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 1 through 10 of 262.00-
reminds me of my Audi - 2005 Subaru Outback
By wienerfingers - December 17 - 12:13 pmFour days now with new OBXT LTD (silver). Lovely car. No chance to push it yet - supposed to wait til after 1,000 miles. Very comfortable, very stable. Tank-like even (this is a good thing on ice and snow). Excellent interior - simple and functional - and a very nice looking vehicle as well. I looked at everything in the <$35k range, and this was an easy pick. VDC might have been nice - I did demo the 6cyl. model - but it is not an option with the turbo.....and I did have to have the turbo. The 6 cyl. is a slug in comparison. No available MP3 on the XT either. But I suppose if Subaru had made both VDC and MP3 optional on the turbo, no-one would bother with the 6.
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My First Subaru - 2005 Subaru Outback
By Norman - November 17 - 1:16 am8 months ago, I researched & test drove all the new SUVs listing around $20,000 for my girlfriend. We finally settled on a Forester (2002). It was love at first site for her, and we both still love that car. When it came time for me to trade in my 4WD pickup, I looked at all the 2005s again, but this time I fell in love with the updated Outback. I test drove four different models, and didnt care much for the turbo-charged 2.5i engine (trans shift was funny). I ended up with a 2005 3.0 R LL Bean addition. Black monotone exterior with taupe leather inside. It looks way more classy than a Subaru is supposed to. Could have bought ANYTHING & NEVER considered Subaru before, now I really LOVE IT!
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Not for Tall People - 2005 Subaru Outback
By Gary - September 6 - 2:16 pmI am 511." I am tired of leaning forward because the steering wheel doent telescope. My feet (size 11.5) barely have enough room as a driver and no room as a passenger. The front seats are too hard and a little too small. Brakes are not powerful enough, can be scary at times. Regular mode of transmission is uncooperative. Cannot drive with windows open because of poor buffeting. Handles great. Fantastic turning circle. Quiet. MPG not great around town, but good on highway. Average 20.7 over 10,000 miles.
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A Gem of a Car - 2005 Subaru Outback
By reeder - August 18 - 9:43 pmI have had my new Outback less than one week. Had a 2001 Forester which has served me well. I love this car! The interior is plush and updated. I have noticed the headlights are not super bright, but everything else is wonderful.
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Nice to drive - 2005 Subaru Outback
By Dave - August 14 - 11:43 pmDriving is fun again; while I liked this Limited in the show room it has been a delight to drive. In the snow it was a dream, smooth and very much in control. The power ports are well placed. One surprise that was unexpected is that you can leave an interior drivers spot light on by accident and find the battery dead in the morning. No auto shut off as all of my past cars. I would love to say I have all the power I need with the 4 but not always without really downshifting to get things moving. I would have picked the 6 or turbo but the higher priced gas is needed. Rear door too narrow at times. The family loves it and it never gets to rest in the driveway 15K in 6 months.
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from a newly made subaru fan - 2005 Subaru Outback
By BZS - August 6 - 10:00 amThis is a spectacular vehicle. This is the cheapest new car I ever bought: it is the most satisfying I ever had. It does everything so well: you wouldnt anticipate that from "a subaru". My previous "performance" cars were an Audi A6, then a Cadillac CTS (So, I know how owning a new car makes you feel and have high standard for comparison). This car is more responsive, just as comfortable, and arguably safer, more reliable and much cheaper than those. Actually, it even looks nice (well, maybe not as nice as the Audi) It may not have the aura of the luxury cars, but its down-to-earth design and "ready for everything" personality makes you feel GOOD every day
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Station wagons can be fun - 2005 Subaru Outback
By Bill - July 20 - 8:06 pmI went from a 2004 outback base to this turbocharged outback. Let me say this, I deliver newspapers for a living. So the car needs to be reliable. I will say that the car has been really good so far. Gas mileage isnt the greatest, but then again a lot of starts and stops and riding the clutch too. The car is fast only when you let the rpms run to about 6300 rpms to shift it takes off. For the money you cant go wrong but sadly Subaru dropped the turbo outback for 2010 now it looks like a big SUV. Driving this car everyday is fun, love the turn signals on the side view mirrors. Subaru only made a few of these cars every year if you can get a chance to own one grab it.
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Subaru Outback Ltd by NoNickYet - 2005 Subaru Outback
By nonickyet - July 19 - 4:56 pmI love the Transmission. The ability to go from automatic to electronic shift is great. The standard 4 cyl engine is powerfull enough to get you in and out of tight traffic situations. It rides and handels well. My only complaint would be the cabin area is a little tight.
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I love this car!!! - 2005 Subaru Outback
By Jill - July 12 - 6:06 amI was in the market for a wagon with AWD that was safe and fun to drive. After extensive research, I realized the Subaru Outback was the only way to go. I drove the Limited XT and there was no turning back. The car is a dream to drive and excellent in the snow. Bottom line- I love the car.
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Worst Subaru Ive Ever Owned... - 2005 Subaru Outback
By Garandpa - July 6 - 2:56 pmThis is our 5th Subaru, 2 Legacys, 1 Justy and 2 Outbacks & this car has been the worst of the bunch. On the positive side, the gas mileage is good, it runs well and the problems have not been anything serious. BUT, weve had trim pop off repeatedly, carpet come loose & handles break. In 4 years/77,000 miles, weve put in 5 headlight bulbs, all front & rear brake pads (my 88 Chevy truck had the original pads and bulbs in it when I sold it in 2004 w/130,000 miles), replaced the interior bulbs 2x, both rear wheel bearings (under warranty at least), put 3 O2 sensors in and now the car has a new whine in the rear. The nearest Subaru dealer is 50 miles away and difficult to deal with.
