2005 Subaru Outback Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Like the Legacy on which it is based, the 2005 Subaru Outback gets a full redesign this year, making it sleeker, roomier, more powerful, and an overall better performer on and off the road. Rounder sloping lines get rid of some of the squared-off conservative boxiness, and the interior materials are more refined and durable. The 2005 Outback adds a 2.5 XT and XT Limited, featuring a new 250-hp turbo version of the 2.5-liter flat-4 engine in the base 2.5i and 2.5i Limited. These models also get a boost to 168-hp. The 3.0 H6 also rises to 250-this year.
The 2005 Outback comes in either sedan or wagon form, though the versatile wagons are most popular for their storage capacity, roof rack, and 60/40 folding rear seats (the sedans only have an armrest pass-through). There are two new 3.0 wagons this year, an L.L. Bean Edition and the VDC, which combines electronic stability control with Variable Torque Distribution for maximum use of the all-wheel drive system. Other changes this year include more ground clearance and lighter body materials, to increase engine performance, even on the non-turbos.
All of the 2005 Outbacks come with ABS brakes, dual front, side, and curtain airbags, and a choice of a Sportshift manual or an automatic transmission. Base models are nicely outfitted with power features, including power seats. The Limited, both turbo and non, feature a dual-pane sunroof. Heated leather seats are in the XT Limited and the VDC.
All-wheel drive power in snow, ice, and rough road conditions is outstanding, according to 2005 Outback drivers. The turbo engine is fast and fun, though it does display some lag. Overall ride is quiet and smooth, handling is crisp, and the 5-star crash ratings boost Subaru's safety image. Negatives include acceleration on the non-turbo H4, poor gas mileage, cramped rear legroom, the need for premium gas, and a so-so radio.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2005 Subaru Outback
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Cheyenne B
Nov 04, 2023
Looks like a 17 year old boy beat it up Nov 04, 2023
by Kenneth M
Jun 26, 2022
Research all vehicle is the key, make sure its as advertised from mileage, how many owners, etc etc and then test driving an inspection yourself I was just recently told at certain accessories or hard to come by, being get I have a 15 year vehicle in other words I was told it was vintageJun 26, 2022
by Roberto C
Mar 26, 2021
Excellent AWD Car. The style is far ahead of its time. The Electronics are also far ahead of its time...Mar 26, 2021
User rating:
by Cheyenne B
Nov 04, 2023
Looks like a 17 year old boy beat it up Nov 04, 2023
by Kenneth M
Jun 26, 2022
Research all vehicle is the key, make sure its as advertised from mileage, how many owners, etc etc and then test driving an inspection yourself I was just recently told at certain accessories or hard to come by, being get I have a 15 year vehicle in other words I was told it was vintageJun 26, 2022
by Roberto C
Mar 26, 2021
Excellent AWD Car. The style is far ahead of its time. The Electronics are also far ahead of its time...Mar 26, 2021
by Jason P
Jan 21, 2015
Overall a good car. Plenty of room. Plenty of power. Fun to drive despite being a station wagon. Only gripes are that you can't upgrade the radio and coming from a sports car I feel the pedals are too far apart. My kid loves the sunroof.Jan 21, 2015
by Nick A
Jan 16, 2015
There is a lot to like and not a lot not to like. The only things I disliked about the car are insignificant things that bothered me because I'm a bit of a car snob. Definitely quite a favorite. I would have another Outback in a second.Jan 16, 2015
by chico c
Nov 11, 2014
Love everything about the 05 Subi. Very comfortable vehicle. Very user friendly. Performance is fine. Everything I need to get around in an economical vehicle. Maintenance is very low and economical. I spent less on this vehicle with almost 200,00 miles than my friends do on theirs with less than half the mileage.Nov 11, 2014
by Anonymous
Nov 01, 2014
Best all around versatility in a SUV. It has all the features I would ever need in a vehicle in it's class and with off road capability to take me to my favorite fishing and hunting spots in PA. I enjoy driving again. Purchased from Chardon Motors and got a GREAT deal.
