Used 2006 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews
Used Outback for sale
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.
Love this car, but....
CK Henry, 07/26/2016
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
After 100k expect to spend a lot of money. I hear this is typical of most American made cars of this price range;however, so I can accept that. SUbaru Inc. has always been extremely supportive and very fair about fixing mfg. problems, until air bag incident....that was a huge disappointment. Didn't fix for six months! And told me not to allow a jump seat passenger! What?
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Nice Car- Unless you have a BABY
Carrie, 08/24/2015
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
8 of 15 people found this review helpful
This is a good car- except that it sacrifices function for design. C'mon Subaru- We like you because of your functional cars! I bought it because unlike my Forester, it has enough leg room for my husband in the front when the child seats are in the back. I like it because it drives good, it looks good, it's all wheel drive, it has reasonable gas mileage, and has decent cargo space. If it weren't for the leg room issue, I would stay with the Forester, which I think has a much better design. I am writing this review because it has two features which annoy me to no end. 1. The shape of the rear door/window makes it near impossible to buckle a child in and out of a rear-facing child seat. My poor baby has sustained more bumps to the head getting in and out of the carseat than I can count. 2. The seatbelt chime is about to drive me over the edge- and I'm an avid seatbelt wearer. It also has several features which definitely get the thumbs down. 1. The slant of the front door/window makes it very awkward to get into the front seat. 2. There is very little storage space in the front. 3. The control panel for air & heat are not nice and straight-forward like those on the more basic subarus without dual climate control. 4. The rear cargo area is limited by the inward slope of the rear windshield. Of all of these complaints the only one that I feel is actually important is the rear-facing child seat issue. For me it is the deal breaker. I've still got a few years of rear-facing child seat use ahead of me, and as much as I hate to do it, I am now looking for a new car.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
2006 Subaru Outback for sale near you
Showing 3 of 83 listings
- XTMSRP: $7,9958 mi away
- 2.5 XT Limited Wagon w/Black IntMSRP: $6,995142 mi away
- 3.0 R WagonMSRP: $7,995172 mi away
See all 83 listings
Hate my Car
Sue, 10/28/2006
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 7 people found this review helpful
I was hoping my Outback would be a reliable, safe car for me and my kids to drive. This car has been a nightmare. The inside door panels had to be replaced because if you used the arm rest the fabric came up, the front seat handle broke off, the mud flap in the back was missing screws, the air conditioner made horrible sounds and had to be replaced, went through a "minor" puddle and had to have the car towed, abs and brake light comes on and to top it off the car died and oil began to come out of it. Roadside assistance won't come, unless I pay for the tow and have it towed to my house and then towed again in the morning to Subaru. I'm so glad I bought this car -- NOT. What a LEMON!
Worst car ever owned!!!!!!!!!!!!
BHOW, 06/23/2009
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Ltd 4dr Wagon AWD w/Ivory Int (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
6 of 13 people found this review helpful
DO NOT BUY!!!! I had my computer go haywire, and it said that the engine was overheating, when it wasn't even close, and it wasn't even a hot day! The daytime lights went out twice. It is underpowered, and I wasted $30,000 hard earned dollars. DO NOT BUY!!!!!!
cv caps
sonic, 05/05/2010
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have never had a car with so many problems and it's not even paid off! My Mazda's and Camry's were great! I've had both cv caps leak (not at the same time, so it will cost more for repair), the cruise control turned off and the engine light went out in the middle of the desert. Problem was not cruise control! I sure do miss my Camry.
You can do better
Bob L, 06/11/2007
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought this wagon because of all the reviews I had read. This vehicle performs exceptionally well and looks nice. Quality control is good. Now for the bad. EPA sticker 22-28 mpg. The last car I had was rated the same and I averaged 23-25 mixed driving. This vehicle is getting 20 mpg mixed but will get 28-29 on highway driving. The headrests are very obtrusive and hard to see past. I am average height (5'9") and the electric driver's seat doesn't quite give me the leg room I need. The passenger seat, although manual, is way worse. I can't even stretch out my legs. The rear legroom is terrible. Also trade-in value is the worst I have seen on any car I have owned.
