Skip to main content

Used 2005 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
279 reviews

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Price history graph example

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
4 out of 5 stars

Not for Tall People

Gary, 05/08/2005
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I am 5'11." I am tired of leaning forward because the steering wheel doen't telescope. My feet (size 11.5) barely have enough room as a driver and no room as a passenger. The front seats are too hard and a little too small. Brakes are not powerful enough, can be scary at times. Regular mode of transmission is uncooperative. Cannot drive with windows open because of poor buffeting. Handles great. Fantastic turning circle. Quiet. MPG not great around town, but good on highway. Average 20.7 over 10,000 miles.

Report Abuse

4.5 out of 5 stars

Turbo Wagon? Yeah baby!

Docthrock, 05/21/2005
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is a significant improvement over the '01 model. Ride, handling, performance, quietness, appointments, comfort all a big step up in quality and value. Subaru really put some thought into the redesign of the Outback. This car is not just a utilitarian vehicle (AWD & wagon) anymore, but a real contender with any car in it's price range.

Report Abuse
2005 Subaru Outback for sale near you
Showing 3 of 89 listings
See all 89 listings

5 out of 5 stars

Great Car...Worth waiting for '05s

rsorganize, 06/30/2004
2005 Subaru Outback 3.0 R VDC Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Traded '99 Volvo XC. Too many problems/way too expensive to repair. Waited on the '05 Subarus. Worth the wait. Great design and ergonomics, dramatically upgraded safety. Bought VDC for complete safety package. Smooth, quiet, fast. IMO, best value by far in this class, with the upgrades (AWD - Volvo, Audi, Passat). Looking forward to 150,000-200,000 miles (at least!) of safe, fun and quiet driving in all kinds of New England weather.

Report Abuse

4.88 out of 5 stars

myBMW wagon

Evan, 05/26/2005
2005 Subaru Outback 3.0 R VDC Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Instead of hitting the brake in a turn you hit the gas. The 4 wheel drive and way the transmission delivers power rocket the car through any turn. There is no body lean to speak of. It takes all the road imperfections and runs right through them. Nice driver's car. Looked at an Acura TL and this handled better, much tighter turning radius, and 3 times the cargo space. The BMW with equivalent horsepower was way out of my price range. Go for it. I got $1,000 under invoice. They have hidden incentives to the dealer in the form of contests.

Report Abuse

4.5 out of 5 stars

There is no No true competion for XT !

sweet_subie, 06/06/2005
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

It is a sports car/wagon/suv/sedan/crossover/convertible (open that moonroof, you will know). 5 Star crash test rating, best AWD, 250hp/torque, drives like sedan, shorter/lighter than Honda Accord/Camry/A6, smaller turning radius (34 inches) than most sport sedans, panoramic moonroof, 8.7 inches of ground clearance (more than 40 SUVs), electro gauges, Subaru reliability, top notch build quality, Subaru-backed generous extended warranty. Can buy $3-5k below MSRP. There is NOTHING LIKE THIS!

Report Abuse
Items per page:
5