License Plate lights went out, wasn't the bulbs but easy fix. I get about 25 +MPG with a K&N air filter and new NGK Iridium Laser spark plugs..Nov 01, 2014
by Anonymous
Sep 05, 2014
I love that it is one of the safest cars on the road for all passengers. It is a fun little wagon that is easy to drive in all weather conditions. This is my fourth Subaru that I have owned, and I will always drive one.Sep 05, 2014
by Anonymous
May 31, 2014
Fun to drive and easy to work on..... Love the Subaru H6 3.0 horizontally opposed engine. I was called to work during snow storm. The roads had 7 inches of un-plowed snow. The tires were 75% worn and this car handled the trip no trouble at all. Very Dependable!May 31, 2014
by Corey B
Nov 13, 2013
What else is there to say, it's a Subaru, fun to drive on and off road, and has never let me down on even it's worst day... Lots of work has gone into this car to make it mine. Just need a bigger car for a growing family.Nov 13, 2013
by David D
Sep 09, 2013
The mileage is great. I averaged 23 to 24 in the city, and over 30 mpg on the highway. It handles great, and this is with 170,000 miles on it. A great car for hauling people or stuff wherever you want to go.Sep 09, 2013
by Anonymous
Feb 13, 2013
Great car all around. Never have had a problem with the car. Great in the snow. Great in the rain. Subaru Outbacks hold their value as well as any other car. Would recommend them to anyone who ever asks me!Feb 13, 2013
by Anonymous
Jan 14, 2012
Well, I'm not sure what information to put in here, so here goes: I drove my outback off the lot with 50 miles on the odometer. It now has 128000 miles on it. I am confident it can go for another 128000 and more as long as I continue to take care of the vehicle!Jan 14, 2012
by Jonny G
Jan 06, 2011
Awesome ride, very comfy. Has everything you could need and more. You can go anywhere with these. I would love to own a coupe or sedan and another wagon like this. The ground clearance is great for the snow and the heated seats are great for coming down the mountain after a day of boarding. Headlights are super bright stock, more power from a turbo would have been nice.Jan 06, 2011
by Gavin Baller P
Aug 18, 2010
The 2005 Subaru Outback is the ultimate car if you live in a ski town. It has a 250
hp engine that redlines at 6500 rpm. It can be a bunch of fun to drive. It has some
flaws though. It has massive turbo lag. It understeers really bad when pushed to
the limits. It's built well, and hasn't been taken into the shop for anything
unscheduled. It gets about 22 combined mpg.Aug 18, 2010
by George B
Apr 11, 2010
Fun to drive
Heat shields on the Exhaust rattles if you dont clamp them down often.
Looks like a gradma's car, good factory radio if you get the special edition
28 mpg, rear electronic fuel sensor costs 400+ to replace
Lots of fun to driveApr 11, 2010
by Rj K
Mar 30, 2010
First of all It's not the XT model it's just the standard 2.5 liter engine. But anyways It has plenty ground clearance to get you where your going no matter where that is. It has room for anything from your climbing/ backpacking gear to four of your tallest friends. It is also great for winter driving. It's symetrical all wheel drive makes it almost impossible for you to slide in the snow (when you dont want to) It's high gas milage (avg. 25.2 MPG) makes it great for long drives too, since you dont have to fill it up every few miles. Bottom line The 2005 Subaru Outback Is the Outdoorsmans wet dream when it comes to good, well made, reliable outdooring station wagons.Mar 30, 2010
by Al H
Feb 28, 2010
It was just plain rubish. The volvo of the 21st Centuiry. Air conditioning was schizoid. No internal storage pockets. Leather seats were slippery. Audio system was very very poor quality. The fake aluminium central dash looked terrible.
Trim around sunroof fell off in first few weeks.Feb 28, 2010
by Chad H
Oct 16, 2009
ALL WHEEL DRIVE!!! It has taken the given abuse very well. It does not have a turbo, yet it has enough power for me. I upgraded the exhaust to 2 in., upgraded the air filter to a K&N and upgraded the rear sway bar. It was a bit spendy, I got it with 47 miles on it. I have way to much fun driving my car... :D I have, unfortunately, have had some trouble working on it (D.I.Y.S.). It currently has an issue with the idle, which is at around 250 rpm, causing it to die at stop signs and red lights.Oct 16, 2009
by Anonymous
Sep 27, 2009
This car is family car with a sport intention!!! Nice ride well built and no reliability problem at all!! Very good seat and the leather is good quality. The sound of the Turbo is great. The back seat our good for children but not much for adult, they will have problem to get out of the car since the back door our short too.Sep 27, 2009
by Tom D
Aug 16, 2009
Enjoyed this car. Very versitle and would navigate any terrain. Extremely high on the maintence expenses though. Not really made for tall people, but would suffice for an average family of four. Stick with the v6 or turbo if your will be driving the vehicle much.Aug 16, 2009
by Ben F
Jul 02, 2009
Geat car. Universal use, good for beach work. Not a full on off roader but had good tracktion. Better than my prado on the sand. Very good to drive to the ski feilds and dont have o put chains on to drive through snow.
Good fuel economy and is fantastic to drive and settle into the drivers seat on a long trip. The 2.5 motor is very sweat and works well through the entire rev range. 5th gear could be a bit taller.Jul 02, 2009
by Mark S
Aug 13, 2008
there is only a few things i dislike about my car is its overall size, and it breaks. With any type of speed and you get on the breaks you get a soft break peddle after and the only way to fix it is to stop and get food or drive slow and dont use them. Plus its AWD and i have no pick up in the lower RPMs b/c of the boxer engine good upper power and my MPG is like 17-20 witch is alright.Aug 13, 2008
by John H
Jun 27, 2008
Bought used with 40K miles.
