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 81 through 90 of 106.00-
2.5i Limited - 2006 Subaru Outback
By Bob - March 28 - 8:00 pmVery surprising vehicle, and my first Subaru. Great looks and an even better interior. The normally aspirated 2.5L engine is smooth and responsive for a 4 cylinder. Im coming from a large SUV, and the transition has been a pleasure with this Subaru. I feel I got more bang for the buck with this vehicle than if I had gone with either the RAV-4 or CR-V, given the rebates that Subaru was offering. $24,700 out the door.
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Great Sensible Car! - 2006 Subaru Outback
By Peter Platt - March 27 - 6:10 pm4 cylinder automatic provides very good performance. Peppy & fun to drive. All wheel drive & good ground clearance give excellent dirt/backroad/snow handling. Folding seats & solid roof rack lets us take our kayaks, bikes & camping equipment. My only complaint is that I find it a little tight to fit in, particularly on the passenger side. But Im 63" with size 15 feet. Back seat leg room is also tight. Other than that, I love this car. Definitely one of the most sensible overall cars on the road & very reliable. Ours is the most basic automatic available & its very well equipped. Many standard features that are options on other makes. Love the heated seats!
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Check Engine Light Horrors - 2006 Subaru Outback
By yifinguy - March 22 - 4:10 amI loved my Roo until the Check Engine Light came on. First it was the O-2 sensors code that came up. After a $400 cost to replace those, then came a code indicating Random Misfire and I replaced the plugs, then came a P20296 code showing eventually that it needed a new computer which will cost over $600 for a 2nd hand one - almost $900 for a new one. You have to get it re-keyed with a new Electronic Control Module. Nickel and dime to death isnt the word for it! When those codes come up, you have no cruise either! All of this has happened within a few weeks.
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Snow King Subaru - 2006 Subaru Outback
By Denny - February 24 - 5:46 amTook this Subaru hunting season in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where I live; the 2nd day our tent nearly collapsed due to 14" of heavy wet snow that fell while we were sleeping. We were 1/4 mile off the main road, had to cut trees off the road to clear the way. Drove the Subaru out breaking trail through 14" of heavy wet greasy snow and it never faltered or had any traction problems ... used to 4 wheel drive trucks and this was a wonderful surprise to me. Traction was great in a worst case scenario.
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Nice Car! - 2006 Subaru Outback
By sasquatch - January 24 - 6:46 amThis was my first Subaru since my 85 GL Wagon. It came down to a choice between the Sube and a Honda CR-V EX AWD. I chose the Sube because of its superior AWD system and better towing capacity, while the Honda had an advantage in interior space. So far, after 3000 miles but no winter driving, Im pleased. Im averaging 25-26 mpg. I get 30 mpg on the highway at 65 with the A/C on, or at 70 with it off; mileage decreases to about 26 at 80 mph. Trip computer mileage estimate is optimistic by about 2 mpg. Plenty peppy with manual transmission, but revs are high - almost 2700 rpm at 60 mph. I just hope that Subaru hasnt strayed too far from its roots - who really needs expensive 55-series tires?
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I love this car - 2006 Subaru Outback
By mcmurt - January 1 - 11:03 amI had a Subaru Legacy before this Outback. I love this car. I have the 6 cylinder, and it is sporty and functional at the same time. Well designed and luxurious for this type of car. I compared it to all other models in its class including the RAV4 and it stood way above the others!
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A Great "Hybrid" - 2006 Subaru Outback
By Terrain.org - November 6 - 9:20 pmThe Subaru Outback XT Limited is a great "hybrid" between a true SUV and a performance sedan, with the functionality of a wagon, stability of an all-wheel drive, and get-up-and-go of a sports sedan. Im a tall driver (65") and have no problems in the front or (for shorter durations) in the rear. The Subaru is great fun to drive---the 5-speed tranny (added short-throw shifter) mated with the turbo is almost too fun! Leather interior and panoramic moonroof are great for me and my kids. The 8.7" ground clearance is great for chunky dirt roads (but not bouldering, of course), and the low-mounted boxer engine makes twisty roads good fun, as well. While a "hybrid," theres no compromise!
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So Far, So Good - 2006 Subaru Outback
By ob-skier - September 23 - 6:40 amBought based on my mechanic recommending only Toyota, Honda, or Subaru. Had several friends with Outbacks. I considered the RAV4, CR-V, Accord, Legacy sedan. Would have gone with the Legacy, but no fold-down seats limits its utility. Gas mileage is ok - but expected with AWD.
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burns oil, engine needs replacing - 2006 Subaru Outback
By Chris Stark - September 5 - 8:22 pmI learned this is a common problem with Subarus. Burns oil. Oil light doesnt come on. Engine needs replacing. $7000
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My 4th Subaru! - 2006 Subaru Outback
By Trina Stephenson - May 10 - 4:06 amA few things not quite as good as our 2004 Subaru Outback. Built in dust deflector does not work as well as the add-on available on previous models, sport shift is great, the seat belt sound is annoying; if you want to drive 50 feet in your driveway it will make noise, the Weather Band radio on the 2004 was wonderful, why was it excluded on the 2006? My biggest beef with the new Subarus is the lack of a full size spare like my old Forester (2000) had. When you live in the remote areas of the US, you dont want a donut tire!
