2 Star Reviews for 2005 Subaru Outback

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.44/5 Average
262 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

An all-new and vastly improved Outback is introduced in sedan and wagon body styles. Highlights include a new turbocharged engine, a stronger H6 motor, a stylish new interior and increased ground clearance for more serious off-highway adventures.

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:
  • Desirable features reserved for top-line models, smaller backseat than most competitors.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 262.00
  • Outback ech - 2005 Subaru Outback
    By -

    Bought a Outback wagon 4 cylinder - Im not impressed. I had Saabs for 20+ years. This is smaller inside (almost tight - tough to impossible to take more than 3 golfing), inside design just a 4, the MPG is a major disappointment- 23-25, the ride is stiff, little to no driving feel or fun, all-wheel is good but no better than Saab with snows. So for the good - reliable so far, dealership service good, replaced radio -- odd? So far fairly inexpensive to service and maintain, just oil changes, more at major mileages. So overall: a 5 from 1-10. Next car: back to Saab (expensive to maintain); a domestic, Honda or Toyota wagon hybrid.

  • Great Snow vehicle but MAN the Oil leaks... - 2005 Subaru Outback
    By -

    This is my third Subaru and it will be my last. Pros: Fantastic AWD System, will flat out go in the snow ! Good gas mileage for a AWD, 27.5 highway, 23 city Easy to work on. Heated Windshield Cons: Cheap interior, Sub Standard factory Stereo System, Head Gasket leaks ! All 3 of my Outbacks have had head gasket issues, once they start leaking, they drip on the exhaust and the oil vapors come right in the fresh air ducts. If you buy one you WILL be eventually be putting head gaskets on it. At 120K miles, my steering rack is leaking oil bad, one head gasket is leaking and the cat converters are shot ($1860 at Subaru) I have a neighbor with a 2011 Outback that has oil leaks, BEWARE !

  • Terrible - 2005 Subaru Outback
    By -

    The first year I owned it - had to get new brakes, and new tires. Headlights burned out twice. Headlights are terrible - almost ran into the back of a tractor hauling a wagon because I was coming down hill and the lights dont shine upwards at all. 2nd year, had to get new Rotors, Brakes and tires (I made the mistake of buying the same Bridgestone tires). Terrible in the snow - Rear end constantly fishtails - even with new tires. Car sways as if the chassis is going to fall off the frame. I am so disappointed. This is my third Subaru, but will not buy one again.

  • Worst car ever owned - 2005 Subaru Outback
    By -

    My 2005 Outback is a money pit. I guess I got a lemon. Does the mfg. replace lemons? Head gaskets need to be replaced (poor design). I have had to replace both front axles, CV joints, hubs right rear and front, bushings bearings, etc...... already put $2000 in and expecting to layout another $2000 (no joke). I would recommend buying a HONDA. Oh yeah my father in law bought a new outback and already had to replace front right CV. At least his was under warranty. Maybe I am the isolated anomaly but it still hurts.

  • Subaru Outback. - 2005 Subaru Outback
    By -

    Okay, so we had moved up to the Big Bear mountains and we needed an AWD car. After reading reviews and considering several options we decided to go with a used Subaru Outback. We purchased the car in El Cajon which was 300 miles away because this car is difficult to find. We found the one we wanted, carfax checked out it was great we took it. We have now owned the car for 8 months and it has gone through 2 transmissions, torn two axle boots, and has overall been out of commission for months. I would not recommend this car to anyone. Especially now because the transmission in it now is having the SAME issues that the other 2 were having. This car has been unreliable from the start. Dont buy.

Subaru Outback Reviews By Year:
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