Pros: Stupid fast for a station wagon. Looks sharp, zero problems with it. Hauls gear... and ass. Nice, upscale interior. Storage is adequate, but not great. Off-road chuckability is actually pretty good (but how often does that happen?).
Cons: Turbo is thirsty for 91 octane (21 mpg combined), nautical handling (the standard Legacy wagon is far superior), clutch is grabby and temperamental, gearbox feels like a stick in a bucket of rocks. Could use more legroom. Needs a telescoping steering column (and it got one in the '08 model year).
Meh: Stereo is only OK - sad excuse for a subwoofer (resides under the driver's seat - and only succeeds in tickling your butt; providing audible bass is a secondary concern). A bit thin on creature comforts - has heated power front seats, heated mirrors and windshield wipers... and that's about it. Oh yeah, and giant moonroof, which they forgot to tint so you absolutely bake in the sun when the shade is open. The remote key fob triggers way too easily, you can't lock/unlock all the doors using just the key, and the controls are straight-up basic (not a bad thing, but lacks gadgetry for the gadget geek).
Overall: The OBXT is a hoot to drive because of the thrusty turbo alone. The handling leaves lots to be desired, and the ride is only adequate. If fuel economy is important and you don't need gobs of power, a standard 2.5i model would be the wiser choice... better yet, a Legacy - but they quit making the wagon version in '08 (boo!). It fits my needs for now, and the fuel economy isn't oppressive (yet), but there's more versatile options out there. If you must have AWD, the Audi A4 2.0T is a much better driver and gets better mileage to boot, but sacrifices some interior space and has had lousy reliability.
Reliability: Excellent, except for the wheel bearings - which Subaru has owned up to and extended the warranty, so it hasn't cost me a dime. Subaru also found that turbos were getting toasted without severe-duty oil change intervals, so in addition to running premium, I get to change Mobil 1 synthetic every 3750 miles too.Jun 27, 2008
by Chris M
Jun 26, 2008
Turbo boxer engine with a manual 5 speed in a
wagon! What else could you ask for? We love it
anyway! Has great leather interior, and over the 3
years we have owned has not needed any major
repairs.Jun 26, 2008
by Travis M
May 30, 2008
This thing handles great in all weather conditions. It's got enough ground clearance so you're not scared to take it off the beaten path.May 30, 2008
by Duane A
May 17, 2008
Great car, Mine is all black so it is sleek. big improvement over previous
years.May 17, 2008
by Thierry P
Apr 27, 2008
slick interior, awesome engine when in turbo range, sport-shift auto decent. Only real issue is that gear shifts are slow for really quick driving.Apr 27, 2008
by Anonymous
Feb 23, 2008
We think it is a great safe car that gets decent milage (@ 35k, we have been averaging 25 miles/gallon, which I think is good considering she uses the remote car start every morning to warm-up the car and she drive in heavy traffic to/from work)Feb 23, 2008
by Alan G
Jan 07, 2008
Good performance gas killsJan 07, 2008
by Kaishu S
Jan 03, 2008
4WD, ABS, etc.Jan 03, 2008
by Anonymous
Dec 21, 2007
Great Car for Those Who Live In Weather Climates. Dec 21, 2007
What users have asked
52 views
I have 2005 subaru outback with a P2016
Purchased with blown turbo and no battery. Replaced turbo and battery, changed oil. Replaced both TPS sensors, idle control motor and new main wire harness. P2016 will not reset, is it possibly something with ECM?
38 views
Are these LL Bean editions worth the pruchase?
I've been looking into the LL bean edition subarus and I've come across two that im interested in. https://www.autoblog.com/used-detail--8086158981172556591-Subaru- Outback-2007 https://www.cjmenterprisesco.com/inventory/view/10679180/2005-Subaru- Legacy-Wagon-%28Natl%29-Outback-3.0-R-L.L.-Bean-Edition-Loveland-CO The dealership with the blue subaru said they are putting a new transmission into the vehicle.
4602 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2005 Subaru Outback?Compare this car
2005 Subaru Outback Pricing
Original MSRP
$19,720 to $34,220Price range
$5,942 to $6,061Average price on CG
$6,061YoY price change
$5,942 to $6,061Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: rear
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: center
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Rear sunroof: power glass · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: center
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: rear
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Rear sunroof: power glass · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: wood
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: center
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: rear
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Rear sunroof: power glass · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: center
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Rear sunroof: power glass · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent