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 101 through 110 of 111.00

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  Wont buy this again - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By julie - November 22 - 9:20 pm

  I went from a Toyota 4 runner to Subaru LL Bean. I am highly disappointed. The leather seats are very cold in the winter until they warm up. Because of the heater design, my legs are too hot in summer and too cold in winter. The air just doesnt circulate down there. It comes out at chest level only. Passengers in the back seat freeze. The exterior paint job is very bad. It scratches incredibly easy. The windshield takes forever to thaw. It handles well in small amounts of snow but not in anything over 6 inches.

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  "It captures my youth again" - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Frank - November 18 - 3:56 pm

  It lives up to all its reviews and my review is that its an excellent car for todays driving with good mileage and excellent ride and a fun car!

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  Nice car, but uncomfortable seats - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Katharine - October 28 - 10:13 pm

  This is my first Subaru, and I bought it because I moved to the Pocono Mountains in PA, and lots of my neighbors recommended it. I did read that the seats were uncomfortable, and they ARE! Short drives are okay, but after about an hour, my back and bottom start to hurt. Cant something be done to make these seats more comfortable? I love everything else about the car.

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  Fun Car - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Rick - October 23 - 6:43 am

  My 2006 Forester is a 2.5X with the premium package. It is a fun car to drive; I like everything about it. The car drives like a sports car with good visibility and ground clearance to go on rough sandy roads. I replaced a 2001 Subaru Outback LL Bean. The Outback was a great car but never this enjoyable to drive.

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  SOLID & RELIABLE ALL WEATHER COMMUTER - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Brian McCloskey - July 5 - 5:16 am

  Ive driven this car now for a year and a half. During that time Ive put on 35,000 miles. I should add I downsized from a Toyota Landcruiser. The biggest question any prospective buyer wants to know is: "would you buy it again?" My answer would be a resounding YES. This is a super little vehicle. I dont know where some of these reviewers learned to drive in inclement weather, but we live in New England and ours flys in the snow. Never a hint of slipping. Creature comforts are average. I wish the cloth seats werent so prone to wearing and staining. But ours has over 50K miles on it and weve done nothing but change the oil. This is a great AWD vehicle with very good mileage.

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  Great Car - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Sue - June 29 - 1:30 am

  Love this car. Trouble free miles. Smooth handling, quiet and good visibility. No major problems. Outside temp sensor failed and was replaced quickly under warranty. Handles fantastic in the snow and ice.

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  OK Overall, Great in snow! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Higgledy - June 21 - 1:33 am

  After driving this car for 14 months and 36,000 miles I am ready to trade on something more refined. In 36,000 miles I had one major repair--replaced the catalytic converter, covered under warranty. But the thing that bothers me most is the rattles, noise, and harshness that have developed in 14 months.

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  A really nice SUV - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Jake - May 8 - 11:30 am

  I am not new to the Subaru family; I traded in a 2000 Forester with well over 150K on the clock for a new 06. This vehicle is better then ever. Worth a look for sure..

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  Sport & Luxury - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Karen - April 7 - 10:00 am

  The Forester XT is definitely a luxury SUV to me. It is sleek, but practical. It handles very well, hugging even fast turns nicely. It makes you feel confident. Im never afraid to merge. It has plenty of power. The heated seats are great. It is quite roomy and does pretty well for gas mileage as far as SUVs go. I love the leather interior. It is easy to clean and the overall appearance to me is just classy, but at the same time it is very practical. I feel really good about my choice. I honestly think it is my favorite car Ive ever owned. No regrets here.

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  2006 Subaru Forester 2.5XT Limited Turbo - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Ron - April 3 - 7:40 pm

  This is my fourth Subaru Forester. I cant seem to get enough of them. Each new model that I purchase seems to be better than the last. This has got to be the best of the bunch, particularly the acceleration, speed and overall comfort and convenience. I dont know how this one can be bettered except for having an interior dome light for the moonroof model(s)