5 Star Reviews for 2006 Subaru Outback

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
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • A lot of research leads to the Subaru - 2006 Subaru Outback
    By -

    Having moved up to New England from DC two years ago, I wanted a car that was better suited to getting caught on the Mass. Pike in a snow storm or getting out of the drive way for a snack run without out first snowblowing on a Saturday morning. Safety was also critical. The 2006 bettered the side safety so now its an IIHS best pick for front and side. Reliability was also key and consumers reports shows a good history. I also wanted fairly good mileage (coming from a Civic Hybrid) and usable backseat room for my gigantic Marathon car seat (this and the reliability concerns left over from our 02 VW Passat ruled out the Audi A4 even with the good lease deal). This car simply had it all.

  • Fun to Drive! - 2006 Subaru Outback
    By -

    Easily the most fun and capable car that I have ever owned. The fuel efficiency is amazing and the size works great for surfing, snowboarding, etc. I definitely recommend this car!

  • Worry free vehicle - 2006 Subaru Outback
    By -

    I bought my 5spd OBXT Limited new back in 06. Have not had a single problem after 6 years and 53K miles. The car is bullet proof, both mechanically and cosmetically. Paint has held up extemely well, very chip resistant. As for traction, the car is unstoppable in snow. Two foot drifts barely register with the Subies tenacious AWD and ample road clearance. If you live in or near a snow belt, these cars are at the very top of the food chain. Best part is performance. The XT has some STi DNA. It eats Audi A4s for lunch in the stoplight wars. Reliability, unflappable AWD, lightening quick w/turbo, sharp looking. Love it, love it, love it! I plan to hopefully ride it another 6 years.

Subaru Outback Reviews By Year:
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