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 1 through 10 of 111.00

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  OK but still room for improvement - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By bobo - September 12 - 6:56 am

  The Forester replaced a 2003 Honda CR-V. The Forester has acceleration equal to the Honda, but I expected the Forester to be better since it has more horsepower and less weight. The Forester has much better handling on mountain roads (where I mostly drive). The Honda had disc brakes on all wheels, but Subaru saved a few bucks by providing drum brakes at the rear. The Honda had much more interior room and miscellaneous storage spaces. The Forester has some annoying buzzes and rattles in the dash area on rough roads. Even at 75,000 miles, the Honda had none. The controls on the Forester lack the silky smoothness of the Honda. The Honda (EX model) had a better sound system.

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  2006 Forester X - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By subtex - June 1 - 5:20 am

  I traded in my 1998 Jeep Cherokee for the Forester. It was getting a little tired and I wanted something that would get better fuel economy and still have some off road capability. I wasnt disappointed in these 2 respects. The highway mileage is outstanding (31.6 on a recent trip) and the Forester is astonishing off road in deep sand and even climbing sand hills that we have out here in west Texas. It does however have a couple of annoying problems with the drivetrain management as mentioned in other Forester reviews. Those are the engine revving very high on cold starts and the drivetrain jerk at low speeds. Also the engine has a distinct lack of low end power in my opinion.

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  A safe vehicle, fun to drive - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Bayview6 - May 23 - 11:56 pm

  Just got back from a 3000+ mile road trip. The Forester cruises easily at 75+ mph and the seats and interior cabin are comfortable. Good reserve power for passing on 2 lane country roads. Plenty of cargo space. Good handling and brakes. Average mpg was 25 would be higher if I slowed down to 60 mph. Im glad I bought the vehicle. I havent driven it in really bad weather yet so Im waiting for winter to arrive.

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  Fun car but needs improvements! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By djenson - February 28 - 3:16 am

  I live in NCW Washington and drive 30 miles to work and this winter have had many challenges with record snow, fog and ice. I love the all wheel drive and the heated seats. I have had problems with the 36000 warranty and with Subaru following up and fixing a quality control problem.

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  Great Little Car - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By retrogrouch - December 31 - 5:46 pm

  I bought a white 2006 2.5X with a 5-speed manual transmission, including a rear differential cover, a Class II hitch, and mudflaps. The miles per gallon isnt quite what Id like to have, but otherwise its a great little car. For trips with my small family (spouse and small child), I put a Yakima RocketBox on the factory rack, and then we have plenty of room. The power is sufficient, and its surprisingly quiet on the road. The handling is very good, and the 5-speed is fun. I first thought that the hill-holder feature was only clever, but its actually useful. I like the clearance a whole bunch, and its cool to sit up in traffic too. Economical, roomy, dependable, comfortable, and quick. What more do most people need?

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  06 cheapened Forester - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Forester change - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Its a big mistake to eliminate the popular Forester "XS version" and replace it with a single 06 Forester X version that now requires adding on "options packages" to come even close to the excellent standard features of the 05 Forester XS. And dont let anyone tell you the new LL version matches the old XS - it doesnt. Watch for a big wave of people hoarding 05 XSs, because it came with a great standard package that people love, and you can actually know what youre getting when an "XS" comes back around used.

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  Subaru blows thru snow! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By April Oliveira - July 14 - 6:56 am

  Great car overall, sunroof problem but was replaced @ no cost, just my time. Wonderful in the snow as with good tires, drives thur deep snow better than my ex-suv.

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  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.

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  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.

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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!