Used 2006 Subaru Outback Sedan Consumer Reviews
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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)
9 of 11 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.
Makes driving fun again
LDH, 05/06/2008
2006 Subaru Outback 3.0 R L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I test drove this vehicle about 6-8 times comparing it to Audi, Lexus, Toyota, Acura, Nissan, BMW and each time the handling and "feel good" factor made the Outback the superior choice for me. My wife and I travel to the mountain states each year and can't wait to get into the Outback and put it through mountain roads at a good pace. We also have a Lexus RX 350 and we both barter to use the Subaru each week. If there is a hint of rain or severe weather, the Subaru is the automatic choice. Acceleration and the combined handling with the fuel economy is propelling this vehicle to compete with "all time favorite vehicle owned" for our house. A smart choice.
No more Subaru's!
nrosek, 08/23/2022
2006 Subaru Outback 3.0 R L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Loved this car initially, solid and classy - and fast. I bought this used back in 2011, with 63k miles. Not even after a month of owning, the CV boots were melted from the heat guard (or lack there of doing its job), a manufacturing defect. I had to have both front wheel bearings replaced. It was repairs like this that occurred more often than I thought acceptable. it seems like it was non-stop. Now comes the fun part. At 16 years, 126k miles, I was still in a reasonable mileage. 1) head gaskets blew going from CT to NY (overheating, the thermostat replaced, still overheating, oil mixing with coolant, etc). Then within a month, the transmission blew. Sent it off to cash for cars - shame bc the body, and frame were in great shape. Watch out for the alum on alum block. As for the transmission, maybe it was its time, but to be honest, this car was not reliable. Too many issues over the 11 years I owned it. Two stars to take into account the solid build, drive, fast acceleration, etc.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Sweet
Big Purple, 10/21/2005
2006 Subaru Outback 3.0 R L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Sedan AWD w/NAVI (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Having driven many of the Subaru wagons I thought I'd try this shorter version. Boy does it go. I think the AWD couple with the excellent handling will prove this model to be the best I have driven. Bring on the rain or snow.
Powerful Ride, Great Handling
Phipka, 11/22/2006
2006 Subaru Outback 3.0 R L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is my third new Subaru and there are noticeable improvements from model to model. The only real negative I see is a hesitation to accelerate. This is a real problem when coming onto a road past a blind curve or pulling onto a parkway with fast unforgiving traffic. Otherwise the car has amazing handling and is the best foul weather car I have ever driven in. It is a little closer to the ground than my 2000 Outback Limited offering excellent stability in the wind. I particularly liked the sport shift when I went over the 16% grade of the Sonora Pass in California this year - I really feel safe in this car under almost any condition. 19/25 mpg traffic/highway.
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.
best Subaru yet
Nell, 09/27/2005
2006 Subaru Outback 3.0 R L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had 6 Subarus over the years. 3 of them Outbacks. This car is fun to drive, has more than enough power, is strikingly handsome and has enough safety features to make my wife like it as much as I do.