Not a Car for those with Infants
Tamara, 05/21/2009
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
When I purchased this vehicle, I did not have a child. With the exception of the headlight and interior lighting systems (mentioned in reviews by others), I was reasonably happy with the car until I had a child. This car does not allow for the infant car seat to be safely placed in the center of the backseat, which is the safest place for the child to ride. Moreover, the front passenger seat had to be pushed so far forward to accommodate the child carrier behind it, that that seat was rendered virtually useless. Although I had hoped to keep my OB for some time, the inconvenience associated with trying to transport an infant in this car will likely cause me to trade it soon.
Loved my car, but wouldn't get another.
Katie, 02/23/2018
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 6 people found this review helpful
To be fair, I bought my 2006 outback in 2013 and had no issues other than normal wear and tear things until 2017. It always leaked a little oil but I kept up with oil changes and checked it often and it never was an issue. The timing belt on mine broke before the expected mileage. It is an interference motor, so the timing belt breaking turned into a $2000 project to rebuild the engine and put a used transmission in. Of course, after that it was fine and would've lasted me a long time I'm sure, but an old lady crashed into it and totalled it. Bad luck I guess.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Why I Probably Won't Buy an Outback
Lennie Blaumuehle, 04/04/2009
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Ltd 4dr Wagon AWD w/Black Int (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
The all-in-one control stalk for headlights, parklites, turn signals and high beams is a disaster. When reaching to lower high beams, it's very easy to turn off the headlights. It's happened to me numerous times and to others who have driven the car. It is in my opinion a serious design flaw. When I don't have access to a different vehicle for nite driving, I tape the headlight switch to on position. That aside, OB has met or exceeded all expectations. It stayed within a car length of a friend's manually shifted WRX thru the quarter mile. A little tuning since has made a huge improvement in power. OB has taken me places no other vehicle ever has.
LOVED it till it tried to kill us!
Carla Kelly, 03/05/2018
updated 03/16/2020
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Ltd 4dr Wagon AWD w/Ivory Int (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
12 of 34 people found this review helpful
WARNING!!! On 8/27/12, we bought a used 2006 Subaru Outback XT with @70K miles. On our first trip to Vermont, with about 400# of dogs and luggage in the back, new all-weather tires and a driver with a spotless 48-year record, on a flat straightaway at @30 mph in snow flurries, the car crept into the oncoming lane. My husband managed to tweek it back into our lane in time to avoid a head-on collision, but the car then spun out of control and hit a tree. The air bags broke both our sternums. I am a very small woman and was unable to breathe right afterwards. It was @9pm and the road was just starting to freeze, so we had slowed down from 50 mph. We ended up sideways in the road with smashed headlights--helpless. My husband managed to climb out and while trying to open my door to attend to me, had to jump out of the way to avoid being hit by an oncoming car that then t-boned my side of our car with me still in it. They took me out on a back board. We both ended up in the hospital with broken sternums and assorted bumps, including a huge knot on my head where it smashed against the side window when the other car struck our car after the wreck--had it been going much faster, I'm sure I'd be dead. A huge local two-day search restored our two dogs to us, fortunately. We lost the car--totaled, just like us. Costs ran high for medical, transport home to CT, new car, etc. The intense, disabling pain lasted many weeks and I still have pain when the weather is bad--probably always will. In researching why the air bags nearly killed us both, I ran across the "ghost walking" term on line. Undoubtedly, that was the cause of the accident, since my husband had noted earlier on the trip that the car was handling like there was a cross wind even though there was none. That was our only warning of what awaited us that night. We have owned four Subarus and were dedicated fans. I still own an '09 WRX which I love, but the unconscionable failure of Subaru to "own" this design defect and notify owners and dealers about this very-dangerous problem with the rear toe-in under moderate loads nearly cost us our lives, and a great deal of pain and money. I had spent a lot of time researching this vehicle prior to purchase but didn't run across this issue--and am amazed that the 2005-09 Outback wagons still have a near-spotless safety record despite this VERY-serious design flaw. If Subaru handles this like they handle most design problems, nothing will come of our report to them and to NHTSA. Perspective buyers of the '05-'09 Subaru Outback wagons (American version only), should research this thoroughly. It only happens to some cars under certain load and road conditions. It you know about the potential problem you can have it checked and fixed (@$500-$1,000) but Subaru is mum about it. Be careful, people. This defect is a killer waiting to strike. I'm sorry that we only owned the car for about a month before it was totaled, so don't have some other details available like gas mileage, etc.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Third Subaru Wagon
llmccal, 01/26/2006
2006 Subaru Outback 3.0 R VDC Limited 4dr Wagon AWD w/NAVI (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my third Subaru Outback wagon and the quality and workmanship of each one keeps getting better. More interior space including driver legroom and the 250hp engine allows me to keep up with any traffic flow on the freeway and interstate. The gas mileage is much better than anticipated. I presently have 4,000 miles on the car and am getting 24-26mpg for all my driving.
