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Used 2005 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
279 reviews

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Great car, horrible gas mileage

jchoi, 03/22/2005
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is my first AWD vehicle. It was great this winter where we had over 85" of snow in New England. Unstoppable. Fun to drive, great interior, great utility, and good looking vehicle. Gas mileage from mixed city/highway is about 17mpg. With a rather small gas tank, cruising range is only about 270 miles before you have to fill up again. My wife is the primary driver of the car and drives very conservatively so it's not like she's always in boost. My friend's 340hp S6 wagon gets about the same mileage. The XT is great but it is by no means an S6.

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4 out of 5 stars

Love/Hate Relationship

Russ, 03/22/2005
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have a love hate relationship with my Outback. It has been into the dealer 9 times in six months. So far problems with the AC cycling every 15 seconds (hot to cold), defective radio, excessive rattles and squeeks in the drivers dash, coolant leaks, and the final straw, a cruise control that won't stay engaged. Performance wise, the car is great. Average 28-29 MPG highway roundtrip from Reno to Oakland and back. Handles great in deep snow and wet roads. Subaru is working the problems but I am about ready to give this one back! Must be the "one" defective Subaru. Would suggest a better stereo as the speakers are marginal at best for long drives.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Life is good in the fast lane

Outback lover, 04/22/2005
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I told the sales guy I need a family car that will satisfy this middle age man's need for speed and style. This car is amazing - if I could custom design a car from the ground up, it wouldn't be much different than the Outback. The European manufacturers aren't my style. This car is very styling without flaunting it. Sound system is decent.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Will get another eventually

lewis sherman, 11/27/2008
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Terrific car except that after about 25,000 miles I got stuck with total brake jobs because NO DEALERS could diag. noises at low speeds. My mileage - not kidding - is terrific on open roads. Always get no less than 33 mpg on the 100 mile trip from the Catskills!! Love the looks of the Forester but hate to give up the Outback.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Love this Car!

Pilgrim, 02/14/2005
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Traded in a 2004 Honda Civic EX at a LOSS to buy this car. At the time we bought the Civic this was our first choice, but the cost was prohibitive. Too bad we did not go with our first choice. If you live in the north this car is the best. Heated seats, wiper de-icers - all designed with us in mind but the AWD is INCREDIBLE! Have had it in 12 inches of fresh snow with NO wheel spin at all. Complaints of lace of power are not as apparent on the manual transmission. Fit & finish are excellent as are the extras such as heated mirrors and seats. No air leaks into the cabin on windy days. If you live in the Great White North and you are considering this car (in any form) BUY IT. You will NOT be disappointed.

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