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 11 through 20 of 111.00-
I love this car! - 2006 Subaru Forester
By luckyowner - February 27 - 10:23 amEvery day I drive it, I think to myself how lucky I am to have selected a Subaru Forester. It is perfect for the active sports lifestyle I live - a hitch for the bike rack, roof racks for the canoe, fold down to flat cargo area for sleeping when its too wet outside to sleep in the tent. All that and great handling in the snow on the way to the ski resort. I couldnt have asked for more features and at an extremely reasonable price.
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Best no compromise automobile - 2006 Subaru Forester
By rootsmanuva82 - February 24 - 9:49 pmThe Subaru Forester XT is quite possibly the best no compromise automobile you can buy. The XT combines WRX power, refined and responsive rally-bred handling and grip, smooth ride, comfort, safety and AWD versatility. Build quality is excellent and interior is very "bright" and airy with huge windows and a massive sunroof. Everything you touch is high quality. The XT builds speed with ease and goes down the highway like butter. The only con I can think of is so-so fuel economy. But with the performance you get, its expected.
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Repeat Forester Owner - 2006 Subaru Forester
By MaryM - January 2 - 4:46 amI love the Forester. Living in New England it has been the perfect car for my family -- it performs well in all weather types, especially the snow. Its compact size is a plus when it comes to parking or city driving. Rear passenger seats could use with a bit more leg room but overall, not a complaint. Recently purchased the 06 LL Bean edition to replace our 06 2.5X that was totaled in an accident. Walked away with only scratches from a seat belt despite the wreckage. If we hadnt been sold on its safety rating the first time around, we are now and we went straight back to the dealer to replace it! Held up its value well & when it comes time to replace our other car, to Subaru we go!
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Great Little Car - 2006 Subaru Forester
By retrogrouch - December 31 - 5:46 pmI bought a white 2006 2.5X with a 5-speed manual transmission, including a rear differential cover, a Class II hitch, and mudflaps. The miles per gallon isnt quite what Id like to have, but otherwise its a great little car. For trips with my small family (spouse and small child), I put a Yakima RocketBox on the factory rack, and then we have plenty of room. The power is sufficient, and its surprisingly quiet on the road. The handling is very good, and the 5-speed is fun. I first thought that the hill-holder feature was only clever, but its actually useful. I like the clearance a whole bunch, and its cool to sit up in traffic too. Economical, roomy, dependable, comfortable, and quick. What more do most people need?
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Love My 2006 Forester Premium - 2006 Subaru Forester
By Kathy - December 12 - 5:53 pmIm very, very, happy with this vehicle. Great handling and no problems with the snowy backroads of upstate NY due to AWD. Getting about 23 MPH on average - more would be be nice. Armrest/cup holder setup leaves a lot to be desired. Replaced the tires and added tint to the windows straight away. Love sunroof and CD changer. MP3 outlet would be a nice touch. Hate that seat belt chime - would like to turn off while just sitting with the car in park. Excellent crash test reviews - love the side curtain airbag feature. Would buy this car again in a heartbeat.Wish there was a closer dealer. A great deal for the money - holds its resale value well. Overall very satisfied. Highly recommended!
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Forester in the mountains - 2006 Subaru Forester
By brunte - October 23 - 11:33 pm200 miles daily commute in a Chevy Suburban is not practical, so I got a Subie. Best MPG at 29,9, worst at 26. Without exceeding speed limits (by much) the Forester "saves" more than 50 hours per year due to superior cornering on the mountain roads I travel. After driving it for 12,000 miles, I just regret not spending a few thousands more for a turbo.
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BEYOND EXPECTATIONS - 2006 Subaru Forester
By Ed & Veve - September 19 - 4:36 pmWeve been searching our second vehicle, an ideal SUV, for 6-months and decided only to purchase the 2006 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium during the last week. Our first choice for several months was the Highlander. We also looked at the RAV-4, CR-V, Equinox, and Escape. But, one week before our scheduled purchase date, the Forester came to our attention. We compared it to the Highlander and found out that its more ideal for us. At a drive-out price of $25,400, the Forester is more equipped than the Highlander. After driving the Forester for 1 week, we really have fun driving it. The engine is strong yet very quiet. Car-like comfort from steering, pedals, and controls. No wind noise at speed.
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06 cheapened Forester - 2006 Subaru Forester
By Forester change - August 31 - 2:00 amIts a big mistake to eliminate the popular Forester "XS version" and replace it with a single 06 Forester X version that now requires adding on "options packages" to come even close to the excellent standard features of the 05 Forester XS. And dont let anyone tell you the new LL version matches the old XS - it doesnt. Watch for a big wave of people hoarding 05 XSs, because it came with a great standard package that people love, and you can actually know what youre getting when an "XS" comes back around used.
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You have to drive it! - 2006 Subaru Forester
By John I - August 19 - 12:06 pmI bought a 2006 XT. I love it. It is fast, comfortable and cruses on the highway with ease. The agility is unbelievable and when you drive it, it feels like a bigger car. The automatic transmission downshifts quickly and smoothly. I have one problem; my wife drove it and now I have two XTs.
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Subaru blows thru snow! - 2006 Subaru Forester
By April Oliveira - July 14 - 6:56 amGreat car overall, sunroof problem but was replaced @ no cost, just my time. Wonderful in the snow as with good tires, drives thur deep snow better than my ex-suv.