New Favorite
Chase, 12/15/2005
2006 Subaru Outback 3.0 R L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Sedan AWD w/NAVI (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Previously owned 2 Audi's. Would probably never buy another one. Just as good a car, if not better, for $15K less.
216k no problems on Outback
Mike, 01/28/2006
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I just traded in my 5 speed manual 2000 Outback. It had 216,000 miles on it. The only thing I did was change oil regularly, replace the clutch at 140,000 miles and a timing belt. Besides normal wear maintenance such as brakes. The car was never in the shop. The car easily had another 75,000 to 100,000 miles left but the dealer gave me an incredible trade-in offer. Now on my fourth Subaru.
Great for the road
Roadworthy, 03/04/2021
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We purchased this vehicle for longer work related travels. Work well!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
All around good
preacherman, 07/24/2009
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The Limited offers all the extras and the standard 4cyld is more than adequate for average usage. Good snow and ice traction keeps you going through all 4 season. A good highway car if you don't need lots of extra space. Drives more like a car costing much more and the build quality is outstanding. Drove this car cross country MA to CA and averaged over 28mpg. With a small trailer from CA to MI the average was almost 21mpg. Speeds were up to 75mph on both trips. Take it easy and get 30+mpg.
Great Vehicle
R.E.Rodzwic, 02/15/2006
2006 Subaru Outback 3.0 R VDC Limited 4dr Wagon AWD w/NAVI (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my third Subaru (I have a 2005 Legacy & 2006 VDC); traded in a 2002 VDC. It's remarkable in the snow, went through 17"( tires were Dunlop Winter Sport). It's comfortable and fast. Fun to drive with the sport shift. I would highly recommend this vehicle.
Not bad but left hoping for more
Scott, 03/24/2022
2006 Subaru Outback 3.0 R L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Wagon AWD (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I traded in a 2005 Honda Accord 5-speed 2.4 LX for this car to get more cargo area and a place to car camp (sleep in) and use in the snow. Well it's nice to have the freedom to get places, you have to be able to afford to try to get there as well. I sacrificed a lot of gas mileage and gas prices have through the roof since I bought it. The H6 engine is more power than my Honda, but the automatic transmission leaves a lot to be desired. It's pretty nimblefor a wagon and handles snow well. The body and chassis still feels solid after 160,000 miles.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Very nice car
Tscheid52, 01/02/2006
2006 Subaru Outback 3.0 R 4dr Wagon AWD (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My GMC Jimmy was coming off lease and I was forced to look for something else. I wanted four wheel drive to deal with the winter weather conditions of the Northeast. However, I was getting tired of paying for the poor gas economy of a mid size SUV. The Outback fit the bill perfectly. This is a very nice vehicle. It is well made inside and out. It drives very much like the 1984 Toyota Supra I owned for ten years. The 6 cylinder boxer is very smooth and powerful. Plenty of passing power, very stable and nimble in the turns. It is very easy to build up speed without noticing it. Good braking. All this and 4 wheel too. Buy it!
1st Suby
MC5, 04/26/2006
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I am very happy about my recent Subaru purchase. The car rides great and has good power for a 4 cylinder. I'm transitioning from a GMC Yukon and I love the maneuverability of this car. Good ground clearance and AWD means I won't have to chain up often when I head up to the mountains.
Best of all worlds
Bruce, 05/17/2006
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Of all the the new cars/suvs I've owned, this one's the best so far. I wanted good gas mileage, decent performance, good handling, safe, full time all wheel drive, decent ground clearance, room to carry, comfort and this car has got it all. I got the base engine and it's been a solid performer. Only once trying to pass going UP a hill did I notice less power available to me. I'm getting 24.3 MPH in mixed driving with lots of hills. The one car I've never regretted buying for any reason. Get the leather seats. :-) Can't think of one complaint yet.
