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 151 through 160 of 262.00

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  AWD is Overrated. - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Alex - February 7 - 3:56 am

  Really liked it at first, but after two years, Im happy to be getting rid of it. I bought it for the cargo space and AWD. Lots of space, very nice driving position, and comfortable front seats. However, it absolutely stinks in the snow (so much for AWD - had to buy snow tires anyway), the back seat is cramped for a car this big, it is SO underpowered, and it eats gas. Also, some interior elements are really shoddy and scratch easily (what is with the cargo cover?), and very large bumper overhang makes it almost impossible to parallel park. Lastly, after 30k miles, distinctive burning rubber smell started coming through the heat vents. Dealer could never figure out what was wrong.

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  Some Good and Bad - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Jason Meissner - January 30 - 4:30 am

  This is my first Subaru; some of the main reasons for my purchase were the size, versatility, and AWD system. It offers a very rugged look with a solid, safe ride, great sound system and auto climate control. I never thought I would find myself behind the wheel of a wagon, however the style inside and out makes your think twice. So far it has been dependable, but Subarus customer service has been least favorite on my list thus far. This car is very solid in winter weather, the best I have ever driven. Gas mileage has been horrific, ~23 mpg on mostly open road. I have read other reviews here, and Subaru boasts of increased gas mileage...this is definitely not my experience.

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  Awesome Sport Wagon - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Rhardi - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Just picked up my 05 Outback XT and its just great. Handles like a dream with plenty of power from the 250 hp turbo. The re-designed interior is really attractive and the seats are very comfortable. The design of the instrument cluster puts everthing within easy reach. However, I did have one complaint. The XT is listed to include a 4 way power assisted passenger seat. Its in the brochure, and on the Edmunds web site, but its not on the car. If you like this feature you will need to move up to the XT limited model. I was disapointed when it arrived without this feature that I expected but otherwise I love the car and highly recomment it.

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  fantastic car - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By domestics stink - January 2 - 10:00 am

  My poor nissan pickup truck is getting lonely. I cant get enough of the outback. Comfy, quick, knockout to look at. Subaru has truly out done themselves. We have the L.L.Bean Edition with the boxer 6...wooooohoooo. And having a bit of a growl when you stomp on the gas kinds feels good too. Only complaint is no memory seats. Small small price to pay. Fantastic value.Kudos to Subaru for taking the next step to making the perfect car.

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  I like it but it could be much better - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Chris M - December 28 - 12:36 pm

  We bought this car to get out of the normal SUV body style and to improve on our gas mileage from a 2002 Jeep Liberty. The improvement worked out to about 3 mpg better than the way heavier Jeep. The car drives great, I expect it to be reliable, but there are a lot of small things that were missed. The flip door space in the center of the dash just shows the lack of imagination. That was the best they could come up with for that space?

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  Don`s Bean - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Drdon - December 23 - 5:30 pm

  I have had NO problems!! I have looked all over the car and I am impressed with the workmanship. Lots of storage space in the back. Several hidden places to store things.

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  Great Car - Poor Transmission - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By R. Wagner - December 12 - 3:53 am

  This is my fourth Subaru. I really enjoy it. The build quality is the best Ive ever seen. Winter weather performance is unbeatable. That being said.....The transmission has a mind of its own. When the engine is cold, the transmission will downshift at the slightest touch of the accelerator. You almost have to use the sportshift just to control the downshifting. Cold weather starting is just acceptable. It has always started, but we havent hit the coldest part of the winter yet in Wisconsin. The seat belt sensors are malfunctioning. The warning beeps even when no one is in the passenger seat. Still, there is no other car I would rather drive on a snowy day.

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  I love my Outback! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Donna - December 11 - 5:33 pm

  I owned my Honda Accord for almost 10 years and wanted another car that I could keep that long. I researched safety, performance, reliability, value, mileage, everything. I thought I was going to get the Forester, until I drove it. Too "trucky" for me, and the dealer suggested I drive the Outback. Smooth ride, nice interior, fun to drive; I was sold. I chose the 2.5L engine for the mileage and the fact that it is a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle, at least in California. The option to shift it into Sport or Manual while climbing hills is huge and really helps the engine performance. Its nice to drive a car that you dont see every fifty feet on the road!

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  Fine car, at least till gas went up - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By John - November 30 - 12:00 pm

  1st class well designed and works well. AC needs a "single" button for one occupant or youre changing two dials to get one change. Bridgestone standard tires simply awful - didnt last long and slid about all over the place. Replaced with Goodyear triple tred and now handles like on rails wet or dry, but more road noise and lost at least 2 mpg. No reliability problems, one set of headlights (33k right now), but mpg is bad. Town driving normally, I get 17-18, put your foot down a little and average barely 16. Long run, get 27mph predictably. Think of her as a 4cyl wagon and thats disappointing. Think of her as a V8 fast, low COG SUV - the best kept secret in motoring!

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  what fun - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Sterie - November 21 - 10:00 am

  This wagon is a stealth sports car.Excellent performance, fun to drive, great sun roof. Roof Rack is stronger we carry double kayak and tandom bike on top. Can also carry mountain bike inside with out disassembly. Wife had a hard time accepting payment for an ugly station wagon, but has since changed her mind and always wants to drive. Good cd player, great heated seats and individual heat controls.