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-
Subaruy - 2006 Subaru Forester
By realreview - December 13 - 10:16 amFXT is a great example of a Subaru. Its not perfect but it makes you happy. Dont know what else gives you what the manual/turbo Forester has for a reasonable price. But I like and bought because of ride height, performance, utility, reliability. I prefer this to my 04 wrx and 05 legacy GT. If you are thinking about this car things you get are: great visibility, ride height, 4wd, utility, reliability, performance (as easy or easier than wrx to mod if you want to). Things youll have to live with: ugly (it is but its ok) gas mileage (good for what it is but not amazing), bit of wind noise. Not perfect but just does everything and makes you happy.
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Fun to Drive - 2006 Subaru Forester
By Analei - November 30 - 9:13 amYes, fun to drive. Its not even a year old and Im going to pass the 20,000 mile mark this week. I didnt notice how smooth this car is until I got into a friends PT Cruiser...yuk! My Forester handles well, is comfortable but firm. I hate a boat-like ride or big suvs. Im averaging 27.5 mpg which is nice. I love the big windows and the cover in the back to cover my shopping bags, especially at Christmas time. All the gauges are logically placed and I can finally reach the radio in a car without leaning over! Id buy it again if I needed a car right now.
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The Ultimate sleeper & Stealth machine! - 2006 Subaru Forester
By Bren - October 11 - 6:40 pmThis is our second Forester (my wife drives a 2003 XS with PP). The power of the turbo is outstanding, yet it is still very practical & enjoyable on long drives....went to Washington DC & spent time in cottage country of central Ontario. Looking forward to the winter time with one of the best full time AWD systems in the industry!
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I like my Forester - 2006 Subaru Forester
By Venkee - August 13 - 1:56 pmThe Subaru has very appealing interiors compared to other compact/small cars. It is certainly different from the boring Corollas. One of the best things about a Forester is the visibility. The visibility itself is a great safety feature. It handles like a car and I feel pretty safe sitting in a Forester. One thing that they can do better is the finishing. There are a couple of allen screws projecting out on the frame right behind the doors. Also, you see plastic rivets on the roof. They should have had some way of not having nuts and bolts projecting out and being visible. But, that is a minor flaw.
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Better Than Expected - 2006 Subaru Forester
By Vera - March 27 - 4:33 pmBought this car after viewing Consumer Reports; safety and handling are definite concerns. The Forester handles like a dream in inclement weather, really sticks to the ground around curves. Gas mileage runs 22-23 mpg, was expecting a bit better but still good. Only thing I dislike about the car is the drivers cupholders and center armrest, not convenient nor comfortable. Otherwise, its a great car!
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I love this car! - 2006 Subaru Forester
By luckyowner - February 27 - 10:23 amEvery day I drive it, I think to myself how lucky I am to have selected a Subaru Forester. It is perfect for the active sports lifestyle I live - a hitch for the bike rack, roof racks for the canoe, fold down to flat cargo area for sleeping when its too wet outside to sleep in the tent. All that and great handling in the snow on the way to the ski resort. I couldnt have asked for more features and at an extremely reasonable price.
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Best no compromise automobile - 2006 Subaru Forester
By rootsmanuva82 - February 24 - 9:49 pmThe Subaru Forester XT is quite possibly the best no compromise automobile you can buy. The XT combines WRX power, refined and responsive rally-bred handling and grip, smooth ride, comfort, safety and AWD versatility. Build quality is excellent and interior is very "bright" and airy with huge windows and a massive sunroof. Everything you touch is high quality. The XT builds speed with ease and goes down the highway like butter. The only con I can think of is so-so fuel economy. But with the performance you get, its expected.
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Repeat Forester Owner - 2006 Subaru Forester
By MaryM - January 2 - 4:46 amI love the Forester. Living in New England it has been the perfect car for my family -- it performs well in all weather types, especially the snow. Its compact size is a plus when it comes to parking or city driving. Rear passenger seats could use with a bit more leg room but overall, not a complaint. Recently purchased the 06 LL Bean edition to replace our 06 2.5X that was totaled in an accident. Walked away with only scratches from a seat belt despite the wreckage. If we hadnt been sold on its safety rating the first time around, we are now and we went straight back to the dealer to replace it! Held up its value well & when it comes time to replace our other car, to Subaru we go!
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Love My 2006 Forester Premium - 2006 Subaru Forester
By Kathy - December 12 - 5:53 pmIm very, very, happy with this vehicle. Great handling and no problems with the snowy backroads of upstate NY due to AWD. Getting about 23 MPH on average - more would be be nice. Armrest/cup holder setup leaves a lot to be desired. Replaced the tires and added tint to the windows straight away. Love sunroof and CD changer. MP3 outlet would be a nice touch. Hate that seat belt chime - would like to turn off while just sitting with the car in park. Excellent crash test reviews - love the side curtain airbag feature. Would buy this car again in a heartbeat.Wish there was a closer dealer. A great deal for the money - holds its resale value well. Overall very satisfied. Highly recommended!
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Forester in the mountains - 2006 Subaru Forester
By brunte - October 23 - 11:33 pm200 miles daily commute in a Chevy Suburban is not practical, so I got a Subie. Best MPG at 29,9, worst at 26. Without exceeding speed limits (by much) the Forester "saves" more than 50 hours per year due to superior cornering on the mountain roads I travel. After driving it for 12,000 miles, I just regret not spending a few thousands more for a turbo.