A Great "Hybrid"
Terrain.org, 05/31/2006
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Ltd 4dr Wagon AWD w/Ivory Int (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The Subaru Outback XT Limited is a great "hybrid" between a true SUV and a performance sedan, with the functionality of a wagon, stability of an all-wheel drive, and get-up-and-go of a sports sedan. I'm a tall driver (6'5") and have no problems in the front or (for shorter durations) in the rear. The Subaru is great fun to drive---the 5-speed tranny (added short-throw shifter) mated with the turbo is almost too fun! Leather interior and panoramic moonroof are great for me and my kids. The 8.7" ground clearance is great for chunky dirt roads (but not bouldering, of course), and the low-mounted boxer engine makes twisty roads good fun, as well. While a "hybrid," there's no compromise!
First Subaru
Joe in Houston, 03/24/2006
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have been driving expensive sedans, coupes and roadsters for years (BMW, Lexus, Infiniti, Porsche) but recently needed a vehicle with good road manners, hauling capacity, decent mileage and that burns regular unleaded. I am tired of dropping $40- $50 for cars. My sister loves her WRX so I found myself test driving the 2.5i Limited. I am very impressed with this car! Rock solid, sure-footed, handsome inside and out. And on road trips I'm getting 27+ mpg. Kudos to Subaru. My first 2,000 miles have been great...many more to come.
2.5i Limited
Bob, 07/06/2006
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Very surprising vehicle, and my first Subaru. Great looks and an even better interior. The normally aspirated 2.5L engine is smooth and responsive for a 4 cylinder. I'm coming from a large SUV, and the transition has been a pleasure with this Subaru. I feel I got more bang for the buck with this vehicle than if I had gone with either the RAV-4 or CR-V, given the rebates that Subaru was offering. $24,700 out the door.
Original Cross-Over Vehicle
Tom, 07/17/2006
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Best car in its class. This is my third Subie. I traded in a 2002 Legacy Sedan that had 93,000 trouble free miles. My '98 Impreza had 125,000 miles and ran like new till it was totaled.
Nice Alternative to An SUV
Ram, 05/20/2006
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Just purchased an Outback Limited and have been pleasantly surprised. We also own a Pilot, but with the manual transmission, leather, and huge sunroof, I look forward to driving. The fuel economy averages 26 in the city and about 29-30 on the highway. I've gotten as high as 31 but it's dependent on how you drive. Also, there's plenty of room in the back seat for rear facing car seats (only two can be installed) or for passengers. Leg room is excellent. The handling is great for any car, not to mention an SUV.
2.5 Limited
dsk, 08/14/2006
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
First time Subaru buyer. I owned two Hondas and can't believe how much more I like my Outback. Great fit and finish. It feels like a luxury car inside. I am excited for some inclement weather as well. I will never buy another Honda again.
Awesome Tank
JMD94, 09/02/2006
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had my Outback for a month now, 1000 miles. We have the 2.5i auto with Navigation. Vehicle feels very solid and confident on the road, feels as safe as a tank, but has a surprisingly smooth ride. You won't win any drag races with this car, but it has plenty of power for normal highway/city driving. I'm averaging 26 mpg in mixed driving, not bad for 1000 miles. I never thought that I could be happy with this type of vehicle, but I am. Has a unique feel behind the wheel, you sort of feel like you're in a SUV, without being as high up. Before you shell out big bucks for a 4Runner or Explorer, drive an Outback, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Love this car!
honhi96825, 06/02/2006
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I traded in a 1999 Forester for this car and I love it! I looked at the 2006 Foresters and found the seats to be too uncomfortable. This Outback is much more comfortable, with better features (side curtain airbags, dual A/C control) than the LL Bean Forester. The clutch and shifting is much smoother than my 1999 car. Having power in the armrest allows me to use my iPod my more than ever before (I keep the adapter plugged in all the time). Overall, I'm happy with the purchase.
Great wagon!
Lou, 10/04/2006
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is our first Subaru and I'm happy we made the purchase. The turbo + AWD makes this a fun and spirited ride, particularly on wet on-ramps and on gravel roads. The leather seats are firm and comfortable for long trips, and the height off the road gives a good view to the surrounding traffic. The Subaru extended warranty was quite reasonable - as it should have been since the 3 yr/36,000 mile new vehicle warranty is inferior to most other manufacturers in this space. The handling is responsive, particularly when you realize how long and heavy this wagon is. The car is quiet -- both in the city and at highway speeds -- despite the large, open cabin. Fuel economy is reasonable, but low.
3rd Outback
TwoHawks, 01/20/2007
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I had 2 previous Outbacks...a 1997 which I totaled when run off the road (I walked away unhurt) and a 1999 which I gave to my son with 300,000 miles (he is still driving it...original engine). I just bought a 2006. Great improvements over previous models. I get 28 mph highway consistently.
