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 11 through 20 of 262.00

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  Stylish & practical value wagon - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By nigel1000 - June 30 - 10:00 am

  Exterior - improved over the 04 model, with the silver/grey and gold/grey combinations particularly attractive. More conservative than the Mazda 6 but more interesting than the equivalent Audi & VW wagons Interior - one of the most attractive available for less than 25K, with very nice materials and workmanship, and an elegant and simple dash; std 8-way heated power seat Performance - very stable and quiet on the freeway, even at speed over poor surfaces; nice & precise cornering with very little lean or bounce; base engine power adequate, which SprotShift auto improves somewhat Saftey - outstanding, with good manoueverability, excellent visibility and

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  Like a bad marriage. When it starts breaking, DUMP IT. - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By freeskier118 - June 21 - 4:05 pm

  I loved my turbo Outback. It was absolutely bulletproof in the snow--unstoppable with snow tires. It was fun to drive with lots and lots of power. The interior is super comfortable. Unfortunately it did not love me back. Over the last year it was in the shop overnight at least 5 times for major engine and transmission repair. And on the turbo model, everything is more expensive to fix. A lot more expensive. If it would just hold together I would drive it into the ground. But in the end, its just not worth bankrupting myself. It was great for a fling, terrible for the long haul. Now I read reviews from Honda drivers complaining about a $700 timing belt replacement and just laugh.

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  This is a Subaru??? - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By NateThomas - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Two years ago I almost bought a WRX. Last year I almost bought a Forester XT. I am glad I waited for the Outback XT. This car is so superior to the 99 Outback I had before. Looking at the interior I would think it was a German car. The performance is unreal and the reliability is excellent. The tires are a weak point and they will be replaced with Falken 512s soon. For the price, this is the best car available. I love that added ground clearance. It will definately come in handy during New England winters and during camping trips in the White Mountains.

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  Snow Buggy - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By some12talk2 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my 1st subie and with the inside out changes for this year gave me enough reason to buy one. After driving the car for a month now, I find this to be the ideal car for the day tripper or weekend warrior. Very fun to drive and pass SUVs, especially on windy roads. Its not affect by high winds and has little body roll on sharp turns. Very nimble handling, feels like youre driving a small car. The turbo lag is minimal even at high altitudes. The ground clearance allowed me to take it on the backroads. Cant wait for the snow season to test it out. Has a very stylish interior/exterior. Suites me perfectly!!!

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  6 Months of Love. - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Luv our RU - April 24 - 8:06 am

  My wife and I bought this car back in November of 04. She traded her Saturn, which was great car for us. You always have buyers remorse on a major purchase. We did not have that here! We have had our car for 6 months now and absolutely love the overall quality, ride, and comfort of our Subaru. I would totally recommend this car to anyone looking for a wagon. We looked at CR-V and Passat (wagon & sedan). We made the absolute right decision.

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  family wagon from hades - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By mick maccionagh - April 23 - 4:36 pm

  Wow. One review I read while I was researching vehicles and trying to decide which to buy in the spring of 05 referred to the 05 XT LTD as the family wagon from Hades in regards to its absolute rocket-like reaction to full gas petal depression. Now I know what he meant. The car is very comfortable, nicely packaged, bolted down very well, nice touch here, classy touch there, safe as can be, reliable etc. But, what its really about is what happens after the turbo spools up. I really believe, as I’ve read elsewhere on more than one occasion, that the 250 advertised hp is conservative, at the least. It’s a great car and fun as all get out to drive. Buy one. Tomorrow.

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  An All-Around Excellent Car - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Viking - April 19 - 1:26 pm

  This is an excellent car. Actually, this car does not really have any direct competition for the price. It is very comfortable and looks upscale in and out. Of course, I wish I would average better that 21 MPG, but a lot of my driving is real stop and go. The car has never had to be repaired, only its regular servicing. Perhaps it is the brochure cover green, but I always get a lot of compliments on its looks. The car has no shortage of power and it handles incredibly well.

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  Midsized Rocket with lots of room - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By cberry211 - April 8 - 7:16 am

  This is my second Outback and what a difference. This is a classy car inside and out and the real surprise is when you step on the gas. Turbos do take a second to spool up but then watch out. Its easy for this car to get away from you. Nice fit and finish. Stereo is great. Some wind noise that seems to go with the territory (my old one was terrible). All in all a good deal compared to BMWs costing thousands more.

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  Its no Audi S4, but... - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Jack - March 9 - 4:33 am

  ...thats not a bad thing! Dont tell the Audi guys, but Im a Subie convert. Prior to the XT I owned an Audi S4 with the biturbo 2.7 V6 and 6 speed transmission, AWD, of course. Ive always been a car guy and the S4 is a "car guy" kind of car, but I actually like the Outback XT more. Why? It provides 90% of the driving pleasure of the S4 (100% of the acceleration!) but without the worry over expensive repairs. I am totally thrilled with this car. I bought mine with 32,000 miles on it, one owner, and the car looks, feels, and runs like brand spankin new. I used to think I was an Audi guy. Turns out I was actually a Subie guy with pretensions. Dropped the pretense and picked up the Subaru.

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  Subraru XT 2.5 - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By sock1eye - January 31 - 8:00 am

  Very fun car to drive.