Overview & Reviews

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.

• 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.

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

User Reviews:

Showing 111 through 120 of 262.00

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Dave - September 19 - 12:33 am

  I live in snow country and NEVER need chains. The turbo delivers excellent performance with decent fuel economy (25 MPG highway).

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  Great Car...Worth waiting for 05s - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By rsorganize - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Traded 99 Volvo XC. Too many problems/way too expensive to repair. Waited on the 05 Subarus. Worth the wait. Great design and ergonomics, dramatically upgraded safety. Bought VDC for complete safety package. Smooth, quiet, fast. IMO, best value by far in this class, with the upgrades (AWD - Volvo, Audi, Passat). Looking forward to 150,000-200,000 miles (at least!) of safe, fun and quiet driving in all kinds of New England weather.

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  Fun to Drive - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By bkluger - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Just completed a 1200 mile roundtrip that involved interstate highway, two- lane road, and off-road driving. Thoroughly impressed by the overall performance and the highway mileage of better than 25 MPG. After looking and test driving a Jeep Gran Cherokee, Honda Pilot, and an Acura MDX. We decided on the Outback LL Bean, because it represented the best value for our dollar, plus its fun to drive!

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  Pleased Overall - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By bac4uw - August 21 - 4:56 am

  The performance is very adequate for most purposes. I took a trip over a mountain pass with the car loaded and never felt underpowered. Highway mileage has generally been 28-30mpg driving 70-80 mph. (100% traffic and hills has yielded 20-21 mpg.) WIth only 1200 miles on the car, I expect the mpg to get better once it is further broken in. The headlights are VERY bright... oncoming drivers flash me a lot at night. Minor gripes: I find the stereo to give weak FM reception and the trunk needs to be slammed HARD to latch and close. Overall, I am happy with my purchase and was able to get a great deal (well below invoice) by getting quotes through Edmunds site.

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  Great Used Car - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Dave from TX - August 19 - 1:56 am

  Bought used, second owner. It now has 71,000 miles and going strong. Replaced the passenger side CV boot, it sits above the catalytic converter so wears out sooner because of the heat. Cost $280 at dealership to fix but warranty covered so only $100. That was at 70,000 miles. Brakes still going strong, replaced Bridgestone with General; traction galore. H7 headlight bulbs do burn out somewhat quickly, my last set lasted 16 months. Other than the CV boot and headlight bulbs no other issues. Im 64", 215lbs and its a comfortable car albeit a little tight for my size. My girlfriend drove it and was shocked when I told her it was a 4 cylinder, she thought it was a V6 (she drives a V6 VW).

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  Ultimate Adverse Weather Sedan! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Alex Parisky - August 18 - 4:53 pm

  Purchased the Outback 3.0R Sedan last October, 2004. The car has already been through 2 blizzards in Mammoth, CA and the monsoon rains here in Southern California. The 8+ inch body lift came in handy when 3-4 feet of snow dumped overnight during Christmas and I had to get out in the morning, with no problems of course. I am happy Subaru finally put a nice strong, responsive engine in strong sturdy body.

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  Outback is Outfront - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Jim Hauff - July 29 - 12:03 am

  Ive owned several 4x4s in the past, but never an AWD. I bought the Outback after extensive research and test drives against several other comparable mid to full size SUVs. I have not, for a moment, regretted my decision to purchase this little gem. I bought an 2.5FX Limited wirh all the options and an auto 5 speed Sport Shift transmission. I still havent gotten over the power this vehicle exhibits. When the turbo kicks in, its like going into hyperdrive. The interior is excellently finished and ergonomic. The exterior fit and finish is like cars costing much more. The only problem -- gas mileage goes down when you hit the turbo, who cares? Its too much FUN!

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  Another check engine light - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By gvanmoor - July 27 - 5:50 pm

  I also have the check engine light problem with the cruise control light blinking (and the cruise control itself non-functioning). The dealer knows about it but so far hasnt come up with a solution yet. Mileage is excellent; between 25 and 27 mpg overall in mixed driving with Interstate speeds close to80 mph. Gas mileage gets a lot worse from 70 to 80mph; probably the price one pays for the high clearance. The engine gets a little bit noisy at speeds over75 mph. With the 5-speed manual, power is adequate, but nothing special. I can imagine this to be worse with the automatic.

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  Outback 2.5i Limited Excellent Value - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Dr. Barry - July 6 - 7:13 am

  Drove a Saab 9-2 x as a loaner car when brought my 9-3 Linear in for service. I was so impressed with the Saabaru I drove over to the local Subaru dealership. I test drove the Outback Limited 2.5i and lost no time trading in my 2003 trailblazerEXT.Yes folks I have a few cars but Ive got to tell you the Outback is the best all around 4 wheel drive for the money if you dont want to be married to a gas station. Try one and you will buy one!

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  VERY GOOD - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By summerdude3283 - May 18 - 7:23 am

  This car is great! I have had 4 other Subarus but this one is by far the best! It is soo nice! I recommend this to anyone who wants an in- expensive reliable car. Its really fun to drive and has lots of room.