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2005 Subaru Outback Review
New design brings room, refinement and performance.
2005 Outback Review Summary & Specifications
The Outback was already good. Better than good, in fact, unique. Right-sized on the outside, roomy and comfortable on the inside, a go-almost-anywhere wagon with a dedicated following.The new 2005 Outback improves on everything about the previous one, especially in styling. It looks richer, more expensive, and it is, about $2000 more than the 2004 models it replaces. But it delivers tangibles, too, in power, comfort, amenities. It may not be a bargain, by common definition, but it's a good buy, and there's at least one that's a joy to drive, too.
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| Vehicle Category | Midsize Cars |
| Editor | Tom Lankard |
| Model Lineup | Subaru Outback 2.5i ($23,995); 2.5i Limited ($26,995); 2.5 XT ($27,995); 2.5 XT Limited ($30,695); 3.0 R sedan ($30,995); 3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition ($32,195); 3.0 R VDC Limited ($33,395) |
| Engines (standard) | 3.0-liter double overhead cam 24-valve flat six |
| Engines (optional) | 168-horsepower (163-hp California PZEV) 2.5-liter single overhead cam 16-valve flat four; 2.5-liter double overhead cam 16-valve turbocharged and intercooled flat four; 3.0-liter double overhead cam 24-valve flat six |
| Transmissions (standard) | 5-speed Sportshift automatic |
| Transmissions (optional) | 5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic; 5-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | two-stage frontal airbags; front seat-mounted side-impact airbags; full coverage side curtain airbags; active front-seat head restraints; head restraints for all rear seating positions (adjustable for outboard positions); anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution; child safety seat anchors; collision-activated retracting brake pedal assembly |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | none |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Lafayette, Indiana |
| Manufacturer Phone | 800-SUBARU3 (782-2783) |
| Manufacturer URL | www.subaru.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 23995 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Subaru Outback 3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition ($32,195) |
| Standard Equipment | dual-zone automatic climate control; cruise control; power door locks, outside mirrors and windows; 8-way driver and 4-way passenger (with manual lumbar) power seats; six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with in-dash, 6-disc changer; digital clock and trip computer; auto-off headlights; leather-trimmed upholstery, shift knob and brake handle; Momo mahogany/leather-wrapped steering wheel with remote audio controls; remote keyless entry with engine immobilizer; dual-panel power moonroof; heated front seats, exterior mirrors and windshield washer nozzles; halogen foglamps; auto-dimming mirror/compass; carpeted floor mats; rear seat armrest; removable cargo tray; two-way retractable cargo area cover; two accessory power outlets |
| Destination Charge | 575 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | California PZEV ($200) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Price as Tested | 32970 |
| Layout | all-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 250 @ 6600 |
| Torque | 219 @ 4200 |
| Fuel Economy | 19/25 |
| Wheelbase | 105.1 |
| Length/Width/Height | 188.7/69.7/61.6 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 35.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.7/51.0/44.1 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 37.1/52.6/33.9 |
| Trunk Volume | 61.7 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | 3000 |
| Front Suspension | independent, MacPherson-type struts, coil springs, stabilizer bar |
| Rear Suspension | independent, multi-link, coil springs, stabilize bar |
| Ground Clearance | 8.4 |
| Curb Weight | 3600 |
| Stock Tires | 255/55R17 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | disc/disc with ABS and EBD |
| Fuel Capacity | 16.9 |
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