2005 Subaru Outback Reviews

Rear struts needed to be replaced when I bought the car. Not leaking, but worn.

The heat shield vibrates. Sounds terrible and will have it repaired soon.

Other stuff is just normal wear... wiper blades and battery.

I love the ride and handling. It's fun to drive, and I have never had a car that so many people comment on the smooth ride. It's unexpected in a small wagon, and is my favorite thing.

The noise level is occasionally too high for my tastes, but I have the base model, and there may be more sound insulation in the upper models.

Gas mileage is good for an AWD. On a recent trip, I got 30.3 MPG on the two lane back roads, traveling about 50 mph, and 26.7 on the interstate at a steady 70 mph.

The downside is routine maintenance at dealers is expensive. Almost German car expensive.

Not a ton of power either, but it keeps me out of traffic court!

All in all, I am a fan of the Outback. It's all the car I need.

So far nothing major, it has only been two months.

Very comfortable, except for driver leg room (I am 6'-2"). My legs start to hurt even on short trips.

Love how quick the car heats up, however the automatic climate control is temperamental. It seems to have a mind of its own sometimes.

Gas mileage could be better. Average 18 mpg.

The only issue I've had with my Subaru Outback is had to repair the fan belt and low gas mileage. I would definitely recommend this car for anyone.

All the interior components work great!

Satisfied Outback owner.

Multiple electronic gadget failures (outside temp, sound/climate system faceplate).

Driver seat heater failed.

Bad dash noise, could not be fixed.

Moonroof stuck open (and I don't have a garage).

Terrible gas mileage, as low as 14 mpg in town.

Choke (or equivalent device) failed, had to be towed for "Engine Light" - found no clear cause, could not reproduce effect at dealer, cleaned electronics to solve the problem.

Transmission stuck in Park setting.

This was a rare model (LLBean package) made with H6 engine and many "first-year" gadgets in 2005. I know dozens of happy Outback owners (almost all 4 cylinder base models) and live in an "Outback heaven" town. No one else had ever heard of this stuff, including the dealer. What can be fixed has been, mostly under warranty. The dealer has tried. Some I just live with. None qualify as "lemon law" applicable.

It is a "beautiful car" with nice interior, one of their first luxury models, perf leather seats, MOMO mahogany steering wheel etc, and the car has been just great in the snow, which I really need. But the "bugs" make me crazy and I live in fear of being stranded if something else fails. I could not sell this in good conscience to anyone else or even know what to replace it with. It is the first luxury car I have ever owned, and I hate to part with it on some level. I always think this is the "last fix" needed.

The sample size on the model was so small, I cannot find anyone else locally with it to compare problems.