6 Month Review
JM94, 02/07/2007
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I reviewed my "tank" at 1000 miles, now a follow up. 2.5i Nav. now 6700 miles. I average 23-25 mpg mixed, no problems so far. Has enough power for day to day, not a speedster. Ride is smooth, car has been very reliable. Great cargo room w/ seats down, enough for a 40 inch tv and stand. Took it out in the snow today. It handles well, great traction. It took hard acceleration and irresponsible turns to get it to fishtail, but it will. I floored it, jerked the wheel and found myself hitting a curb. The Outback was fine, but I think I broke the sidewalk. I did this in an empty parking lot, hey if you're going to drive in the snow, you have to know your vehicle. Confident, solid car, not sexy.
2006 Suburu Outback
Rodger, 02/19/2007
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Having my Subaru for over a year and through many conditions of snow sleet and ice, it has been nothing short of a great car and I would recommend it to anyone. It has quick response and is very sure footed even in the worse conditions. The only problem I had with the exterior design was the headlights that seem to collect salt and dirt very fast and reduce the light. I actually had to stop and scrape them off while driving. Interior is great. The heated cloth seats are standard and a great extra touch. Having been just quoted $750 for the 33,000 mile routine maintains from the dealership, I do recommend finding an alternative to the dealership once your warranty is up.
Good Car For The Money
Ben, 08/12/2007
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This has been a good car, but I have one issue with regard to the all wheel drive. When turning into an intersection from a stop on fresh snow, the rear wheels will kick in with too much power resulting in the rear end sliding sideways. The dealer says I am applying too much gas, but Consumer Reports experts agree w/ me on this issue. Also, the passing gear hesitates 2 or 3 seconds before activating. The inside use of cloth in some of the places that get dirtiest...visors, inside door walls behind the arm rests, etc. should be something washable. Also the light interior colors are impossible clean, especially the carpets and cloth seats. Opt for a darker colors unless pet hair is an issue.
love it
deb, 07/26/2022
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for about 8-10 years. wish it was newer but love it.great in snow ,heated seats, and plenty of room,
Excellent car
D.B. Cameron, 09/21/2007
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my third Subaru. The first (1985) lasted 10 years (in Ohio salt country); the second, 11 years (Ohio - > California); the third is just 1.5 years old and doing very well. Almost no post purchase fix ups. Very reliable. Decent fuel mileage (26-27), Really fine road handling (I used to have sports cars), great "mudder" (I live in the mountains and ski a fair amount). Good night road view. Only irritating problem is that, compared with my old Legacy, it is larger on the outside and smaller on the inside; strange engineering. So far, at least, it looks like another 10 or 12 year investment.
So Far, So Good
ob-skier, 07/24/2006
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought based on my mechanic recommending only Toyota, Honda, or Subaru. Had several friends with Outbacks. I considered the RAV4, CR-V, Accord, Legacy sedan. Would have gone with the Legacy, but no fold-down seats limits its utility. Gas mileage is ok - but expected with AWD.
Fun to Drive!
dg, 03/06/2008
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Easily the most fun and capable car that I have ever owned. The fuel efficiency is amazing and the size works great for surfing, snowboarding, etc. I definitely recommend this car!
2.5i Outback LTD
photomel, 07/06/2006
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Just got back from my first road trip in my new car. Enjoyed the performance and the feel of the car. There are a few things about the interior that I do not like (see below). I considered this purchase for a very long time and did a lot of research. I think it will meet my needs for a long tome to come. I am a first time Subaru owner, but based on how many people drive them here in Central Oregon I don't think I will be disappointed.
Practical
Ann, 12/05/2007
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I really like this car. I bought it because the price compared to other similar AWD vehicles was the lowest by far. I needed something that gets around well on snow and that my dog can be comfortable riding in. I have the green color but the interior only came in ivory cloth and when I get in my car after working out I leave sweat marks! The car doesn't get around in the snow as well as my 1999 CR-V but it still gets around. I find the delay in accelerating to pass annoying but not a fatal flaw. The get-up-and-go is the best of any 4 cylinder I've owned - even my husband commented. The seats are comfortable but really low to the ground. I needed a practical car and this is it.
Well worth the money
foxvalues, 07/26/2006
2006 Subaru Outback 3.0 R L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Wagon AWD w/NAVI (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Excellent car, fun to drive, luxurious feel.
