2006 Subaru Forester Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a reviewIn an effort to draw in more of a male audience to accompany its wide popularity among female drivers, the 2006 Subaru Forester ups the horsepower, stiffens the suspension, and makes improvements to the manual transmission. This small SUV is a big seller because it combines SUV versatility and ride height with the easy feel of a car.
The 2006 Forester is all-wheel drive and comes in four trims. The previous 2.5S has been dropped and replaced with a 2.5X Premium. The base 2.5X, 2.5X, and 2.5X L.L. Bean edition all use a 2.5-liter, SOHC flat-4 engine that gets 8 more horsepower to hit 173-hp. The turbocharged 2.5XT Limited also gets a boost of 20 horsepower to hit a more respectable 230-hp in a DOHC version of he flat-4. Improvements to the intake manifold and exhausts on the XT Limited enhance overall performance. The standard 5-speed manual transmission has been altered to give more short-throw shifting. A 4-speed automatic is also available on all trims but the L.L. Bean.
Design changes to the front end, grille, and exterior lights were also done in the 2006 Forester. Bumpers are now body-colored, and turn signals are incorporated into the side mirrors. Because of the redesigned exhaust, ground clearance has increased by half an inch.
Owners of the 2006 Forester praise the turbo power and performance, though there is some turbo lag. The all-wheel drive continues to earn praise in snowy climates, even though the Forester is technically not an off-roader. Good gas mileage for an SUV, lots of headroom, and wide visibility are other plusses. The non-turbo lack of power is disappointing, along with an annoyingly revving engine. Legroom can be cramped in the back row.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2006 Subaru Forester
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Nicky B
Jun 26, 2022
Love the Subaru Foresters!!! Great little vehicles. They are sturdy, strong, take you anywhere AWDs! As long as you get the timing belt done arnd 150K kms before it goes, youre good to go for years with this vehicle!!Jun 26, 2022
by Anonymous
Oct 10, 2021
Features were nice, had everything we were looking for Oct 10, 2021
by Alex D
Jul 04, 2021
Love it. Diamond in the rough. Jul 04, 2021
User rating:
by Nicky B
Jun 26, 2022
Love the Subaru Foresters!!! Great little vehicles. They are sturdy, strong, take you anywhere AWDs! As long as you get the timing belt done arnd 150K kms before it goes, youre good to go for years with this vehicle!!Jun 26, 2022
by Anonymous
Oct 10, 2021
Features were nice, had everything we were looking for Oct 10, 2021
by Alex D
Jul 04, 2021
Love it. Diamond in the rough. Jul 04, 2021
by sandy b
Mar 21, 2021
The only thing thats missing is that car in my drivewayMar 21, 2021
by David I
Nov 29, 2020
We looked at this car and walked away. Badly worn interior and d mechanically questionable. Alarm went off h on the car and they did not even he ave the remote key to disable. Nov 29, 2020
by Greg M
Aug 03, 2020
These second generation Foresters are jewels... reliable, easy to see out of, extremely practical, stylish in a cool dorky way... especially the XT which is now holding or going up in value, in particular the manuals. Aug 03, 2020
by Joan B
May 30, 2020
They advertised it as 12K miles and $4700 and I sent 2 emails about it and never heard back from anyone .....next day it had 120K miles and was marked $61,000!May 30, 2020
by David K
Feb 27, 2020
There the same price as a bmw x5 and the bmw is way better
Feb 27, 2020
by Donna K
Dec 28, 2014
Got a really great deal on this low mileage later model Subaru. Went from Mo. to Ny. at Christmas time. From Mo to Washington state. Still going no service. Due for an oil change. Couldn't ask for a better all around car.Dec 28, 2014
by Anonymous
Dec 18, 2014
I love this car. It's smooth and supe low maintenance. Never had a single trouble with it. Only one previous owner who took excellent care of it. This car is super spacious, has roof racks and has 3 car chargers so I loved to go camping in it. Manual transmission and just the fact that it's Subaru means it handles ice and snow beautifully. Excellent gas mileage for its size, and a perfectly excellent car overall.Dec 18, 2014
by Brian C
Mar 02, 2013
Bought a 2006 in 2013 with 51000 miles on it for $13,500. The CarFax showed religious dealer maintenance by the previous owner. It looks and drives ( but doesn't smell) like a new car.
I'm banking on the reputation of Subaru owners loving their cars for having a used car that has not been neglected.
Test drove newer -2009-2011 models and found the prior model year to have a better looking interior. The newer models had more plastic and had, IMHO, an inferior sound system as far as sound quality. That was a deal-breaker for me.
This is a practical car. If you are looking for performance, sexy styling or speed, keep looking.
