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 231 through 240 of 262.00

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  Love/Hate Relationship - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Russ - April 29 - 7:26 am

  I have a love hate relationship with my Outback. It has been into the dealer 9 times in six months. So far problems with the AC cycling every 15 seconds (hot to cold), defective radio, excessive rattles and squeeks in the drivers dash, coolant leaks, and the final straw, a cruise control that wont stay engaged. Performance wise, the car is great. Average 28-29 MPG highway roundtrip from Reno to Oakland and back. Handles great in deep snow and wet roads. Subaru is working the problems but I am about ready to give this one back! Must be the "one" defective Subaru. Would suggest a better stereo as the speakers are marginal at best for long drives.

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  Great car, horrible gas mileage - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By jchoi - April 8 - 6:23 pm

  This is my first AWD vehicle. It was great this winter where we had over 85" of snow in New England. Unstoppable. Fun to drive, great interior, great utility, and good looking vehicle. Gas mileage from mixed city/highway is about 17mpg. With a rather small gas tank, cruising range is only about 270 miles before you have to fill up again. My wife is the primary driver of the car and drives very conservatively so its not like shes always in boost. My friends 340hp S6 wagon gets about the same mileage. The XT is great but it is by no means an S6.

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  Best car for the money - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Dave Schwartz - March 19 - 1:26 am

  I have owned Hondas, Toyotas, and several other foreign and domestic cars. The Subaru is by far the most dependable, best handling and Superior in bad weather to any car I have driven. I have a hard time believing some of the negative reviews Ive read on the Internet. Either some people have never driven in the rain or a snow storm or they work for another car company. Do yourself a favor and just ask anyone who owns a Subaru what they think and Im sure youll get a very positive reply.

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  There is no No true competion for XT ! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By sweet_subie - March 2 - 1:46 pm

  It is a sports car/wagon/suv/sedan/crossover/convertible (open that moonroof, you will know). 5 Star crash test rating, best AWD, 250hp/torque, drives like sedan, shorter/lighter than Honda Accord/Camry/A6, smaller turning radius (34 inches) than most sport sedans, panoramic moonroof, 8.7 inches of ground clearance (more than 40 SUVs), electro gauges, Subaru reliability, top notch build quality, Subaru-backed generous extended warranty. Can buy $3-5k below MSRP. There is NOTHING LIKE THIS!

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  Never Again - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Keith - March 1 - 4:50 pm

  I dislike this Subaru more than any car I have ever owned. I avoid driving this car rather than deal with the cars quirky and dangerous characteristics. Examples: Climbing a hill at highway speeds the car shifts between 4th & 5th gears every 4 seconds on average. The car responds to quick acceleration maneuvers with a 2-3 second delay before accelerating; not a good thing on busy Southern California freeways. The car has only 8K miles. After nine months as a Subaru owner I am ready to visit my Toyota dealer and eat the trade-in costs. I hate this car!

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  Not What Its Cracked Up to Be - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By pf - February 8 - 5:20 am

  The 2005 Outback is a fine car from the point of view of performance, but after driving it for more than a month, I still cant get comfortable in it. Both I as the driver and my wife as the passenger are pretty cramped after driving for a long distance. The seats are very uncomfortable. Also, there is inadequate room in the back seat. The sloping hood is a detriment, since it makes it difficult to judge ones distance from another car or other object being approached. As a long-time Subaru driver, I am disappointed in this edition.

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  Great all around auto - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By slocumt - February 7 - 11:43 am

  Safety, great traction wet or dry, good gas mileage, room for five and then some; with todays high gas prices it just seems right .

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  Great car! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Darby - January 22 - 7:56 pm

  This is my third Subaru and the best one yet. I followed its development for months last year, and when I first encountered the Atlantic blue/granite trim 2.51 sport wagon, it was love at first sight. Comfortable, peppy ride. Tasteful appointments. Definitely the best car for me! Give it a try...

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  Review of 05 Outback Limited - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Brian Lynch - January 22 - 6:20 pm

  Was very happy with my 01 Outback which I put 155,000 miles on before trading in with a value of $5,000. Purchased a 05 Limited that has a much upgraded interior, better ergonomics, better sight lines, more power (better torque curve even with 2.5 base engine) and better fuel economy. Great value and an excellent alternative to an SUV (even though this model now falls into this class, its a car and handles like one thankfully).

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  Great - Except...... - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By rabbitman - December 27 - 1:10 pm

  This base model is a great auto but for those of us who do go off the highway and travel through the mud, over unpaved roads and such there is one item that the factory left off - the under the engine cover is not included on the base model. That means dirt, water, gunk, etc splashes up into the engine compartment. The 2.5i Outback wagon does offer an engine undercover insulator, however it is a side-type and offers no rear protection. The full width large type is standard on the XT, XT Limited, LL BEAN , and VDC models. The specs in print and on the web site no not point out this omission. A dear friend of mine also purchased a 2.5i last month and the dealer installed the protector at no charge.