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 81 through 90 of 111.00

• 

  Love our 06 Forester! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By RI-Jim - October 18 - 12:50 pm

  OK, weve had it just 2 1/2 months and 4,000 miles, but its an excellent vehicle. Peppy engine (for a non-turbo), nice ride, handles well, has AWD (great for NE winters). The Premium upgrade has heated seats, sun/moonroof, alloy wheels, heated mirrors & windshield, nice sound system. Quiet on the highway, with some engine noise at lower speeds. Getting 26 MPG in mixed driving, 29 highway. Very comfortable seats. Top-rated by Consumer Reports, with really good crash-test results too. Its just a great value!

• 

  My first Subaru - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By hairdog - October 16 - 11:40 pm

  I just purchased a used Subaru forester on Monday, just three days ago. I am completely surprised at the quality and power that this 4cyl has. I was driving a V6 and this is much more responsive and quicker. This is my first Subaru. I have owned nothing but American cars before. In just three days I would say that Im a convert for life, not just only based on my mere three days but on other Subaru owners that have told me their experiences. I love my Forester and cant wait to actually feel safe while driving in bad winter conditions. FOR ONCE! I highly recommend it to all. Buy a Subaru and you will not be disappointed.

• 

  Love my Subarus - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By SubieGuy - October 5 - 4:20 pm

  This is my third Subaru, my first two being Imprezas that I loved. I needed something with more cargo room, so why not an Impreza-based SUV? I was originally looking for an Outback Sport but drove the Forester and fell in love. Shes comfortable, full of features, relatively fast, gets great mileage (for an SUV) and actually FUN to drive.

• 

  2006 Forester first impressions - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By mack - July 26 - 12:16 am

  2006 Forester XT, compared to our 2003 Forester XS. Sleek and sporty. Minor visible changes all for the good. Much quieter, and car-like ride, yet very controlled. No wind noise. Engine is very quiet since it doesnt work hard to sprint off the line. Great power. No mileage check yet. The automatic transmission is very responsive, shifts the instant you need to accelerate. Has auto sports mode. Had to get it with leather and moonroof, part of the XT package. They are great. Seat is a little too hard for me. Climate control is great. New side mirrors are taller for better side and rear visibility. No flaws at all. Very well built. Great safety features and past safety record.

• 

  My Best Car - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Ray - July 14 - 12:40 am

  This is my best car buying experience to date. Found my 2006 Subaru Forester XT2.5 on the web. My sales "lady" was the best. Too bad she no longer works for the same dealership. Now I know why Subaru owners are very loyal. Car performs and handles like a race car.

• 

  A GREAT LITTLE SUV WAGON - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By JIM - June 12 - 6:46 pm

  What a great little SUV wagon, try it you love it. Drive it and you will be convinced that it is one of best all-wheel drive wagons on the road in this price range. This is my second Subaru Forester that I have own,

• 

  The Subaru Forester Has It Right! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Ken W. - April 21 - 3:56 am

  This car rides and feels like a quality vehicle at least double its price. Very comfortable in most every respect.

• 

  Update from Brunte - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Brunte - February 3 - 8:10 am

  Now at 29000 miles my earlier review still holds - no problems at all, and fuel consumption improving, now never below 27 and on long trips above 33 (if I stay at 60-65 mph).

• 

  After 46K - still and awesome car!! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By KW - December 11 - 3:56 am

  After 46,000 miles - I still love this car! Down the road, there will be a another Subie purchased; that is for sure. I wanted to pass along some advice. When replacing your tires, do not put the Geolanders HTs (OE) back on, these are not good tires. Subaru recommends H-rated tires; however, I replaced them with Yokohama Avid TRz which are t-rated and seems to do better overall. They ride quiet, handle great in rain and snow, and seem to last. Subaru should have made the TRz the OE tire. I have been averaging 27 mpg overall; best I got was 30, the worst I got was 21. Not bad at all. I love this car, and recommend it to anyone. The 09s are bigger and ride a little quieter

• 

  Great little car - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By higgledy - October 15 - 12:43 am

  This is my first Subaru. So far I have been pleased, 1000 miles and averaging 25 mpg. I looked Chevrolet, Honda and Toyota. I think the Forester is the best compromise between American comfortable cars and Japanese quality.