2005 Subaru Outback Review

Name: 2005 Subaru Outback Review
Brand: Subaru
Price: 1440 USD
Rating: 4.5 (278 reviews)

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Subaru Outback model years

Subaru Outback for Sale

Subaru Outback types

Sedan
Wagon

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Standard all-wheel drive, generous standard equipment list, exemplary build and materials quality, strong power from turbo and H6 engines, balanced ride and handling dynamics, capable performance off-road.

Cons

Desirable features reserved for top-line models, smaller backseat than most competitors.

What’s new

An all-new and vastly improved Outback is introduced in sedan and wagon body styles. Highlights include a new turbocharged engine, a stronger H6 motor, a stylish new interior and increased ground clearance for more serious off-highway adventures.

Edmunds says

Solid all-terrain capability, nimble handling, a varied engine lineup and a luxurious interior make the Outback an excellent all-weather family vehicle. If you're thinking of buying a traditional SUV, you may find this Subaru a better fit.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$185/mo

$176/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2005 Subaru Outback.

5 (65%)

4 (25%)

3 (8%)

2 (2%)

1 (0%)

4.5

278 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 278 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Green Bean

Dave, 08/06/2006

2005 Subaru Outback 3.0 R L.L.Bean Edition AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

I saw the car on the lot and fell in love with the color (Willow Green) for starters. Thought the flared fenders and rugged looks were awesome. I took it for a ride and the seamless power from 0 to 70 was awesome. It does have a few second delay when you step on it so If you are counting on the 250 horses to make up for the close pull out in traffic, think before you put your nose out …

Bad Catalytic converter $$

fino, 08/15/2009

2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

I have owned many Subaru's and really loved them all except for this problem. Catalytic converter is bad and estimated replacement is $2,000 to $3,000. I have spoken to some Subaru and non Subaru mechanics and all have said this is a common problem. I am not getting any satisfaction from Subaru USA and this has turned a loyal customer into a doubter. They tried a computer fix that did …

The 2005 2.5XT Limited is the one to get

Ken Schory, 09/19/2016

2005 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Check its service record. This is not a maintenance-free car, but its build quality and service requirements are much better than I expected. After almost 12 years of ownership and more than 150,000 miles on the odometer, I am still rewarded by the excellent driving experience this car provides. I consider it the "Swiss Army Knife" of vehicles because its power and handling are …

Best automobile

krinara, 02/19/2014

2005 Subaru Outback 3.0 R VDC Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

Subaru is "confidence in motion". I have owned many different brands, but the Subarus in that line up were the ones, that were the best bet for the money. The Outback 3.0 is the most reliable of the lot and I can say that I will always have a Subaru parked in my garage!

See all 278 reviews of the Subaru Outback

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2005 Outback Highlights

Type:

Sedan

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$31,245
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	20 MPG
Cost to Drive	$273/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	11.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Key safety features on the Outback include:

Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of RolloverNot Rated

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Acceptable

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2005 Subaru Outback Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2005 Subaru Outback.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Green Bean

Bad Catalytic converter $$

The 2005 2.5XT Limited is the one to get

Best automobile

2005 Outback Highlights

Safety

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2005 Subaru Outback Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.

Most helpful consumer reviews

Green Bean

Bad Catalytic converter $$

The 2005 2.5XT Limited is the one to get

Best automobile

2005 Outback Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2005 Subaru Outback info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Subaru

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}