5 Star Reviews for 2005 Subaru Outback

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.44/5 Average
262 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

Pros:
  • 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.
Cons:
  • Desirable features reserved for top-line models, smaller backseat than most competitors.

User Reviews:

Showing 121 through 130 of 262.00
  • Subaru Outback 05 - 2005 Subaru Outback
    By -

    Recently leased this vehicle after taking a test drive. The test drive was outstanding and the car came to me exactly as I wanted. Love the leather interior and the handling is great...gotta watch the turns because it has a tendency to understeer but other than that its a fabulous car. Watch the leasing company, though. Their contracts are vague and quite frankly the leasing company I deal with doesnt know their own forms very well

  • My Bean - 2005 Subaru Outback
    By -

    Just returned from a 1500 mile trip. It was a joy to drive. The ride was very comfortable with no outside noise. It has a lot of power and with the 5 speed transmission I got 25.8 mpg.

  • Best out of 6 - 2005 Subaru Outback
    By -

    This is my 6th Subaru dating back to 1981 and this is the best to date. 4 cylinder is fine for my needs. Have 23,000 miles on vehicle and have averaged 24.8 since purchase. Have gotten as high as 30 on a trip. Goes anywhere and handles exceptionally well (except for the OEM tires). Had them replaced at 22k. A great all around vehicle for the money. High ground clearance makes it easy to enter and exit vehicle. Standard model comes with a ton of options that are extra on other cars.

  • Refined excellence exceeds expectations - 2005 Subaru Outback
    By -

    The Outback 3.0R VDC is an absolutely terrific crossover. It handles like a BMW, takes rough roads like a Land Rover, and accelerates like a Volvo V70R. In my brief ownership, this vehicle has exceeded all expectations. Subaru is clearly making a forward push toward the luxury cars and the 3.0R VDC certainly delivers. I own a Volvo V70R that I like very much, but the Subaru is by far my favorite to drive. Its fun to drive in the city, on the highways, and in the country side. Im a very pleased owner and look forward to years of enjoyment in this vehicle.

  • 773 miles so far - 2005 Subaru Outback
    By -

    Ive only owned my XT Limited for about a week at this point and I believe its the best car purchase Ive very made. I know time will tell but so far its great. This cars over all road manner is unbelievable, just step on the gas and your gone. It handles well and has really impressed all the people who have taken a ride. The quality is second to none and in fact a lot of people mistake it for an Audi or Volvo. If you havent driven one what are you waiting for.

  • Fun to Drive - 2005 Subaru Outback
    By -

    Pleased so far with the purchase. First time Subaru owner. Areas of concern with previous years have been addressed with 05 model. Researched all similar vehicles with AWD and found this vehicle to provide most bang for the buck, despite the fact that Subaru does not give them away. The car offers many features for all types of drivers: AWD-comfort-performance-reliability and most importantly-safety.

  • A great car! - 2005 Subaru Outback
    By -

    This is my 2nd Outback. Love this car. Performance is amazing and it is a comfortable fit. Im 64" and like the fit, but with seats all way back, rear seat foot room is tight. Also, my arms are fully extended to hold 3 & 9 on the steering wheel. Hopefully Subaru will offer telescoping steering column in the future. Caution for those with big hips since the sports seats are narrow and may cause pain. My mother, who is not overweight but has mild arthritis, found that her hips were sore after a while. Still experiencing hesitation upon acceleration which seems to plague the manual turbo. All that said, it is a awesome car and a looker. I would definitely buy this car again.

  • Third times charm! - 2005 Subaru Outback
    By -

    Bigger, plusher, more leg room, and more slylish than previous Subarus. Re-styled (esp. the back end, which is less gaudy) and a bigger, more plush cabin. Quiet, smooth ride. 8.4” ground clearance. Base model loaded with goodies: heated front seats/ windshield/mirrors, power drivers seat, 6- speaker stereo w/CD, cruise, 4 side curtain airbags, titanium/wood trim, plush upholstery/mats, trip computer, rear spoiler, etc. Ive test driven everything recently (Toyotas, Hondas, Saturns, etc., all sizes/ shapes), did my homework, used a spreadsheet, and still each came up short. The test drive blew me away...this is NOT my fathers Buick!

  • Bat outta hell..... - 2005 Subaru Outback
    By -

    This car is borderline over-the- top...the turbo kicks in at about 2600 rpm and you need to get off it or else youre looking at some serious legal issues....nice ride, quiet, little road noise....exponential improvement over my 2000 2.5i limited....$8k cheaper than a Volvo XC70, much better buy....they oughta put a turbo in the 6 cyl, but it may not be street legal (think the boxers definately benefit from the turbo)...

  • Best for now - 2005 Subaru Outback
    By -

    Since we need to haul our 3 large dogs, we need a wagon or SUV. Of all the ones out there this is probably the most cost efficient while still having such a great look and feel. Its interesting to see today the article where its more fuel efficient than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. We get 27.5 in town and 30 on the highway (review said that hybrid did 23). She wanted manual, so thats what we have, and its drawback is the slight jerkiness and heavy clutch, but you learn to ease it and were getting better at it (after 5000 miles). Overall I dont think theres anything close for this price. Its a truly great car/wagon/suv/what-have-you.

Subaru Outback Reviews By Year:
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