Review: 2006 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT

Go to MYRIDE.COM for more car videos.More power, revised handling, new features, and updated styling are part of a significant Subaru Forester update for 2006. More power on normally aspirated Foresters comes about because of a new variable valve-lift system. Horsepower for this 2.5-liter flat four is now 173 (up from 165 hp in 2005), and Subaru says real-world drivability has been improved. The turbocharged engine in the 2.5 XT Limited model is also more powerful for 2006; it receives a 20-hp boost for a 230-hp total, and it produces fewer tailpipe emissions. Minor revisions to the manual and automatic transmissions are also part of the 2006 upgrade. Other mechanical changes this year include a slight boost to ground clearance, a retuned suspension (for sharper handling and a smoother ride, says Subaru) and improved brake feel. For the interior of this small crossover SUV, Subaru added a rear fold-down armrest, reshaped the rear seat for additional thigh support, installed a new multi-function center console and put in new tie-downs for the cargo area. The upscale L.L. Bean Edition trim also has widened water-resistant matting for the cargo area and a new Momo steering wheel. Finishing up the 2006 Subaru Forester alterations is a styling refresh that gives the Forester a less blocky-looking front fascia, new taillights and larger exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• awd
• crossover
• forester
• subaru
• suv
• wagon

[kimc53]

how can a 5spd not be a positive? This guy sucks at reviewing cars.

[myfuruta]

Subaru Rules, Period.

High Quality & Fun!

[RandomShow585]

This guy is a terrible reviewer. He only drives it for 5 miles.

[Venefiga]

@ncethngs a larger percentage of American's can't drive manual gearbox cars than your average European

I'm not saying you can't but allot of the people in your country only buys auto and have only learned how to drive using a Automatic

I read somewhere that 84% of all the cars sold in north America is automatic

so yes your right you have freedom of choice and it is your right to buy the automatic if you want to

Me I bought a manual one

[ncethngs]

@Venefiga if you've never been to America don't talk smack. We have freedom of choice. .

[Annihilator1111]

the 2003-2008 Subaru Forester was assembled in

Ōta, Gunma, Japan

[ttiffom2016]

i drive a manual in chicago land area. unless your left leg is a twig or the clutch is terribly heavy, theres no drawbacks to driving a manual. i drive big rigs as well which are also manual. you just gotta know how to pace yourself and keep momentum smooth

[Venefiga]

The reason ppl in USA does not want manual is because they can’t drive with a manual and they then say it is for comfort

Why buy a high performance car then cripple it with a automatic

[Vanrocco66]

@kimc53 Because nobody in the USA wants a manual tranny. It's a pain in the ass! Most of the driving here in the Northeast is city and highway driving and nobody wants to be stuck in traffic with a manual transmission!

[nova123]

idk i think his review was pretty good up until the point he said it wasnt cool looking. maybe he doesnt know about the sti version hmm...

[jphillips260]

this guy's an idiot the manual is worlds better and i don't see why he needs anything other than crappy tires as he drives like a grandma.