2006 Subaru Outback Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.42/5 Average
106 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

A navigation system has been added to the options list for 2006, and trim levels have been realigned. Non-turbo four-cylinder models get a bump in horsepower (now up to 175) thanks to a new variable valve-lift system.

Pros:
  • Standard all-wheel drive, generous standard equipment list, exemplary build and materials quality, strong power from turbo and H6 engines, balanced ride and handling dynamics, capable performance off-road.
Cons:
  • Automatic transmission upshifts too early, desirable features restricted to top-line VDC model, smaller backseat than most competitors.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 106.00
  • Surprisingly terrific - 2006 Subaru Outback
    By -

    For the last ten years I have driven a Lexus LS400 and my wife has driven a Mercedes E320. Both are just as excellent as they are reputed to be. When it came time to get a new car I looked carefully at all of the "usual suspects" (BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, Infiniti, Acura...). They are fine cars, but none were interesting enough to get me to prefer them to the Lexus with 150,000 miles. Until I looked at the Subaru Outback LL Bean. Weve had it a month, and I am still extremely impressed with it in almost every way. Great job Subaru! My list was: "Safety, reliability, comfort, utility, value." I dont know of anything else within $10K that can touch the Subaru.

  • Love my car - 2006 Subaru Outback
    By -

    This is my third Subaru. I love it. It handles like a dream. I have a 140 miles round trip commute everyday so I went for the automatic this time. Makes a big difference when stuck in traffic. I get fantastic mileage. 30 on the highway and around 26 about town. Its my favorite car Ive owned so far - even got my favorite color this time - green. The interior is comfortable (leather) and easy to clean. And Ive got a 10yr old boy so Ive cleaned that back sit a number of times - grin. The safety features are great. I do have to agree with another reviewer that the headrests are a bit in the way of the rear view sometimes, but Ive learned to adjust how I look back now. I love this car!

  • I love this car! - 2006 Subaru Outback
    By -

    This is my second Subaru. Theres a world of difference between this one and the 2002 model I had earlier. The wheel wells are larger so I no longer get snow packed in them. (I live in a climate where we get 200 inches of snow a year, so this is important.) The car is roomier and theres more cargo space. The seats are more comfortable and the car is relatively quiet. Ive owned a lot of cars, but this one is my favorite.

  • Too small for a family car - 2006 Subaru Outback
    By -

    My wife and I purchased a 2006 LL Bean Wagon as our family car. Herein lies the problem; it seems to have been designed by people without kids. 1) The LATCH system is recessed so far in to the seat that is it very difficult to reach. 2) Rear facing car seats require that the front seat is forward to the point that my knees almost touch the dash (I an 511"). I drive a VW GTI and, because of its larger passenger compartment, we often take it on trips and leave the "family car" at home

  • Third Subaru Wagon - 2006 Subaru Outback
    By -

    This is my third Subaru Outback wagon and the quality and workmanship of each one keeps getting better. More interior space including driver legroom and the 250hp engine allows me to keep up with any traffic flow on the freeway and interstate. The gas mileage is much better than anticipated. I presently have 4,000 miles on the car and am getting 24-26mpg for all my driving.

  • 2006 Subaru 2.5i Outback Automatic - 2006 Subaru Outback
    By -

    Ive had my 2006 Outback 2.5i auto for over a year, and am generally satisfied. I commonly drive offroad and in heavy snow conditions, and the AWD performs well. The car has done well under some bad conditions, and the AWD system has probably kept me out of a few snowbanks due to bad driving. The car is super comfy, and with a Yakima roof rack, you can haul plenty of people and gear. My primary complaint is the shoddy fuel mileage. I average about 21 mpg, with MPG dipping into the 18 mpg range when driving in the mountains here in WV.

  • My 5th and Best Subaru - 2006 Subaru Outback
    By -

    I have owned 5 Subarus now starting in 1984, progressed from GL Wagons with 4WD to LL Bean Wagons with AWD. They are the most reliable well built cars I have ever dealt with. I have friends with Lexus, Mercedes, BMW, just name it. The LL Bean in my book surpasses them all.

  • Love this car! - 2006 Subaru Outback
    By -

    I traded in a 1999 Forester for this car and I love it! I looked at the 2006 Foresters and found the seats to be too uncomfortable. This Outback is much more comfortable, with better features (side curtain airbags, dual A/C control) than the LL Bean Forester. The clutch and shifting is much smoother than my 1999 car. Having power in the armrest allows me to use my iPod my more than ever before (I keep the adapter plugged in all the time). Overall, Im happy with the purchase.

  • Great wagon! - 2006 Subaru Outback
    By -

    This is our first Subaru and Im happy we made the purchase. The turbo + AWD makes this a fun and spirited ride, particularly on wet on-ramps and on gravel roads. The leather seats are firm and comfortable for long trips, and the height off the road gives a good view to the surrounding traffic. The Subaru extended warranty was quite reasonable - as it should have been since the 3 yr/36,000 mile new vehicle warranty is inferior to most other manufacturers in this space. The handling is responsive, particularly when you realize how long and heavy this wagon is. The car is quiet -- both in the city and at highway speeds -- despite the large, open cabin. Fuel economy is reasonable, but low.

  • best Subaru yet - 2006 Subaru Outback
    By -

    Ive had 6 Subarus over the years. 3 of them Outbacks. This car is fun to drive, has more than enough power, is strikingly handsome and has enough safety features to make my wife like it as much as I do.

Subaru Outback Reviews By Year:
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