In 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.