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 31 through 40 of 111.00

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  I love my 2006 Subaru Forester !!!! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Action Dan - May 10 - 6:56 am

  First , I never thought that I would ever buy a Japanese Car (I always bought Fords).But I wanted to make sure I was getting the best car for the money so I test drove and researched many cars in this class.I was pretty much sold on the Forester as soon as I drove it.Now I know why Consumer Reports ranks this as the #1 vehicle in its class.The Forester rides and handles just like a car. It is very nimble, corners like a champ and peppy for a 4 cyl.It gives you all the good features of a car (good handling, ride and gas mileage)and all the good features of an SUV (All Wheel Drive, Great Visibility and Cargo Space).I also bought the Forester for its reputation for reliability and safety

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  Favorite Car in 40 years of driving - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Jesse - March 9 - 9:16 am

  I have owned this car for only a few months and have put a quick 12,000 miles on it. I have never owned a car that felt more secure on the road, in all kinds of weather. I drive it mostly in town, but also have taken it now on several 1400 mile round trips on interstate highways, and it handles those high speeds and long hours effortlessly.

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  We bought another one! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Dave - July 3 - 2:36 pm

  We traded in a 2003 Forester. The new one is very similar but with a vast improvement in brake pedal travel. My wife loves this car more than her first.

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  A Joy to Drive! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By jlt - June 29 - 4:03 am

  Ive only had my Forester for a month, but already love it! It is an absolute joy to drive, so much so that I find myself creating reasons to get out on the road. Its got fantastic pick up and is so responsive that I think I could drive it with my little finger. Ive also found it to be a very quiet drive and it has terrific visibility. Much better than any of my other recent cars. I had a Subaru once before and am I glad that I came back for another!

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  Great SUV for average family - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By jrm - February 1 - 7:43 am

  We have found this SUV to meet are needs to a tee, it is not for the off road crowd. But it will get the average person anywhere they want to go. In the city it handles the traffic and parking with no problem. Logging roads and trails back to your favorite fishing spot this SUV gets you there where a bigger vehicle would not even fit. Getting to work, store or home in any reasonable snow storm is a breeze. And you dont feel like you are stopping all the time to fill up with gas. This is just the kind of vehicle that you just jump into and go. You just know it will start and get you where you need to be in a safe and efficient manner. After a while you take it for granted.

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  Happy with my first Subaru - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Celia - December 14 - 3:26 pm

  We have only had the Forester for one month, but it has met all of initial expectations. Getting 27 - 28 mpg with mixed city and highway driving, with AC blowing in Texas heat, & driving the speed limit. Thought that I would own a RAV4 forever, but once they enlarged the size, I went looking elsewhere for the best combination of a 4 cylinder car, safety, & fuel economy. Ended up trading a Tacoma for it, and have not missed the truck as the roof rack & interior can handle what we used the truck for. Also purchased a Honda Fit at the same time to use as in-town car for better mpg, and are very pleased with this combination. But on highways/in rain, we definitely prefer the Forester!

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By jxlewis - October 20 - 1:16 pm

  Pros: Handling and traction in rain & snow. Cons: Noisy fuel pump. Drives and handles well. AWD provides great handling in the rain and snow. Ride is a little too hard over rough roads and RR tracks. Seats are firm and comfortable. Front seat space is adequate if youre not overweight, height no problem at 63". Rear seat leg space is inadequate. Console and controls are placed well and easy to adjust while driving.

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  Subaru Quality You Can Drive! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Jehan - August 13 - 7:16 am

  This is an outstanding car. Before you buy anything else, take it for a test drive. It really hugs the road especially in the rain. It is a comfortable ride ,not at all rough or truck-like.

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  Surprising Subaru - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By xtdriver - March 10 - 9:53 pm

  At my spouses behest we traded our Volvo XC 90 for the Forester XT. I wasnt initially enthused about this plan. However, after a weekend of driving this vehicle on hilly, curvy roads I became a convert. The XT is remarkably agile for a vehicle that has over 8 inches of clearance and the acceleration is stunning for a car with this much utility. Its essentially a station wagon with the heart of a rally car. How it feels on an extended road trip is the only factor that hasnt yet been put to the test. So far I am positively impressed.

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  Faultless - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Ken - December 12 - 7:43 am

  I have put approximately 2000 miles on this car and it has performed flawlessly. The upgraded interior and features remind me of a Volvo (I have owned 4). The performance and handling is like my old BMW 530i. It gets 31 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg in the city, and uses regular unleaded. The car is well designed inside with lots of convenient features. The ride is very smooth. This car is a great alternative to a Honda or Toyota. Dollar for dollar it has more value, in my opinion, and it also drives better than a Honda CR-V or a Toyota RAV4.