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 41 through 50 of 111.00

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  Love it! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By AG - October 8 - 3:23 am

  I had 2002 Forester X for four years and I really liked it. But then traded it for 2006 XT and thats the huge difference! I love that car. I love the acceleration, and not only from the stop, but it feels like it always has more power and can jump forward. What a surprise for BMW drivers! Nice cornering, good braking. Drove in February on snowy and icy freeway between Detroit and Chicago - no problem with traction or anything else. When my lease expires in two years I will have another Forester, or maybe even keep this one. Money well spent!

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  Good but not exciting - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By dereko - October 6 - 11:56 am

  I bought my 06 forester 3 years ago and after 46K miles I cant really complain. It always starts w/o hesitation and everything works like new. I have had the occasional engine hesitation; step on the gas slightly and it takes a second or two before it responds. I dont know if this is a electronic throttle or transmission bug. Needs more front shoulder and leg width. The center console will give your leg a mean cramp if you dont use the cruise control on drives over an hour. Backseat legroom is nil. Unfortunately, Im starting to get the usual squeaks in and around the dash. Its overall a good vehicle but after 3 years it just hasnt grow on me.

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  Dress for work, minus the heels! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By HellOnWheels - September 8 - 4:30 am

  Love the car! Cannot drive with heels, even a one inch heel-almost got stuck when shifting. Too bad, its a drag for that reason. The moon-roof deflector (optional) is a catch-all for water, and acorns. If you havent had your "wake-up" coffee, you may end up getting an unexpected shower or lap full of acorns! Shoddy option. Also water stained the interior ceiling because of this. Leather interior had a pungent smell for the longest time. Had to get air neutralizer! Cowhide, not plush. Great comfort on long trips, fast and quiet and rugged! I love the car, although may trade it in if changes are made down the road--2008? Well see.

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  1st Subaru - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Eugene - August 18 - 8:40 pm

  Bought our first Subaru 2 months ago. Also looked at RAV4 and CR-V. So far were not disappointed. Getting about 25 MPG mixed driving. Overall an excellent car!

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  Replaced a 1998 Forester L - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By toddtas - June 28 - 10:56 pm

  New Forester is tighter and way more fun to drive with the improved acceleration.

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  2006 SECOND FORESTER - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By BOB K - June 12 - 5:16 pm

  The 2006 Forester ride and performance was greatly improved over the 2002. Driving the Forester with the larger engine is like driving a sport sedan not an suv. I was very surprised. The quality of the vehicle has improved greatly. Not that my 2002 was a disappointment; I had 90,000 trouble free miles and spend $1700.00 in maintenance in four and one half years. The RAV-4 and Honda CR-V rode more like a truck and cost considerably more.

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  A Very Pleasant Surprise... - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Terry - May 28 - 4:50 pm

  I wanted a AWD/4 Wheel Drive car. I had decided on the Kia Sportage. I liked the looks, features & great warranty. Wasnt so impressed with the mileage, or uncertain reliability record after being brought back after being off market a few years. I saw the reviews of the 2005 Forester here, and then saw Consumer Reports TOP RATED the Forester, and decided to look deeper. I was very pleasantly surprised! The start from stop, without the turbo, was as strong or more so than our Camry, which had originally moved me from the V-6s. Fit, finish and ride are super. I drove it from Palm Springs to Reno and loved it in the mountains. Averaged 26.5 combined, 1500 miles. I am completely pleased.

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  I love my 2006 Subaru Forester !!!! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Action Dan - May 10 - 6:56 am

  First , I never thought that I would ever buy a Japanese Car (I always bought Fords).But I wanted to make sure I was getting the best car for the money so I test drove and researched many cars in this class.I was pretty much sold on the Forester as soon as I drove it.Now I know why Consumer Reports ranks this as the #1 vehicle in its class.The Forester rides and handles just like a car. It is very nimble, corners like a champ and peppy for a 4 cyl.It gives you all the good features of a car (good handling, ride and gas mileage)and all the good features of an SUV (All Wheel Drive, Great Visibility and Cargo Space).I also bought the Forester for its reputation for reliability and safety

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  Dont get a 2006 5-speed manual - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By wlv - March 22 - 2:26 am

  Bought new 5-speed in Oct 05. Problems after 2 weeks. After "cold starting" vehicle and putting in gear, when clutch is pressed in, RPMs shoot up to 3000+. When clutch is released, RPMs go to around 1500. Press clutch in again, RPMs shoot back up. Can put car in 1st gear, and without pressing accelerator, car accelerates to about 20mph with RPMs climbing to 3000+. One time I kept clutch depressed to observe RPMs. RPMs went through a series of about 6 large damped oscillations over a period of 30- 45 seconds. Malfunction is very repeatable. Took car to 2 dealerships. Neither able to diagnose and repair. Safety concern ... so I am contacting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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  Favorite Car in 40 years of driving - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Jesse - March 9 - 9:16 am

  I have owned this car for only a few months and have put a quick 12,000 miles on it. I have never owned a car that felt more secure on the road, in all kinds of weather. I drive it mostly in town, but also have taken it now on several 1400 mile round trips on interstate highways, and it handles those high speeds and long hours effortlessly.