Used 2005 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews
Great car, horrible gas mileage
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.
Love/Hate Relationship
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.
- 2.5i WagonMSRP: $3,99556 mi away
- 3.0 R L.L.Bean Edition WagonMSRP: $5,95061 mi away
- 2.5i Limited WagonMSRP: $6,97561 mi away
Life is good in the fast lane
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.
Will get another eventually
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.
Love this Car!
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.