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Used 2006 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
118 reviews

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5 out of 5 stars

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
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.38 out of 5 stars

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!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

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!

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3 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

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.

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