2005 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport Consumer Reviews

2005 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport

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2005 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport

Kelley Blue Book Retail Get Value

Average Rating

4.0 out of 5
Review This Car
Comfort:4.1 out of 5
Performance:4.0 out of 5
Exterior Styling:4.2 out of 5
Interior Design:4.1 out of 5
Value for the Money:4.2 out of 5
Reliability:4.0 out of 5

20 out of 25 people would recommended this car to a friend

Consumer Reviews

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Great handling, rotten brakes.

by Good Driver
from Newtown,CT | May 7, 2011

Rating from

(4)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 4 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 4 out of 5
Reliability: 4 out of 5

"I love how my Subaru handles, but so far I've had to replace brakes and rotors twice (and I don't ride the brakes, far from it)."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting


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2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Avoid 2005 Outbacks!

by Done with Subaru
from Eagle, Colorado | April 4, 2011

Rating from

(1)
Comfort: 4 out of 5
Performance: 4 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 4 out of 5
Value for the Money: 1 out of 5
Reliability: 1 out of 5

"If you are considering a 2005 Subaru Outback XT, I highly recommend staying far away. Poor design regarding the turbo oil filtration, head gaskets, valve timing and tire wear to name a few. My mechanic says this is one of the most problematic models he has seen. He has done so many repairs on it that our last repair- a new turbo due to faulty oil filtration system, was done for free labor! This is our 3rd and definitely last Subaru. Our 1992 Legacy is by far the most reliable (1998 Outback the other). Sad."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting


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7 out of 8 found this review helpful

this was my car

by Sub girl
from calif | December 19, 2010

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 4 out of 5
Performance: 4 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 4 out of 5
Value for the Money: 4 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"This was my car, and it was well loved and consistantly reliable, never wrecked or damaged.i would recommend it to anyone."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around


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1 out of 4 found this review helpful

Subaru Review

by Subaru Reviewer
from Florida | October 12, 2010

Rating from

(4)
Comfort: 4 out of 5
Performance: 3 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 4 out of 5
Value for the Money: 3 out of 5
Reliability: 4 out of 5

"I currently have this exact model. It has great pickup but uses a ton of gas. At best, I get 18 mpg around town. It also only uses premium gas (not optional). There is an problem with the turbo blowing on this model. Sometimes with less than 60,000 miles. This can be remedied if you have a mechanic remove the "banjo bolt filter". It is a tiny filter that will easily get clogged and as a result, stop oil from flowing into the turbo engine. Often times, this is over looked even when the engine is replaced and it can blow again right away. Had mine removed and it's doing fine. Also must replace all four tires at once on all wheel drive cars (unless replacement is very close to tread thickness of other tires). For these reasons, I won't buy another subaru. Reliable, but expensive to maintain (tires and gas)."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Just getting around


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6 out of 7 found this review helpful

2005 Outback bought used

by HappySubaruOutbackOwner
from MA | August 6, 2010

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 4 out of 5
Performance: 4 out of 5
Handling: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Features: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"I bought this used, 5yrs old, 120k miles. Will need a clutch soon. Other than that, it's in very good condition, feels great, handles great, looks great. Seat is a little uncomfortable, as I'm a wide body and the seat pan is made for skinny people. Ergonomically well designed. A/C works well, cruise is well designed and works well. Handles great for a wagon. Love it. Had it for several months and several thousand miles. Want a new one, one day."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting


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6 out of 6 found this review helpful

Great Car for the Money

by Mountain Lovers
from Fort Collins, CO | May 16, 2010

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 4 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Handling: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Features: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"We have really enjoyed our Subaru Outback. It is really a fun car and is great in the mountains. I would highly recommend this car to anyone. It has been highly reliable."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Having fun


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4 out of 5 found this review helpful

Turbo Sleeper

by Regular Joe
from Scottsdale | April 7, 2010

Rating from

(4)
Comfort: 4 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Handling: 4 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 4 out of 5
Features: 3 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 4 out of 5

"I have owned my '05 Outback XT Limited for 4 years, and I've put nearly 70,000 miles on it. I have a family of 4. With a ski box that fastens to the roof for camping trips and looks cool, I don't wish for more space. Aside from a $40 clutch bearing that cost about $1400 to replace at 50k (including a new fly wheel the mechanic recommended changing out) the car has been great. I treat the car well, and have had no additional problems. I'm still on the original brakes at 78,000 miles. For me, Subaru has found the right balance between sporty driving, everyday comfort, style and affordability. The turbo engine is unbelievably powerful, and a lot of fun going up mountain passes. Passing on two lane highways is a breeze. For a car this size, however, the mileage may be disappointing. The ride is solid and quiet. I have friends who own expensive German cars who are impressed when they ride with me. I bought a Subaru based on their stellar reputation for building reliable cars. For the most part, they have lived up to that reputation for me."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Transporting family


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9 out of 10 found this review helpful

Worst car I have ever owned

by Lemon owner
from Erieville, NY | February 19, 2010

Rating from

(1)
Comfort: 3 out of 5
Performance: 1 out of 5
Handling: 1 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 3 out of 5
Interior Design: 3 out of 5
Features: 3 out of 5
Value for the Money: 1 out of 5
Reliability: 1 out of 5

"I bought this car brand new from the dealer. It's never been in an accident (mostly because it's in the shop so much...). I have alot of miles on the car (158,000), but I have taken care of it (regular oil changes, etc). I had two Subarus before this one and LOVED them. However, this 2005 Outback is definitely the worst car I have ever owned. I have had more trouble with the engine and body. The door locks had to be replaced last year. The harmonic balancer blew up two months ago and took out the alternator. I had a new harmonic balancer and alternator put in. Now, it's in the shop again because the valves are bent. I would NEVER recommend anyone buying a Subaru at all."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting


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5 out of 16 found this review helpful

cramped

by twokids
from Denver | January 2, 2010

Rating from

(3)
Comfort: 4 out of 5
Performance: 3 out of 5
Handling: 3 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 3 out of 5
Features: 4 out of 5
Value for the Money: 4 out of 5
Reliability: 3 out of 5

"Loved our 1998 Outback so stuck with the Outback. We have 2 young children in carseats now and this car is too small! Can barely fit yourself in with an infant car seat. Passenger must have seat all the way forward. Slope of rear windows make it tricky to get infants & toddlers in without them hitting their heads. Wish I had bought a bigger car. Also very narrow so passenger and driver arms overlap against each other. Car too narrow. Can't fit a person between 2 carseats that is over 110lbs."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Just getting around


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4 out of 7 found this review helpful

My last car

by janetal
from Mobile AL | December 29, 2009

Rating from

(4)
Comfort: 4 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Handling: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 3 out of 5
Features: 4 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"One of the best cars I have ever owned. I have decided unless something drastic happens to the car it will be my last car."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Work


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2 out of 3 found this review helpful

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