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 41 through 50 of 111.00

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  Fun to Drive! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Eric - October 24 - 5:10 pm

  I just traded in my 2005 Forester XS for a 2006 XT. What an incredible difference in performance. The turbo version is a bullet off the line and I have blown away some "performance" cars and probably left them wondering what just happened.

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  Fun and practical - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By mrjwk1962 - August 14 - 3:30 pm

  Decided to splurge on the turbo engine and am glad I did. The Forester is lots of fun to drive. It has the practicality of a small SUV, but the maneuverability and nimble handling of a car. I love the cargo space, especially with the back seat down. Controls are extremely logical, ergonomic, and easy to use. Some people complain about limited back seat room, but that is not an issue for us.

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  best car for cold weather - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Martin Weber - June 24 - 4:50 pm

  My 06 Subaru Forester is far more polished and sophisticated than the 05 Honda Civic EX I just sold. It is equal in quality workmanship to the 04 Toyota Prius I owned before that. The car is simply incredible -- the best combination of safety, reliability, cold weather stability, economy, comfort (surprising legroom for a tall driver) and performance. It is the best bad weather car I know of. I hate traveling when I have to rent other cars and cant wait to get home to my Subaru.

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  Solid Performer - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By brianm - June 4 - 1:33 am

  Moving from a Lexus SUV to the Forester made me a believer. Solidly built and this car handles like a champ in inclement weather. Living in New England, this car runs up hills in snow and cruises wonderfully on the highway. My 06 has 30,000 miles and basically still runs like new. Heated seats are great in our cold winters although if Id buy the leather next time around as my tan cloth seats stain easily. Gas mileage is fantastic coming out of a gas guzzling SUV. Visibility is also great, love the huge sunroof. Id buy this car again in a second. Its a great value and such a common sense vehicle.

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  Forester 2.5X - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Forester - February 18 - 6:10 am

  Great compact SUV, very happy with overall performance, will buy another Subaru after this. Having owned domestic vehicles over past years I made a great decision buying a Subaru.

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  5 Star Crash Rating, Lower Insurance - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Richard - February 12 - 3:06 am

  Had the Subaru for 10 months, the ride is car like, but you sit higher, with a better command of the road. Put synthetic oil and get 28 city, full time 4 wheel drive is great in all weather. The 5 star crash rating across the board, lowered my insurance $300.00 every 6 months.

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  Strong Competitor - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By Secure Feeling - December 19 - 8:03 pm

  Fine small SUV choice. Very solid build. Excellent crash test scores. View is clear and unobstructed. Has good acceleration. The leather interior and wood steering wheel are nice touches. It doesnt sit so high as to make it difficult for some to get into and out of, similar to a car. This is my 3rd Subie, and theyve all been tanks in winter driving. The gas mileage is a plus also.

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  Love our 06 Forester! - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By RI-Jim - October 18 - 12:50 pm

  OK, weve had it just 2 1/2 months and 4,000 miles, but its an excellent vehicle. Peppy engine (for a non-turbo), nice ride, handles well, has AWD (great for NE winters). The Premium upgrade has heated seats, sun/moonroof, alloy wheels, heated mirrors & windshield, nice sound system. Quiet on the highway, with some engine noise at lower speeds. Getting 26 MPG in mixed driving, 29 highway. Very comfortable seats. Top-rated by Consumer Reports, with really good crash-test results too. Its just a great value!

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  My first Subaru - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By hairdog - October 16 - 11:40 pm

  I just purchased a used Subaru forester on Monday, just three days ago. I am completely surprised at the quality and power that this 4cyl has. I was driving a V6 and this is much more responsive and quicker. This is my first Subaru. I have owned nothing but American cars before. In just three days I would say that Im a convert for life, not just only based on my mere three days but on other Subaru owners that have told me their experiences. I love my Forester and cant wait to actually feel safe while driving in bad winter conditions. FOR ONCE! I highly recommend it to all. Buy a Subaru and you will not be disappointed.

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  Love my Subarus - 2006 Subaru Forester
  By SubieGuy - October 5 - 4:20 pm

  This is my third Subaru, my first two being Imprezas that I loved. I needed something with more cargo room, so why not an Impreza-based SUV? I was originally looking for an Outback Sport but drove the Forester and fell in love. Shes comfortable, full of features, relatively fast, gets great mileage (for an SUV) and actually FUN to drive.