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 31 through 40 of 262.00-
fun to drive; service dept. stinks - 2005 Subaru Outback
By ecwma - September 14 - 12:10 amThis VDC is an amazing car to drive but has had lots of "little" things go wrong with it; also had to replace tires at 30,000 miles - not cheap. AC did not work first several months I had the car; local service could not find anything wrong with it. Seat was broken but was worst after service department "fixed" it. Windshield broke/cracked with one small rock hitting it on way to work. It was out of alignment, local service said no; had warped rotors already. Subaru needs to communicate with service departments. Its been a lot of little things but many of those are service department errors...thinking of trading for a Honda - more reliable and service better.
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Not a bad Car... - 2005 Subaru Outback
By Brian Muir - September 12 - 9:10 amI have had this car for just over 9 months. This makes my 9th Subaru. Overall its a very nice car. Front seats comfy and instrument panel are very easy on the eyes. The center instrument cluster is just to BUSY. Wait till you see it at night, I thought I was flying a jet! It wouldnt be so bad if different areas (heat, radio) were different colors. But everything is amber at night. Very confusing to find things. Im not too happy with the automatic transmission, but I love the Sports mode! The Gas economy is terrible. I think most pick-up trucks do better. Remember high test gas ONLY.
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HAD I ONLY KNOWN - 2005 Subaru Outback
By GEORGE MEYER - September 7 - 6:33 amGreat looking car. Interiors the best. However, car has no punch, many blind spots and overly sensitive key transmitter. Brakes could be stronger. Had I known before what I know now, I probably would have purchased the 2.5XT turbo, or the VW Passat 1.8 Wagon. Am waiting three months for the re-engineered pollen/dust cabin filter. Informed it will be at least 90 days longer. Gas mileage is sub-par. Hopefully after more miles this will increase. Seats need to be redesigned as they are not comfortable on long trips.
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Seat Comfort - 2005 Subaru Outback
By 3rd Subaru - August 24 - 10:00 amThis Outback is my 3rd Subaru -- I still own a 93 Legacy LSI wagon. Fantastic exterior design, quality, etc. But... WARNING: Im 5 10 tall and am still having difficulty adjusting to the extra firm seats and a steering wheel that is too far away when my legs are in a comfortable position. Several others have commented about this in Subaru forums - It is not a minor inconvience when you find yourself in pain after a long trip. A beautiful car with a serious design flaw -- it needs a telescopic steering wheel.
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Fun to drive-Cheap to own. - 2005 Subaru Outback
By Bill Hilow - August 14 - 4:36 am2005 Outback XT Limited 5M, 32000 miles - no complaints. The cost of AWD eliminates a few of the creature comforts most cars in this price range have e.g. radio controls on the steering wheel, iPod jack etc. The things that matter most get priority and Subaru needs to be applauded for that. Excellent AWD that is seamless and smooth as a Cadillac, Light vehicle weight, turn signals in the sideviews, fit and finish are unsurpassed and on my Black on Black Outback it is truly flawless. "Jewel like" is how I describe it. Not a cheap car for sure. But it is a statement of quality and independent thinking; performed to a high level. A superbly constructed lightweight rocketship.
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myBMW wagon - 2005 Subaru Outback
By Evan - August 9 - 3:26 amInstead of hitting the brake in a turn you hit the gas. The 4 wheel drive and way the transmission delivers power rocket the car through any turn. There is no body lean to speak of. It takes all the road imperfections and runs right through them. Nice drivers car. Looked at an Acura TL and this handled better, much tighter turning radius, and 3 times the cargo space. The BMW with equivalent horsepower was way out of my price range. Go for it. I got $1,000 under invoice. They have hidden incentives to the dealer in the form of contests.
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WOW! - 2005 Subaru Outback
By raybenz - August 4 - 5:03 amI love this car! This is my second subaru, first being a 95 legacy wagon. There is no comparison. See some whining about the headlights low beam... Put on your glasses or use your high beams to spot those deer... Sheesh! Those are high intensity beams folks... Highway Mileage has been higher than the 25 advertised (IF you use the cruise control!) Lots of pep and fine fit and finish. And the moonroof... Awesome! Having spent 24 hours in this car during evacuation for Hurricane Ivan, while no Large SUV, this care was comfortable and maneuverable in tight traffic.
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wouldnt buy another - 2005 Subaru Outback
By steve - July 3 - 11:43 pmLights burn out. Transmission slips.
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Very Happy - 2005 Subaru Outback
By merlwein - June 30 - 8:20 pmOnce owning it I finally opened it up and this car is great. Has great take off with a nice highway feel. The automatic sport transmission is really fun when you want to feel the pull. Handles very nice around turns with great precision. I have the heated seats and windshield which I cant wait to use this winter.
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The best hybrid of Sedan, Wagon and SUV - 2005 Subaru Outback
By CCJW - June 9 - 7:23 pmEven when Turbo kicks in, the noise level of the cabin is still rather low, but you will hear wind rush through roof racks. Cargo space is plenty with hidden storage rooms arranged nicely, however interior space of front seats somehow feels small comparing to our 2000 Prelude. Body lean is there but the car still feels confident with small hint of RWD like. My wife and I had tested drive other European wagons in the same price range ($30K - $33K) and this OB XT Ltd easily beats them all (V50 T5 AWD, Audi A4 1.8t and Passat AWD) in all areas. We both have been a big VTEC fan for 6 years in 4 different models but the fun factor out from this turbo engine has totally changed our belief.
