Overview & Reviews

Subaru has made many small but significant changes to the Forester for 2006. Foresters with normally aspirated engines have a new variable valve-lift system that bumps horsepower from last year's 165 to 173, while turbo Foresters have a higher compression ratio and redesigned intake and exhaust components for a 20-hp boost to 230 and cleaner tailpipe emissions. The manual and automatic transmissions have also been updated for better performance, as has the suspension. Interested shoppers should also note that Subaru has simplified the Forester's trim levels, freshened up the exterior styling and added more thigh support to the rear seat.

• Standard all-wheel drive, two engine choices, availability of upscale features, class-leading crash test scores, rides and handles like a car.

• Costs more than many competitors, tight on legroom in the backseat.

User Reviews:

Showing 91 through 100 of 111.00

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  Update - 1st Subaru for Me - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By MB - September 27 - 8:36 am

  Had the car since April 06, and after about 6,000 miles, it just hasnt grown on me. The guy who complained about the jerky ride is right -- sometimes it feels like a roller coaster because the engine speeds up and slows down so much. And yes to the skewed consumer magazine opinions -- the Forester X does not deserve a top rating. I dont get near the 25 MPG the others talk about. I am lucky to get 21 MPG. I had a Jeep Liberty before the Subaru, and I cant wait to go back to Jeep. I havent driven the Subaru in the snow yet, and if it doesnt perform like my Jeep, its going! Havent gained respect for the Subaru like I did for the Jeep (owned 4 Jeeps prior to the Forester).

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  Would buy another one - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Venator - August 23 - 11:43 pm

  Ive had my Forester for a little over 4 years now. It has served me well in the city and on back-country roads. It does an excellent job in ice and snow, is easy to park, and carries a lot of gear. With the XT package it has more than enough pick up and is a lot of fun to drive.

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  MY 06 SUBARU - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By roger evans - June 7 - 6:00 am

  Car has exceptional quality and handling; the only problem is I am a big man and getting in and out is a little problem at times. If you could make an auto seat that would drop back when getting out and return you to where you were comfortable when getting back in would be exceptional design. Otherwise my Subaru is an great auto.

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  Im officially a "Subie" now. - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Ohio State Buckeye - May 19 - 7:16 pm

  We just purchased a 2006 Subaru Forester X-Premium (Champaign Opal Gold) - loaded. We absolutely love this vehicle. I had 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (V-8) before this vehicle, which was a gas guzzler, needless to say. We love this car, fun to drive, peppy with 173-hp and 0-60 in about 8 seconds. Also, 23 city and 29 highway, not bad at all for a car with that kind of pick-up. With a lower center of gravity (boxer engine), the car handles like a sports car in the corners; you dont get the tilt in the turns as you do with other vehicles. Quality is top notch on the same line as Toyota and Honda. The resale value in very good as well. I would again purchase another Subaru.

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  Great vehicle!! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By DRE in KS - April 9 - 7:56 pm

  This is my 4th Subaru, but first Forester. XT model is loaded with lots of nice options that make it near a luxury car feel. Comfortable and stylish and it will blow the little sports cars and luxury SUVs off the line (not that I would do such a thing).

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  Subaru Forester X premium - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By maverick - March 11 - 1:40 am

  The car is a winner with great IIHS crash test ratings. For me it was a toss up between a Toyota RAV4 and this . When it comes to winter driving the Forester beats the RAV4 . During extreme driving conditions , the risk of driving is increased and my motive of buying the Forester was for times like these.

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  THINKING, FEELING, DRIVING! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Linda - February 28 - 5:36 am

  Best car ever. The buying experience was non-pushy, caring and my sales consultant still is in contact with me ... amazing. Ive owned a BMW325 then a stupid KIA Sportage. Fish tail city on ice with the KIA. The Beemer was nice in bad weather, still slid on ice at rare times but ... my Forrester is just a sure footed, fun driving experience. Deep NYC rain, snow, ice, sharp cornering, passing; no problem. I look for reasons to drive. I call my car an engineering marvel. My honey, an electrical engineer says the same. I LOVE my Forester.

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  A winner - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Bill - February 26 - 7:40 pm

  This is my 5th Subaru and all have served me very well. The handling and performance are excellent. It has a smooth ride and visibility is excellent. Subaru always produces a durable and well engineered car, so I expect this one to be no different.

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  Great Small SUV - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Jennifer - January 23 - 11:56 pm

  I love this vehicle. I previously owned a Toyota Camry, but wanted AWD. The Subaru Forester handles great and is a pleasure to drive, excellent safety scores! I enjoy driving because of my Forester.

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  Small SUV with Spunk - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By ERM - December 1 - 8:36 am

  Good power on steep hills while rather smooth ride for an SUV. Great value for the cost.