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

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  BEYOND EXPECTATIONS - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Ed & Veve - September 19 - 4:36 pm

  Weve been searching our second vehicle, an ideal SUV, for 6-months and decided only to purchase the 2006 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium during the last week. Our first choice for several months was the Highlander. We also looked at the RAV-4, CR-V, Equinox, and Escape. But, one week before our scheduled purchase date, the Forester came to our attention. We compared it to the Highlander and found out that its more ideal for us. At a drive-out price of $25,400, the Forester is more equipped than the Highlander. After driving the Forester for 1 week, we really have fun driving it. The engine is strong yet very quiet. Car-like comfort from steering, pedals, and controls. No wind noise at speed.

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  You have to drive it! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By John I - August 19 - 12:06 pm

  I bought a 2006 XT. I love it. It is fast, comfortable and cruses on the highway with ease. The agility is unbelievable and when you drive it, it feels like a bigger car. The automatic transmission downshifts quickly and smoothly. I have one problem; my wife drove it and now I have two XTs.

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  Love my Subie! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Mrs. K - July 9 - 5:56 am

  This is the first Subie that I have owned and I am converted. I bought this car to replace a 2004 Nissan Xterra that was destroyed in a roll over. This car is great in the snow, safe, reliable, and fun to drive. My only complaint is the passenger volume as I have 3 month old twins and need the back seat for 2 rear facing car seats. With the car seats in place, the front seats are pushed forward quite a bit sacrificing a lot of front leg room. This isnt really a problem for me since I am only 53" but my 6 tall husbands knees are almost pushed into the dash. I am considering trading in the 2006 for a 2009 just for the larger interior. Overall, this car is a great alternative to large SUVs!

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  Love my Forester - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Peaches - June 20 - 9:46 pm

  I love my Forester. I average 25 mpg in city driving. My complaints are: I cant find it in the parking lot as readily as my old car, which was mica blue and stood out as opposed to my navy blue; and the front seat is not as comfortable as I would prefer on long trips (500+ miles one way). Took out backseat headrests as they blocked my rear vision somewhat. Overall am extremely pleased with my Forester. Highly recommend it.

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  Forester rating - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By forester rating - June 13 - 7:13 am

  Very quick. Great performer. Decent gas mileage. Awesome visibility for my 53" wife who traded in her Legacy.

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  2006 Forester: Perfect for our family! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Everett - April 18 - 11:13 am

  We recently got our Subie in anticipation of our firstborn. Had an Audi A4 Quattro and we sad to see it go. Good news though - WE LOVE OUR FORESTER! We considered the RAV4, Highlander, CRV, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda 5 but ultimately could not resist on the Subaru Forester. Great value, spacious cargo interior, all-wheel drive, car-like feel, good engine response, quiet engine when idling. Ive used it to make dump-runs, loaded it up with moving boxes ... even with baby seat and stroller loaded up, theres still plenty of cargo space. My wife loves the storage compartments under the carpeting in the trunk (for jumper cables, bungee cords, large umbrella, etc).

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  2nd Subaru - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Bob - April 11 - 12:00 am

  This vehicle is a pleasure to drive. The standard 4 cylinder engine delivers sufficient power and steering is extremely responsive. Ride is comfortable, leg, shoulder and head room are all very sufficient. As to reliability we had a 84 Legacy Wagon that gave us 13 years with no major problems. We look forward to this vehicle to surpass that one.

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  First 20,000 fine so far - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By BNK - April 7 - 6:06 am

  GREAT visibility. Super easy to drive, back-up and park. Yes, its not the most comfortable...its not sold as a comfort car. Id rather have a little stiffness for the great handling. To those who think its so bad for your back...did you even test drive it? I get 26-28mpg with about 50/50 highway/city in our warm weather. No problems at all. Easy DIY oil changes. The car does need better tires and a thicker rear sway bar for those wanting performance. Car runs very smoothly and is more fun to drive than any of the past 4 Toyotas Ive owned.

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  Best of All Options - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By MDS - December 7 - 2:46 pm

  I shopped for months comparing the CR-V, RAV4, Murano, FX35, Pilot, MDX, Tucson, etc. and kept returning to the Forester. Having put 1,400 miles driving it in 6 days, I feel great about my decision. The turbo gives me the acceleration of a sportscar, while the raised stance and AWD allow for off-road ventures, and the sunroof almost make it seem like a convertible. Gas mileage is exactly what the EPA says; 26 highway, 21 city, average 23 mpg on premium. Some road noise but engine is quiet. I could not be happier with the car or my purchase experience!

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  Safe, well handling vehicle - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By safetyminded - October 12 - 8:43 pm

  Have a 40 mile daily commute on hilly and winding back roads. Subaru performs well in all seasons. Effective fog lights in inclement weather.