2005 Subaru Outback

Pros: Power, AWD, handling, looks, manual transmission

Cons: Fuel economy, factory tires & wheels

The Bottom Line: Buy it!

Review: My 2005 Outback XT Ltd is my first new car; I probably broke the curve as far as ownership statistics go, being only 25 when I purchased it (August 2004, I have 30,000 miles on it now). I cross shopped with every car I considered competitive, but ended ...

Pros: 4-wheel drive; classy interior, sporty and quick

Cons: needs telescoping steering--gas mileage is poor.

The Bottom Line: Great car for the money--more upscale than you would think and is a blast to drive!

Review: I bought an '05 Outback 2.5XT Limited a few weeks ago. I have been shopping for a second car for approximately 3 months. I wanted something that would haul stuff and was maneuverable and, if possible, fun to drive. I looked at the Toyota RAV4, ...

Pros: Performance, Utility, Comfort and Stealth (for surprising owners of expensive German imports)

Cons: Gas Mileage (it's still 20+ MPG though)

The Bottom Line: A great performer in all weather conditions. Excellent reliability and performance make this an excellent wagon for the price.

Review: I purchased my Outback XT at the end of September and I am very happy with my purchase. I previously drove a 1999 Outback and the differences between these two cars is night and day. The interior of the new Outback is refined and, while not quite ...

Pros: Turbo-charged power; agile handling; smooth ride; nicely appointed and ergonomic interior; standard features

Cons: Tighter on interior room than competition; poorer than most sedans in fuel economy

The Bottom Line: The Outback XT is the best choice for the driver who can't really spend over $30,000 and wants a fun to drive vehicle that will also satisfy his utility needs

Review: I have had the Subaru Outback XT Ltd. for about three weeks now. I have driven it nearly every day since I bought it (when my wife isn't trying to get me to let her take it instead), taken it on a couple of day trips, and put about 700 miles on the ...

Pros: Styling, performance, comfort, safety, appearance, and reliability.

Cons: Fuel mileage - around 21 mpg. Is improving as engine breaks in though.

The Bottom Line: An excellent choice, better than any SUV offering out there.

Review: My wife and I purchased a 2005 Subaru Outback Limited XT to fit our growing family. It only took one test drive and we purchased the car on the spot. Compared to a 4-runner, Explorer, Mazda 6 wagon, and VW Passat Wagon, well, there was no comparison. ...

Pros: looks sharp, comfy interior, peppy economical engine, unstoppable in the snow

Cons: no ipod adapter for stock stereo, stock tires have poor traction

The Bottom Line: I love to play in the mountains in every season and this is the ultimate vehicle to get you and your family there safely and comfortably.

Review: At first glance one would think that it is just a teched out looking station wagon. But once you get behind the wheel you'll discover an amazing blend of car-like responsiveness and SUV ruggedness.Given one of the highest safety ratings for the year for ...

Pros: Fast, Fast, powerful, versatile, comfortable, reliable

Cons: requires premium fuel

The Bottom Line: If you're looking for a reliable, powerful, comfortable, roomy, all wheel drive wagon, with an option of manual transmission, this is your car.

Review: I was looking to replace my 2000 Outback Wagon which I was handing over to my rock star stepson. I loved my Outback and was hoping to upgrade a few features while renewing my wheels of zeal. The XT Limited is the top of the line 4 cylinder Outback that ...

Pros: Taut handling, power, well engineered car.

Cons: Gets pricey in the LL Bean and VDC models and above tire problem.

The Bottom Line: As good as any competitor, maybe as good as the Volvo XC. Quality construction and engineering, watch out for the tires!

Review: First of all, I love this car! I've had it for seven months now, and put 11,000 miles on it. It handles nimbly, has an abundance of power (3.0 liter LL Bean edition), goes offroad on anything a stock SUV will, and is comfortable for long trips. It's ...

Pros: New styling, more luxurious, lots of standard amenities

Cons: Base engine needs more hp's; gray body cladding seems a bit fragile

Review: Bigger, plusher, more leg room, and more slylish than previous Subarus. Re-styled (esp. the back end, which is less gaudy and more car-like) and a bigger, more plush cabin. Quiet, smooth ride. 8.4” ground clearance. Base model loaded with ...

Pros: Reasonably priced wagon. Excellent feature content, build quality. Outstanding power.

Cons: It's a Subaru. Very little prestige to these cars.

Review: Unless they added a turbo to the Legacy. I had a non-turbo boxer 4 cyl wagon two years ago, and although the build quality was high, the car could not get out of its own way. The new turbo outback is a dream to drive. Fast, packed with features and ...