A beautiful car with a serious design flaw -- it needs a telescopic steering wheel.
Reliable??
chickentoaster, 02/07/2009
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The first 4 years car was alright, just don't expect much in the way of gas mileage. Had to replace rear wheel bearings under the special extended warrentee. Car was so loud that I could not hear the people in the back seat at over 25 mph. Have kept all the service intervals. Dealer says the head gasket is shot and needs to be replaced, estimate $2000.00. Only 71,000 mile on the car. I've had cars with 150K+ miles with fewer major problems. Headlights burn out about 2 months. Car has a higher than average cost of ownership, intervals for regular service items seem more frequent than other manufacturers. I don't think I'll be getting another Subaru. Not the quality I expected.
The best hybrid of Sedan, Wagon and SUV
CCJW, 01/10/2005
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Even when Turbo kicks in, the noise level of the cabin is still rather low, but you will hear wind rush through roof racks. Cargo space is plenty with hidden storage rooms arranged nicely, however interior space of front seats somehow feels small comparing to our 2000 Prelude. Body lean is there but the car still feels confident with small hint of RWD like. My wife and I had tested drive other European wagons in the same price range ($30K - $33K) and this OB XT Ltd easily beats them all (V50 T5 AWD, Audi A4 1.8t and Passat AWD) in all areas. We both have been a big VTEC fan for 6 years in 4 different models but the fun factor out from this turbo engine has totally changed our belief.