I am a father of 2 kids with a big dog and like to play outdoors. This is a great car for me.Mar 02, 2013
by Margo F
Nov 14, 2012
It's like they say, better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all. That is literally how I fell about this car. When I was driving it the slogan "Love, it's what makes a Subaru a Subaru" always used to pop into my head because I truly LOVED this car. And I miss it so much. I wish I still had it. I feel so bad about it's fateful end. But at the same time it saved my boyfriend's life and I am so grateful for that. More than once actually. The functionality cannot be beat. And the reliability... wow. I didn't know you could buy a used car that is so reliable. Damn... still makes me sad to think that it's gone... and that now I have a car that's reliability does not even touch my Subie's. RIP my friend. Nov 14, 2012
by Candy J
Oct 25, 2011
I spent 6 months looking for this used beauty! Turbo charged, sun roof, leather,
heated seats. Routine maintenance is easy. Beautiful appearance. Easy to pick out
in a crowd. 24 mpg average. 30+ highway mileage. Hubby is jealous of it. He's
always taking it for errands.Oct 25, 2011
by Bruce M
Oct 03, 2011
Performace - acceleration is exellent
Build Quality - Good, stong, no clutter on the dash instrument panel only important information
Apperance - front aggressive look, looks hide whats under the hood
CO- not bad, heavy on gas if driving fast
Fun Factor - excellent to drive all the time. Excellent off road capabilities, can go any where a 4x4 vehicle can go. Oct 03, 2011
by Sean B
Apr 05, 2011
Lots of power. Turbo lag is minimal. Very comfortable. Performs just as well off road as on road. Well equipped. A bit heavy on fuel if you drive a little more spirited than normal. A dream on the open road.Apr 05, 2011
by Catie N
Jul 06, 2010
This car has saved my life more than once. The AWD and intuitive braking
system makes it a walk in the park to drive, especially here in Oregon, where
water can freeze over night, even in the summer!
I definitely wish that the fabric on the inside wasn't tan, having 2 dogs, and
constantly hauling things from one side of town to the other makes it pretty
hard to keep the seats clean.
The Forester has very little maintenance. Have had to get a few tires replaced,
due to normal wear, and the oil changed, but other than that, it runs like a
dream. I need to get her in for the works soon, as its been about a 2 years
since shes had it done.
The car is extremely fun to drive. I feel safe, and in control at all times. Plus the
sounds system that came stock with it isn't too shabby either!
I would recommend this car to anyone in the market for a safe, fun, affordable
and LONG LASTING car.
I know my children will be learning to drive in this one when the time comes.Jul 06, 2010
by Alex T
Sep 11, 2009
Solid car, well built, lots of room without sacrificing performance. Strong engine, 5 speed clutch. Fast and good aftermarket support. Cheap to maintain, subaru parts are easy to find. Very fun to drive, offroad, cruise, anything and everything. Perfect for the family oriented tuner.Sep 11, 2009
by Matt M
Aug 16, 2009
Acceleration is great and it handles like a dream, no problems with it yet, got some normal nicks and scratches from driving and using the car, wish it was better on gass but 21-23 MPG isnt bad and its absolutly fun to drive.Aug 16, 2009
by Tim M
Jun 30, 2009
I didn't buy it for its looks but it aint that bad, but it goes like stink, has lots of room, nice leather seats and is a real sleeper. Great workhorse - my boat fits on the roof and the outboard in the boot.Jun 30, 2009
by Jo E
May 17, 2009
Great car, just needed to change the tyres as the tyres it comes with are quite nosiy on the road.
Great build quality, lovely to drive, lots of power and turbo gives it grunt.
Easy for my dogs to get in and out of the back too!May 17, 2009
by Becca H
May 09, 2009
I wish I got the 6 cylinder. I like a fast take off, but this is good, but I feel like I might hirt it if I take off to fast before waitng for it to get into gear. The wind noise thru the windows is loud but if you turn on the radio it's okay. Everything else I love. The curtain cover for the "trunk" storage area rattles but only because it is a roll up retractible kind. Gas mileage is great, it hasd a 13 gallon tank and I can go 288 miles (in town and about 50 highway) on a tank. It has lots of big windows which I love so my view isn't restricted as it shouldn't be when you are driving.May 09, 2009
by Cornelius Aramis L
Apr 07, 2009
The sports car of off-roaders,best of both worlds,0-100km/h in 6.9sec.240km/h top speed.top notch brakes and handling,after 110000 km no breakdown or repairs needed,amasing off-road capibilities,bit heavy on fuel when driven hard,expensive service bills. Apr 07, 2009
by Antonie J
Aug 29, 2008
Great car! I amazed some serious Jeep fans in the sands of Mosambiek - comment: how did you get up here? In that!?
Great buy, serious reliability and a fun drive. Good boot space, and although the handgear is fun, automatic works better on sand and mud. Looks is "understated elegance", the new edition has more in that department.Aug 29, 2008
by Simon H
May 08, 2008
Clean Reliable, fun carMay 08, 2008
by Paul A
Mar 31, 2008
good car, no leg room (anywhere) (any other questions ask)Mar 31, 2008
by Bruce T
Jan 03, 2008
The best car I have owner for reliability, performs great, economical compared to the v8 I used to own.Jan 03, 2008
by Morten O
Dec 28, 2007
Fun car with power. Nice to drive.Dec 28, 2007
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2006 Subaru Forester?Compare this car
2006 Subaru Forester Pricing
Original MSRP
$22,420 to $28,520Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: seatback
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: center
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: door pockets
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: rear
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: wood
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: grocery bag holder
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: center
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather · Upholstery accents: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · 1 subwoofer
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: door pockets
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: rear
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: full-size
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent