Overview & Reviews

A navigation system has been added to the options list for 2006, and trim levels have been realigned. Non-turbo four-cylinder models get a bump in horsepower (now up to 175) thanks to a new variable valve-lift system.

• 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.

• Automatic transmission upshifts too early, desirable features restricted to top-line VDC model, smaller backseat than most competitors.

User Reviews:

Showing 71 through 80 of 106.00

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  You can do better - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Bob L - September 30 - 8:46 am

  Bought this wagon because of all the reviews I had read. This vehicle performs exceptionally well and looks nice. Quality control is good. Now for the bad. EPA sticker 22-28 mpg. The last car I had was rated the same and I averaged 23-25 mixed driving. This vehicle is getting 20 mpg mixed but will get 28-29 on highway driving. The headrests are very obtrusive and hard to see past. I am average height (59") and the electric drivers seat doesnt quite give me the leg room I need. The passenger seat, although manual, is way worse. I cant even stretch out my legs. The rear legroom is terrible. Also trade-in value is the worst I have seen on any car I have owned.

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  Hate my Car - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Sue - September 13 - 10:20 pm

  I was hoping my Outback would be a reliable, safe car for me and my kids to drive. This car has been a nightmare. The inside door panels had to be replaced because if you used the arm rest the fabric came up, the front seat handle broke off, the mud flap in the back was missing screws, the air conditioner made horrible sounds and had to be replaced, went through a "minor" puddle and had to have the car towed, abs and brake light comes on and to top it off the car died and oil began to come out of it. Roadside assistance wont come, unless I pay for the tow and have it towed to my house and then towed again in the morning to Subaru. Im so glad I bought this car -- NOT. What a LEMON!

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  Nice Alternative to An SUV - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Ram - September 13 - 8:20 pm

  Just purchased an Outback Limited and have been pleasantly surprised. We also own a Pilot, but with the manual transmission, leather, and huge sunroof, I look forward to driving. The fuel economy averages 26 in the city and about 29-30 on the highway. Ive gotten as high as 31 but its dependent on how you drive. Also, theres plenty of room in the back seat for rear facing car seats (only two can be installed) or for passengers. Leg room is excellent. The handling is great for any car, not to mention an SUV.

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  So far, so great - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Joe - June 29 - 5:30 pm

  Only 3 months into this, but the car is great fun to drive, lots of versatility, poor gas mileage the only drawback. (Still better than the 93 Land Cruiser). Excellent road car, wonderful compromise between utility and fun to drive. One pesky factory defect, broken clips in the dash, requiring several trips to the dealer until they got the right parts. Good purchase experience. Fun to own a car that is still unlike everyone else. Looking forward to the all wheel drive in the snow.

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  Excellent car - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By D.B. Cameron - June 11 - 12:40 am

  This is my third Subaru. The first (1985) lasted 10 years (in Ohio salt country); the second, 11 years (Ohio - > California); the third is just 1.5 years old and doing very well. Almost no post purchase fix ups. Very reliable. Decent fuel mileage (26-27), Really fine road handling (I used to have sports cars), great "mudder" (I live in the mountains and ski a fair amount). Good night road view. Only irritating problem is that, compared with my old Legacy, it is larger on the outside and smaller on the inside; strange engineering. So far, at least, it looks like another 10 or 12 year investment.

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  Only time Ive bought a 3rd one. - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Jon C. - June 5 - 10:36 pm

  Compared to other SUVs I tried, this one is the only one that didnt handle like a truck (compared to Ford Explorer, Nissan Xterra, etc.) and didnt get buffeted around in the wind. This is the 3rd one Ive owned and it is still the best snow car Ive ever driven (I ski and regularly go into snow country). It also quite adequately tows my boat. My only gripe is that the current models "sport automatic" drive is not as smooth as my last one (2002).

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  Original Cross-Over Vehicle - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Tom - May 25 - 1:03 pm

  Best car in its class. This is my third Subie. I traded in a 2002 Legacy Sedan that had 93,000 trouble free miles. My 98 Impreza had 125,000 miles and ran like new till it was totaled.

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  The answer to all problems: Outback - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By mike - May 5 - 4:50 am

  My 2006 outback is my 3rd vehicle. They say 3rd time is a charm. I am a former pickup truck lover that hated the gas mileage of trucks. I wanted AWD (better for dirt roads and bad weather), better fuel economy, better handling and reliability but also use for utility. The Outback covered all those grounds. 26-31 mpg on highway. Yes, folks I hit 31 mpg on highways of Montana and Maine. Excellent on dirt roads and deep snow. Handles better than my dads 04 Acura TL. Performance rocks... beats both my old 6 cylinder trucks. Not bad for a base 4 cyl. Only complaints is that the oil filter is surrounded by exhaust piping, so it is a pain to remove, and tranny upshifts to early.

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  We dont need no stinkin turbo! - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Lynne - April 22 - 7:56 am

  My first Subaru was a 2000 Limited Wagon. Had no trouble at all with it, except the automatic transmission never seemed to downshift when I thought it should. Now have the 2006 Outback wagon, and love the redesign both inside and out. Have 5 speed manual transmission in this car and love it. If you know how to drive a manual transmission, get it in this car as you can do way better than the 0 - 60 on the automatic transmission. This car is lots of fun to drive, and hugs the road even though it sits rather high up. I feel very safe in it in all weather. I get approx 27 mpg combined in this car with normal driving, but it can really move with the 5 speed manual if you need it to.

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  Third Suburb - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Bud - April 13 - 7:13 am

  Our third Subaru since 1996. The car has evolved in ten years & has a fit & finish expected in cars over $40K. Went with the 175hp because it runs on regular unleaded & we plan to give it to kids in 6 years, engine power better than expected & fine for daily driving. If you require power to satisfy your manly needs for speed go with the turbo, forget the six -- not worth the extra cash. Averaging 23.8 MPG according to on board computer based on a mixed daily highway & suburban 70 mile commute. The ride & handling are tight & make for a sportscar like feel does not feel you are in a wagon. The sunroof is huge and lets in the light; a must in the winter cloudy Midwest. Best value in AWD buy it!