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 141 through 150 of 262.00

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  cruise (out of) control - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By fred - June 25 - 8:53 am

  Had an 03 Forester with cruise control that worked great. Why did they change it? Have they never heard "if it aint broke, dont fix it"? Have had it "worked on" several times including sending the unit to regional office for re-programming and it still "hunts" while going down hill. Very annoying! :-( Is the factory going to recall the 05s and correct it? Am losing my patience! Otherwise, I think it is a very fine vehicle.

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  Worst Car I Ever Loved - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Pilgrim 54 - May 29 - 4:53 pm

  North western PA winters were no match for the Sube. Foot of snow; no problem. Need lots of ground clearance, fine. Need service...good luck. Yes you WILL need service. We bought ours new and sold it after 4 years. Had numorous problems with the cruise control operation. Replaced the timing belt tensioner TWICE! On the way to the dealer when we were trading it in we were having second thoughts till the check engine light came on!!

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  Disappointed. - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Dmitry - May 28 - 1:13 am

  Drivetrain: Rear suspension is too soft, (car goes up & down more than once after bump). 4-A transmission is the same slow as previous generation, but shift logic now is very stupid, kickdown is absolutely unacceptable. Interior: Well, finally they switched to better materials, but this is the only improvements - ergonomics is nightmare. At night the instrument panel and console look like Christmas tree! There are 5 different colors. Brightness of several things is not adjustable. Some controls are hard to reach, (eg. "horn button" is not reachable by thumb!) Exterior: Because they rounded down roof toward rear, visibility is affected. Headlights generate awful light distribution, high beam is useless.

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  First time Subaru owner - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By chip - May 25 - 6:23 pm

  This is my first Subaru after a string of Hondas and I am generally pleased after 2 1/2 years and 38,000 mi. of ownership. Its a lot of fun to drive and, other than the problems with the headlights and windshield, has been quite reliable.

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  2005 AWD 2.5i wagon - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By magin - May 20 - 12:23 pm

  Fun to drive, comfortable, nice lines, looks good. Base motor has adequate power. Lights are bright at night, good visabilty.

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  Subaru Outback. - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Trudie - April 16 - 2:00 am

  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.

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  3,0R VDC is great! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By KarlB - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive been super impressed with the Outback, it has fantastic build quality and drives like a sports car, yet can go offroad most places a large SUV can. Power is great with the 3.0R being one of the most powerful 3.0liter engines in a production car in the world. The all wheel drive system works amazingly well, there is never even the slightest hesitation, no delay engaging as in other cars without permanent AWD.

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  Love at first drive - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By jhc003 - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up this car last week and I absolutely love it! The ride, build quality and value are second to none. The ride is very solid and stable and the interior ammenities are superb. This is my first Subie and I was skeptical at first but after I drove this car I knew nothing else could compare in terms of quality and value. The revamped interior is very stylish and functional. The exterior is also nicely done and whats under the hood is the real treat. The 250 hp turbo engine is phenomenal! You better hang on to your hat when you hit the gas in this baby. If youre looking for versatility, power, luxury and AWD you simply cant beat this car. I cant wait to drive this car more!

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  Subaru is Better Than The Ratings - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Hg Wells - March 22 - 4:40 am

  I tend to think that Subaru owners are tougher evaluators than some others. So many Subaru owners love their cars and buy them again. This summer, I talked to a lady who is on her 7th Subaru and has said that they have (literally) saved her life. My VDC (a rarer model) has surprised me with its off-road performance. I have had more traditional 4WD vehicles before. I expected it to be good on any road, not as good as it is off-road. Higher ground clearance in the 2005s helps. The VDV (Vehicle Dynamic Control) traction control rarely kicks in, but when it does (only off-road so far), it does very well. I have always liked Subarus engineering. Like it better than my ratings.

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  Hidden Cost - Replace tires in pairs - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Tired of run around - March 13 - 6:43 pm

  Per the Service Manager at Dallas Subaru, tires must be replaced in pairs, either the two front or the two rear, at the same time. My 2005 Outback wagon has 25,000 miles on it and pulls so hard to the right, its hard to keep it on the road. I have one off-brand tire and the dealer requires that I replace it and the other rear tire with matching major brand tires before they will even put the car on the rack to check the alignment. He says that every time one tire goes out, two must be replaced so they will have identical wear. Otherwise, warranty on the car does not apply and the car will not handle properly. I think this is an unreasonable expense and hidden cost.