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 251 through 260 of 262.00

• 

  Fantastic Crossover! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By drobine - July 19 - 10:00 am

  With the H6 boxer, it has plenty of power for driving around town and highway. We bought it to have a comfortable, reliable, around-town car that could go off-road. We couldnt afford a VW Touareg V8. Other cars driven were Toyota 4Runner, Honda Pilot and Acura MDX. The Outback was easier to live with than the 4Runner (too rough in-town), nicer than the Pilot (disappointing finish inside for a Honda), and was a virtual tie with the Acura MDX. The Outback felt more spacious than the Acura while behind the wheel.

• 

  05 Subaru Outback Turbo - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Therapet - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Subaru Outback Turbo (2005) Sleek styling, smooth riding, lots of extras. Smaller steering wheel, good sound system, 6 cd changer, very comfortable and fun to drive.

• 

  1st Subaru - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Gerard - July 3 - 12:46 am

  Ive had my 05 Outback XT for 12K miles now. Turbo is great but there is a lag from a standstill with the automatic. Love the "manual" shifting in the mountains. Brakes could be a bit better. Nagging rattle has developed behind the dash. AWD works great in Colorado winters. Handling is awesome. Gas mileage on the highway nears 25, city is closer to 17. Trip computer regularly overrates the mileage by 1 MPG. Rear leg room is only adequate. Reliability has been excellent. Rear cup holders are small and weak.

• 

  A good time - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By nidwaldner - June 14 - 2:37 am

  Just sold my 2.5 after 84,000 miles for $9000 trade-in. It was dependable. Never broke down. It was perfect for hiking, camping and snowboarding trips. It got me to work when most of Seattle shut down after snow. Went through 8 headlight bulbs (3 under warranty) and 2 rear wheel bearings (warranty). OEM tires not great so upgraded when originals worn and bought snow tires for the winter months. Total cost (depreciation and wear & tear) over 6 years was 26.2 cents/mile, which I think is good. I averaged about 23mpg in mixed driving. Now have 2011, which provides more interior space for my growing family.

• 

  Good to go - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Osman C Kurtulus - June 12 - 10:00 am

  Drives like an Audi with 2/3 of the price.

• 

  It Scoots! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By richgimmel - June 12 - 10:00 am

  My previous car was a Cadillac STS... but this Outback XT is at least as good a performer, and a much better buy. Its nimble, very quick and responsive with a surprisingly solid feel. Both my kids are drivers, and they thought I had lost it big-time when I told them I was replacing the Caddy with a Subaru. But after driving the new wheels, theyre believers!

• 

  My Latest Outback (Its my Fourth!) - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By BuzzCT - June 12 - 10:00 am

  I had heard something great was coming with the 2005, and I heard right! I bought the first one the dealership got, and I love it! I cant believe how much better this model rides and drives than my previous, 2001, model. The turning radius is great, and the sports mode automatic is terrific! I had thought Id buy a 6-cylinder, but the $2 plus gas prices scared me; this new transmission gives me all the power I need. The interior is a big improvement; its spacious and airy, and very comfortable. All in all, its my favorite Subaru ever - and this one is my seventh!

• 

  Typical Subaru Greatness! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Subaroid! - June 3 - 11:36 am

  We bought this car in 2009. For a 2005, and it had low mileage for a 4-year old Subaru (65,000). It looks great (for a station wagon), and the build quality is typical Subaru. No problems so far at 65K. Subarus flat 4 cylinder engine was re-designed in 2005 and is great! Quiet and smooth. Past Subarus (besides the WRX models) had poor acceleration, but this one really goes! Its very fun to drive this car. The all-wheel-drive is great! Subaru took everything good about the Outback and in 2005 made it better! Brakes- Great Steering- Great Handling- Great Features- leather, huge sunroof, performance tires, 17" wheels, turbo engine, power everything, heated seats/mirrors, AWD.

• 

  Long Term Test Drive - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Pilgrim - April 8 - 2:46 am

  Had the car for 10 months now and its still a thrill to drive. Full-time all wheel drive is wonderful; though the stock tires are a poor choice. Transmission is smooth yet tight, one of the best Ive driven. With better than 10K miles still no rattles. Surprising handling for such a high profile will be made much better by tires that actually grip the road. Despite the tires the car has a very substantial feel whether on a back country dirt road or out on the interstate behind a semi on a windy winters night.

• 

  Subaru Outback - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By eddybauer1 - February 9 - 9:03 am

  I rented a 2005 Outback last week, check engine light came on, dash rattled on rough snow covered roads, flashed Err 55 where trip miles should be and for a long time, the cruise control light flashed, plastic around gear selector is easily scratched, cramped seating for 6 foot tall people, especially on long trips, it is too narrow up front, and your legs get tired easily. Seats are too firm. I did like the heated seat option, and the AWD. Steering and handling were good, stereo was average. It does have a very refined transmission and engine, it shifts smooth, and the auto stick is fun. Build quality is average.