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 181 through 190 of 262.00

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  Dependable - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By SeattleSub - February 20 - 6:46 pm

  Bought new, now covered 72k miles in all conditions. I am a confirmed Subaru driver and this car has lived up to my expectations. This car gets me everywhere I want to go in any weather. The performance of the 2.5i is adequate. The 4-speed auto needs another gear and quicker response. Why did they put such poor tires on at the factory? Problems included: 1) Burning out headlight bulbs regularly. I no longer leave the headlights on all the time and the problem has gone away. 2) Wheel bearing went at 59k. I now have a 1 year old son and this model is too small in the back for the car seat and Mum. I am 65". I will probably buy the new model as it has much more leg and shoulder room.

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  No car is perfect - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By pjellison - February 11 - 12:16 am

  Overall the car is acceptable. The ride is comfortable and the interior design is pleasing. The right rear tire tread wore out at 20,0000. The dealer said the axle was bent. I replaced all 4 tires, the originals were not good quality. The quality of the ivory cloth seats are poor. Any spill or cleaner leaves a stain. The distinct line with the headlights are distracting. Oncoming cars frequently think I have on high beams. My hands do not grip the non-leather steering wheel (required a steering wheel grip).

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  Quality Cars - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Jody - February 6 - 11:30 pm

  This is an amazing car. I have driven BMWs, Land Rovers, and some other top line vehicles. Standard features of the Subaru are options on cars like BMWs taking the sticker price well into the high 30s and 40s. The Subaru is an amazing quality car, with unique features. In addition, it is put together in America. I am hooked!

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  Best car to own for my type of needs - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By hsusieb - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Since I bought this car I have used it for highway,offroad, mountian, and city driving. The cars performance and comfort is second to none.

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  gas mileage - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By jim - January 22 - 1:26 am

  I love it, but its gas mileage is a joke. My last car a 2000 6 cylinder GMC Jimmy. Got ~19mpg and I am averaging less than 18 with the 6 cylinder Outback. I guess I have to go get gas even more often. Its power and handling for a wagon are excellent. Driving in the snow is a blast.

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  OUTBACK RULES!!! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By maegokid - January 20 - 10:00 am

  OVERWHEMINGLY PLEASED WITH THE CARS HANDLING & INTERIOR AMENITIES. AFTER CAR SHOPPING FOR A WHILE EARLIER THIS YEAR FOR A NEW CAR, I HAD NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT GETTING A SUBARU UNTIL I TEST DROVE THE 2005 OUTBACK & FELL HEAD OVER HEALS FOR ITS DESIGN (IN/OUT) & EXTRAORDINARY DRIVING CAPABILITIES ON PAVEMENT OR OUT. IT FEELS GREAT TO OWN A WELL BUILT, STURDY, GOOD LOOKING CAR THAT ALMOST NOBODY DRIVES, FEELS LIKE YOU KNOW SOMETHING THEY DONT. I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO COMPLIANTS; ITS A PLEASURE TO DRIVE ESPECIALLY WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN, HUGE MOONROOF OPEN & THE MUSIC WAY WAY UP.

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  Very good wagon - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Andrew - December 22 - 12:50 am

  Fuel mileage varies depending on whether Im driving (31 mpg) or my wife (24 mpg). No problems after 10 months of ownership. RPM at highway speeds seems high (approx. 3000 rpm at 65). This results in noticeable noise at higher speeds and lower fuel economy. Protenza RE92 tires receive poor ratings by consumers on tirerack.com. Especially for winter conditions. People who live where it snows should consider buying better tires for winter. Save the Protenzas for the summer. Stability control should be offered as an option. Although I feel the 168hp motor is adequate, Subaru should offer a 180-200hp motor in addition to the 168 and 250. Shifter is stiff in cold weather. Great car in general.

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  Fragile details = big disappointment - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Norman - November 23 - 11:06 pm

  Advertised to have you believe that it is rugged. Because of fragile details, IT IS NOT. The paint on the plastic bumpers, wheel opening/lower door trim and the door protection strips is chipping from light bumps and dings and looks like heck particularly because of light colored paint over black plastic. Some interior plastic items are way too fragile. Two items have been replaced because of cracks or breakage and snap-in retainers for rear deck wont stay on place. Drivers seat position and adjustment is barely adequate for my 6 2", 200# size. Anyone over 6 0" might want to look elsewhere. Gas mileage for the 2.5L non turbo is not as good as our other car which is a 95 3.0L Maxima.

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  Our ninth Subaru. We take them to 175000 - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Gorbes - October 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is a barrel load of fun to drive. It is a real "sleeper"and this one has surprised many a kid in his lowered Honda with subwoofers. It has excellent grip on the Nova Scotia dirt roads we drive; the brakes are truly astounding and have kept us on two occasions from making venison with the bumpers. It has only one problem, in common with its fellow turbo Subies - turbo lag. Saab relegated it to the automotive history pile a few years ago.

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  Air Conditioning Problems!! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By pitstaff10 - October 26 - 10:00 am

  Great looking car and fun to drive, as long as its not hot outside. Only 300 miles on car and has been in for repair already. Comfort takes a ding on this one due to the newly designed AC cycles constantly every 20-30 seconds between cold and warm making for an annoying sensation. Outside temp at 82 and inside still not all that cold. Subaru America says thats just the way it is designed and will have to live with it. Ive had better AC in cars 20 years old!! Beware of this "new" design!! Gas mileage seems to be great but can be uncomfortable to drive in hot environments, so much for a great commuting vehicle.