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 11 through 20 of 111.00-
Good but not exciting - 2006 Subaru Forester
By dereko - October 6 - 11:56 amI 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 amLove 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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Dont get a 2006 5-speed manual - 2006 Subaru Forester
By wlv - March 22 - 2:26 amBought 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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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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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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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.
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Possibly the most functional car....not the best looking - 2006 Subaru Forester
By dukedokken - October 6 - 3:19 pmIve been the sole wonder of my 06 Forester XT. Theres been a few times when Ive wanted to trade it for something different to switch it up, but its almost impossible because you feel like youre getting less of a car. Pros. Panoramic Sunroof, heated leather seats, handles all real world weather conditions, reliable, XT is VERY fast, quiet, good sound system. reliable Cons maintenance can be pricey
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Oz Subaru experience - 2006 Subaru Forester
By Martin Berry - June 29 - 10:16 pmThe Forester is great, traveling nicely on a recent trip to Cairns [about 3000 miles]. Gear shift is easy to use, the 2.5 petrol engine has plenty of grunt and the reinforced suspension is much stiffer than the old version. I like the versatility, storing lots of stuff in the back, carrying canoes on the top, driving long distances listening to CDs or the stereo etc. It is nearly as good as my wifes Outback, so that is saying something!
