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 31 through 40 of 111.00

• 

  Nightmare of a car! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Ray Balker - January 21 - 1:06 am

  Do not even think of touching this piece of junk. This thing shifts like crazy. During a gear shift, the car slows down by a couple of MPH and revs up to another couple of MPH. I have back pain and neck pain because of this. The car talk guys were right, buy this if you want to be whiplashed every day and every time you drive this car.

• 

  2006 Forester - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By K Barnes - January 1 - 2:10 pm

  I wanted a car for snow trips that got better mileage than my gas guzzling Jeep Wrangler. I average 22-24 in town and once got 31 mpg going 65 on the flats of Utah. It is a stick. Does great in snow. It is also roomy because of its boxy shape. The rear seat footroom is minimal however. The headrests are too far forward. The black dotted material on the door will chafe your elbows if you rest them there. I find the car quiet which others say is noisy. Car has tight turning radius. Did not buy it for its looks. Is functional not fashionable. High ground clearance prevents a lot of bottoming out. Needs a telescoping steering wheel. Have to reach too far to reach wheel with seat back.

• 

  Best of All Options - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By MDS - December 7 - 2:46 pm

  I shopped for months comparing the CR-V, RAV4, Murano, FX35, Pilot, MDX, Tucson, etc. and kept returning to the Forester. Having put 1,400 miles driving it in 6 days, I feel great about my decision. The turbo gives me the acceleration of a sportscar, while the raised stance and AWD allow for off-road ventures, and the sunroof almost make it seem like a convertible. Gas mileage is exactly what the EPA says; 26 highway, 21 city, average 23 mpg on premium. Some road noise but engine is quiet. I could not be happier with the car or my purchase experience!

• 

  Safe, well handling vehicle - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By safetyminded - October 12 - 8:43 pm

  Have a 40 mile daily commute on hilly and winding back roads. Subaru performs well in all seasons. Effective fog lights in inclement weather.

• 

  Great car - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Dutch - August 11 - 9:40 pm

  I am a Subaru junky! It is wonderful on wet, dry, snow, but ice---well ice is ice. Never had a problem with any of my Subarus.

• 

  A Super AWD - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Greg S - August 9 - 8:26 pm

  I am very happy with the 06 Forester X, 5 speed. It has great acceleration, handling and fuel economy. The visibility is great and it is easy to park. Adjustments for the seat height and steering wheel are great to accommodate smaller drivers. Plenty of room in the trunk for our large dog and the rubber cargo mat is highly recommended. Incredible amount of standard equipment and very good pricing. Nicely improved from 05.

• 

  Great Car - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Carol Bertanza - July 24 - 7:00 am

  I owned a Toyota Highlander. I have a very bad lumbar problem. The seats were to short in the highlander for leg support. My Forester seats are great. Everything about my Forester is great. Fun to drive, the sun-roof is so big its like having a convertible when open. Most important VERY COMFORTABLE - cant say enough GREAT things about this car. Best I have ever owned!

• 

  This is my third Forester - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By janet - June 13 - 7:00 pm

  I love the Forester. It really meets my needs. I live in a large city where parking is limited and I find the ease of handling and parking to be wonderful. The 2006 has more leg room in width than my previous Foresters. Also the console and dash are in a better position. I had a bad car accident in 2001 (kid on a cell phone) and the Forester saved my life. I dont know if I will ever own any other car! It takes regular fuel, a plus for me. I have never had problems with any of my Foresters and dont expect any now with the new one. I didnt replace my second Forester; its still in the family.

• 

  Should be a Best Buy - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By timberwolf - April 25 - 10:56 am

  Drove the others; wish Toyota hadnt supersized their RAV-4, Honda close, Saturn not yet, I agree with "Car & Driver" Best in Class.

• 

  Our first Subie - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Pat - February 6 - 7:53 am

  Only had it for a couple of days but so far it exceeds all expectations. This is as pleased as I have been with a car purchase since I was 19 -- Im 54. Acceleration, fit and finish, fun to drive, utility; it has it all. This is my wifes driver and she loves it. Great deal to boot!