Used 2006 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews
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Too small for a family car
DChes, 01/07/2009
2006 Subaru Outback 3.0 R L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Wagon AWD (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
16 of 17 people found this review helpful
My wife and I purchased a 2006 LL Bean Wagon as our family car. Herein lies the problem; it seems to have been designed by people without kids. 1) The LATCH system is recessed so far in to the seat that is it very difficult to reach. 2) Rear facing car seats require that the front seat is forward to the point that my knees almost touch the dash (I an 5'11"). I drive a VW GTI and, because of its larger passenger compartment, we often take it on trips and leave the "family car" at home
Problems
blair, 10/04/2008
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I purchased 2006 Outback because of price and ride quality, also reliability. The transmission started slipping at about 5,000, dealership tested and it was normal, and kept driving. Shortly after, the air conditioning wasn't cooling very well. Dealership replaced the expansion valve... works fine. Wheel bearing had to be replaced at 15,000 miles last year. Then recently, the window switch had to be replaced. Lastly, the torque converter, which is part of the transmission is bad and new transmission probably will be needed. The car is in the shop. I have had the car in the shop on/off for about twenty business days and counting.
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Can't believe this is a Subaru
srhorn77, 10/13/2011
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2006 Outback used with 78K miles. After 800 miles of driving, the weather turned cold and the tranny started slamming from 3rd into 4th. I took it to the dealer and they recommended I replace the tranny for $3400. There's also a rubber/oil burning smell when driven long distances. The radio and drivers window randomly stop working and the entire lighter assembly pulled completely out when I tried to unplug my car charger. This car must have been built the Monday after Superbowl Sunday before coffee. I'm so disappointed in this car. Subaru is supposed to be so reliable but I can't wait to trade it. The good is it does great in the snow. I had a 2003 Impreza and loved it!
The Best Wagon on the Market
Jose Alfredo, 06/20/2006
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
A great 4 cylinder car that has very good mileage on all-wheel drive. Many things are standard on this car, like ABS brakes and alloy wheels. Fun to drive, easy to make U-turns, and has ample power for going on vacations.
The PERFECT Car?
Stephen, 08/02/2006
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
This is my 2nd Outback. My first was a '00 5 speed manual. When I was in the Pacific NW, that car was my weekend savior, irrespective of the weather. I loved it. Well I'm pleased to say the new Outback is better in every way. 1st-incredible power with the 2.5l turbo. 2nd, shifting/clutching dramatically improved. 3rd, interior build and design is outstanding. 4th, handling has improved. 5th, ride quality and comfort are also improved. This car will get you there in any weather, and you'll have a blast along the way. Suggested improvements: get rid of the plastic popit fasteners for engine cover and oil cover-they're too easily damaged on removal (I bugged the dealer to give me a dozen).
Still love this sweet car after 12 years
Simon Woo, 07/17/2018
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
This is a limited edition Outback, sun roof, leather seats, great stereo sound and stick shift! They don't make an Outback with stick anymore:( My daughter now has the car and the mechanics at Subaru keep asking to buy this car from her. The style is still very nice to look after all these years. Even after the novelty of the car being new wears off, we love it for its utility: can carry stuff in the back or skis/snowboard, bikes and canoes on the top. It comfortably carries people for play or business, it really is a great car to have. This older model doesn't have bluetooth or USB port, but that wasn't common in 2006.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Third Suburb
Bud, 11/22/2005
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Our third Subaru since 1996. The car has evolved in ten years & has a fit & finish expected in cars over $40K. Went with the 175hp because it runs on regular unleaded & we plan to give it to kids in 6 years, engine power better than expected & fine for daily driving. If you require power to satisfy your manly needs for speed go with the turbo, forget the six -- not worth the extra cash. Averaging 23.8 MPG according to on board computer based on a mixed daily highway & suburban 70 mile commute. The ride & handling are tight & make for a sportscar like feel does not feel you are in a wagon. The sunroof is huge and lets in the light; a must in the winter cloudy Midwest. Best value in AWD buy it!
Great Sensible Car!
Peter Platt, 06/07/2006
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
4 cylinder automatic provides very good performance. Peppy & fun to drive. All wheel drive & good ground clearance give excellent dirt/backroad/snow handling. Folding seats & solid roof rack lets us take our kayaks, bikes & camping equipment. My only complaint is that I find it a little tight to fit in, particularly on the passenger side. But I'm 6'3" with size 15 feet. Back seat leg room is also tight. Other than that, I love this car. Definitely one of the most sensible overall cars on the road & very reliable. Ours is the most basic automatic available & it's very well equipped. Many standard features that are options on other makes. Love the heated seats!
Sure-footed, but incredibly unreliable
kbourdeau, 06/15/2013
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
11 of 13 people found this review helpful
My '06 2.5i Ltd. (118,000 mi.) blew its head gaskets for the second time in less than 3 yrs. today. Replaced all 4 sets of wheel bearings at least once, broken front axle, wiring harness on back hatch, door handle, console cover broke off completely years ago, rear defrost never did work properly, etc. Never had a car in the shop as much as this one. Loved the traction - absolutely hated the total lack of quality in this vehicle. Not feeling the love... If you insist on a Subaru, but a model from '08 or newer - they are supposedly much more reliable.
As Advertised--But With Minor Annoyances
VERY selective buyer, 01/08/2006
2006 Subaru Outback 3.0 R L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
10 of 12 people found this review helpful
Handling, safety and stability are all as advertised. I waited until I had driven this car on unplowed back roads in a New England snowstorm to post this review, and I must say the car handled extremely confidently in conditions that I otherwise would have shied from in previous vehicles. There is a feeling of solidity while still retaining an edge of sportiness with this sedan, and because there are relatively few 4-door Outbacks out there, it is a unique driving experience. Although I would recommend this car, please be aware it is not without some mind-boggling minor design flaws that make one wonder what some of the engineers were thinking when they put the finishing touches on this baby.