Great Car
Bill T, 07/25/2020
2006 Subaru Outback 3.0 R L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Wagon AWD w/NAVI (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Good power with the 3.0L, AWD is great, lots of options.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
My first Subaru
bassmohn, 08/09/2006
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I'm just one of those people who likes wagons, and need once a week extra room but don't need a typical sized SUV or a van for the rest of my driving. The Outback is pretty much a base model with a couple extra option packages, power seat, dimming mirror plus a host of standard equipment - certainly is a comfortable well designed car. Its ride is comfortable and fairly compliant. The base 4 cylinder isn't spectacular, but once up to freeway speeds is peppy. I'm averaging 27.9 mpg over the first 7,000 miles, 80% freeway and 20% city. I'd easily get over 30 on continuous 70+MPH drives. Great car so far.
Traded Envoy for Subi
Troy, 10/19/2005
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We traded in our '02 Envoy for an '06 Outback Limited and are very pleased so far. Living in Chicago, the 4 cylinder (manual) has more than enough power (this coming from someone who went from 275hp to 168hp). And while our Outback can't handle the same "load" quantity as the Envoy, it's more than enough for a family of 3 who packs "heavy" (I got an aerator in the back the other day). Looked at other "cross-over" vehicles, and Outback is the best (especially when you factor in price). So far gas mileage good, but not "rating" - more like 20 city, 26 highway (all around avg on Envoy about 15). A great car for someone looking for a replacement to their traditional SUV.
Subaru happy
curt ritter, 01/13/2006
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have looked for several months for a vehicle including Ford, Toyota, Nissan, Dodge and Chevrolet. The best bargain that I found was the Outback. Great fuel economy and the handling is great. I would recommend purchasing a new one without question.
Snow King Subaru
Denny, 12/17/2005
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Took this Subaru hunting season in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where I live; the 2nd day our tent nearly collapsed due to 14" of heavy wet snow that fell while we were sleeping. We were 1/4 mile off the main road, had to cut trees off the road to clear the way. Drove the Subaru out breaking trail through 14" of heavy wet greasy snow and it never faltered or had any traction problems ... used to 4 wheel drive trucks and this was a wonderful surprise to me. Traction was great in a worst case scenario.
I love my first Subie!
nhsubie, 07/07/2009
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my first Subaru and it won't be my last! We shopped around for months for a solid used car and finally decided on the 06 Outback Limited after driving the new Jetta, Rabbit, Civic, Fit, CRV, v50, Forester, Sonata, and old 04 Outback. The 06 Outback Limited outshines them all! This car has everything you would ever want in a car - AWD, HUGE moonroof, heated seats, leather, turning radius, 28 mpg, smooth ride, and space to haul. And at $14k, it's a steal!
Refined vehicle
Nate, 12/18/2005
2006 Subaru Outback 3.0 R 4dr Wagon AWD (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Definitely a step up from the previous generation Outbacks, a lot of thought went into improving the interior design and materials. The H6 pulls nicely, very smooth motor. Would like to see better fuel economy, a mix of hwy/city is giving between 18-20.
First Subaru former Toyota owner
marcob68, 01/13/2006
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great handling, mileage now averaging 27.6 mix of mostly highway and 10% city. Interior finish is excellent and everything works the way it should. Acceleration without turbo is very good and no problems cruising at 75. Radio and CD changer sound quality are very good. Much tighter handling than prior Toyotas.
Not Too Impressed
John, 02/11/2006
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 5 people found this review helpful
After extensive research on the Internet I decided on this Outback 2.5i base model. Car looks very nice, is comfortable to drive and has nice handling and performance. Feels as safe as a tank to drive. However, the interior trim material is extremely poor. It has developed all sorts of intermittent squeaking and rattling (have to turn up the radio just to cover it up when driving). The dealer says all those noises are normal for this car. Also the engine is extremely loud at ignition, sounds like it is going to breakdown. I was expecting a great car when buying but ended up with just a good car. Also very poor gas mileage of 22 MPG on mixed driving. Car didn't meet my expectations.
Worst car I've ever owned!!
Jen, 02/17/2010
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
6 of 19 people found this review helpful
This is the worst car I've ever owned. NO steering control on snowy roads. Brakes smokes and won't respond in wet, snowy weather. Car stops for no reason in the middle of the road with no warning. Have to replace oil every time I stop for gas because it burns out completely. Had the engine almost seize because of this! DO NOT Buy!!!!!