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 51 through 60 of 111.00-
Lacking Quality 2006 - 2006 Subaru Forester
By Robdisc1 - February 13 - 12:33 amMy Subarus main problem is its HESITATION on take off. It has about a 2 second hesitation when pulling out after pressing the gas pedal. Dangerous to plan your entrance into heavy traffic. Seems a bit life threatening. Also, the roof rack whistles pretty loud. I also get a burnt oil smell as it warms up. Lastly it gets door dings very easily. Ive had a new car every year for the last 9 years. This one is the worst. The dealer told me the hesitation problem is being worked on by Subaru and Id be notified; that was 8 months ago.
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my second Forester - 2006 Subaru Forester
By ij39mf - December 3 - 3:06 pmWe love our Forester. Good visibility, heated mirrors, stays on the road no matter what you try to do.
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Great Practical Vehicle - 2006 Subaru Forester
By spartikus - November 8 - 12:22 pmI bought this vehicle with 76000 miles on it. It runs and drives like a new one! The AWD feature is amazing in the snow and on ice. The interior is a little cheap, but its not bad. It is a perfect car for us as we have one infant whose carseat sits in the middle of the rear seat. The boxer motors are bulletproof and as far as people saying it is like a rollercoaster.....its an AWD vehicle. There is going to be an obvious deceleration when going through gears. There is more friction to keep power to all wheels. I would highly recommend this vehicle.
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Just never fell in love - 2006 Subaru Forester
By collmm - September 15 - 7:30 pmI wanted another AWD wagon after trading my 4Motion Passat & purchased the Forrester. This was a logical decision but a big mistake. No mechanical problems just a boring vehicle to drive compared to the Passat. I love wagons but the Forrester exterior is simply unattractive and the paint is cheap! Cheap looking but sturdy interior finishes. My driving is pretty habitual but the gas mileage varied widely in town from 17 to 26 mpg and had to calculate that by hand-no digital "mpg" or "miles to empty" on the Forrester. Ive just traded the Forrester after only 5 months for a 2006 Volvo S60 AWD and I have no regrets.
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My wife is happy - 2006 Subaru Forester
By Happy Husband - July 12 - 9:56 pmThis is our first Subaru and my wife loves it. She says with this car, she feels like going somewhere (without being driven). You cant get more praise than that. My wife hates driving!
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Fuel Problems - 2006 Subaru Forester
By Richard - July 5 - 3:46 pmI bought a new 06 Forester with the 5-speed manual transmission in Sept 05. After 3800 miles, it has three annoying, potentially dangerous characteristics. The engine races uncontrollably during cold starts after the clutch is released, it bucks when throttle is lightly depressed, and engine speed cycles when slowing to a stop with clutch depressed. The cold start problem is dangerous, as the car will accelerate briskly and unexpectedly to 20 MPH. I havent run into anything yet, but I caution other drivers about this condition. The dealer is cooperative but unable to fix the problem. Subaru says all 06 Forester 5-speeds do this. They are working on a fix, but nothing yet.
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We bought another one! - 2006 Subaru Forester
By Dave - July 3 - 2:36 pmWe traded in a 2003 Forester. The new one is very similar but with a vast improvement in brake pedal travel. My wife loves this car more than her first.
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A Joy to Drive! - 2006 Subaru Forester
By jlt - June 29 - 4:03 amIve only had my Forester for a month, but already love it! It is an absolute joy to drive, so much so that I find myself creating reasons to get out on the road. Its got fantastic pick up and is so responsive that I think I could drive it with my little finger. Ive also found it to be a very quiet drive and it has terrific visibility. Much better than any of my other recent cars. I had a Subaru once before and am I glad that I came back for another!
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Great SUV for average family - 2006 Subaru Forester
By jrm - February 1 - 7:43 amWe have found this SUV to meet are needs to a tee, it is not for the off road crowd. But it will get the average person anywhere they want to go. In the city it handles the traffic and parking with no problem. Logging roads and trails back to your favorite fishing spot this SUV gets you there where a bigger vehicle would not even fit. Getting to work, store or home in any reasonable snow storm is a breeze. And you dont feel like you are stopping all the time to fill up with gas. This is just the kind of vehicle that you just jump into and go. You just know it will start and get you where you need to be in a safe and efficient manner. After a while you take it for granted.
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OUR FIRST SUBARU - 2006 Subaru Forester
By awporbb1 - December 24 - 12:41 amI bought a 2006 for my wife when it was a yr old w/25000 miles. My wife was a home hospice nurse @ the time, and traveled everyday to patients homes. Even during the bad snow stom of 2008, she made all her visits without even one slip, slide, or getting stuck. Had performed SUPERBLY during bad winter weather. Youll be glad you bought a Saburu with AWD. A very secure feeling. In fact, we;re picking up ou 2011 Subaru outback tomorrow for ME.
