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 21 through 30 of 111.00

• 

  Love my Subie! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Mrs. K - July 9 - 5:56 am

  This is the first Subie that I have owned and I am converted. I bought this car to replace a 2004 Nissan Xterra that was destroyed in a roll over. This car is great in the snow, safe, reliable, and fun to drive. My only complaint is the passenger volume as I have 3 month old twins and need the back seat for 2 rear facing car seats. With the car seats in place, the front seats are pushed forward quite a bit sacrificing a lot of front leg room. This isnt really a problem for me since I am only 53" but my 6 tall husbands knees are almost pushed into the dash. I am considering trading in the 2006 for a 2009 just for the larger interior. Overall, this car is a great alternative to large SUVs!

• 

  Love my Forester - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Peaches - June 20 - 9:46 pm

  I love my Forester. I average 25 mpg in city driving. My complaints are: I cant find it in the parking lot as readily as my old car, which was mica blue and stood out as opposed to my navy blue; and the front seat is not as comfortable as I would prefer on long trips (500+ miles one way). Took out backseat headrests as they blocked my rear vision somewhat. Overall am extremely pleased with my Forester. Highly recommend it.

• 

  Forester rating - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By forester rating - June 13 - 7:13 am

  Very quick. Great performer. Decent gas mileage. Awesome visibility for my 53" wife who traded in her Legacy.

• 

  Disappointing Experience - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Jason Tylers - June 7 - 8:03 pm

  I bought this car new and loved it at first. Within the first year the sunroof malfunctioned and would take several attempts to close. End of year 1 door lock broke. Year two car began leaking in the rain. End of year two engine light came on and car has spent more time in the shop than on the road. Subaru has not been able to fix the problem. At this point I am forced to consider legal options. I will never buy another Subaru again.

• 

  2006 Forester: Perfect for our family! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Everett - April 18 - 11:13 am

  We recently got our Subie in anticipation of our firstborn. Had an Audi A4 Quattro and we sad to see it go. Good news though - WE LOVE OUR FORESTER! We considered the RAV4, Highlander, CRV, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda 5 but ultimately could not resist on the Subaru Forester. Great value, spacious cargo interior, all-wheel drive, car-like feel, good engine response, quiet engine when idling. Ive used it to make dump-runs, loaded it up with moving boxes ... even with baby seat and stroller loaded up, theres still plenty of cargo space. My wife loves the storage compartments under the carpeting in the trunk (for jumper cables, bungee cords, large umbrella, etc).

• 

  2nd Subaru - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Bob - April 11 - 12:00 am

  This vehicle is a pleasure to drive. The standard 4 cylinder engine delivers sufficient power and steering is extremely responsive. Ride is comfortable, leg, shoulder and head room are all very sufficient. As to reliability we had a 84 Legacy Wagon that gave us 13 years with no major problems. We look forward to this vehicle to surpass that one.

• 

  First 20,000 fine so far - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By BNK - April 7 - 6:06 am

  GREAT visibility. Super easy to drive, back-up and park. Yes, its not the most comfortable...its not sold as a comfort car. Id rather have a little stiffness for the great handling. To those who think its so bad for your back...did you even test drive it? I get 26-28mpg with about 50/50 highway/city in our warm weather. No problems at all. Easy DIY oil changes. The car does need better tires and a thicker rear sway bar for those wanting performance. Car runs very smoothly and is more fun to drive than any of the past 4 Toyotas Ive owned.

• 

  Brilliant but frustrating. - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Joe - March 23 - 5:13 pm

  If you perform all dealer suggested service, will run you over $200/month. Engine is a marvel, but burns oil. Brakes feel soft, but perform well. Bought "program" car with 10k miles, should have had inspection.

• 

  Subaru Forester X - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Agent_N - March 17 - 2:50 am

  I like my Subie! Where else can you get a vehicle that has all-wheel drive and gets better than 29 MPG with mostly highway driving? I have owned my Forester for 3/4 of a year now and have had no problems so far (I purchased it used with 32,000ish miles). It gets around better in bad weather than the Jeep Cherokee Sport that I had previously owned. The interior has some rattles and the materials arent the best, but what do you expect to get on a vehicle with all-wheel drive for $22,000 or so? Gas mileage has varied from 23 in very cold weather (mostly city) to 36 at 55 MPH. I dont have a lead foot so that helps :) I usually average 30MPG at 65-75 MPH. 70-80% highway & the rest city.

• 

  1st Subaru after 17 years of Cherokees - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By babybob - February 7 - 1:33 am

  Since Jeep no longer made the Cherokee & gas prices are high, it seemed to be the logical choice to get a "highly regarded" Forester. Ive owned it for almost a year & have 12500 miles on it. The car (& make no mistake, it is a car) gets decent mileage for this type of vehicle, rides peppily after a bit of sluggishness at the start, & gives a decent ride on a nice dry highway. The build quality of the body seems flimsy, tinny. Doesnt come across as a sturdy car at all. Has developed several rattles & a crunching sound in the rear when going over speed bumps/dips. Experience in the snow has been frightful, if not downright dangerous. Useless in SLUSH(!) in city driving. Wont even think of taking it offroad.