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Adding pleasure to their product is one aim of the all-new Subaru
2005 Subaru Outback 2.5XT Limited sport-utility wagon that joined us in
December. Subaru wants to move their image upmarket, and our new
Outback reflects that in power and near-luxury car levels of
appointments.
Mileage from its 250 horsepower flat-4 turbo has risen to 21.8 after
nearly 5,000 miles. Not bad for any multi-purpose vehicle. Our recent
snows have provided no hindrances to the automatic all-wheel drive, with
our staff's only caveats going to the seats. While improved over the
last Outback, support is still lacking for long trips as several of our
staff complained of pain.
On the upside, the new Outback is much quieter, had much improved
fit and finish, as well as better looking materials. It also handles the
unexpected jog in the road with less pitch and roll. So, command is
easier under all conditions.
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This all-new Subaru Outback 2.5XT Limited sport-utility wagon joined us in December and after a quick 10,000 miles is performing well. For a multi-purpose vehicle, economy from its 250 horsepower flat-4 turbo is good at 20.6 miles per gallon, but short trips and winter idling did cause it to drop from last report. Subaru's fabled automatic all-wheel drive system made short work of our mostly modest snows, giving us solid all-weather confidence. It handles dry roads with confidence, too.
We've had no mechanical problems and our only desire is for more front seat support. Otherwise the luxury appointments of this Outback are first rate. And, boy is it quiet. Indeed the new Outback sets new standards of refinement for Subaru.
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Subaru hopes to sell 200,000 vehicles in the US this year for the first time. The all-new 2005 Subaru Outback is one of the reasons they very well might make it. Vastly improved in every way, the new Outback sport-utility wagon has moved from a niche to a mainstream vehicle. Our 2.5XT represents the top of the Outback lineup with its flat-4 250-horsepower turbocharged engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, and like all Subarus, standard all-wheel drive.
Fuel economy, after 6 months and some 13,000 miles, remains consistent at 20.4 miles per gallon. Our staff finds the Outback solidly built and trouble free, mostly comfortable, and even a bit sporty when it needs to be.
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Over the years, our staff has probably recommended more Subaru models to more people than any other brand, largely for two reasons: their high level of dependability, and excellent all-wheel-drive systems. So far, this all-new 2005 Subaru Outback is continuing that tradition. After 9 months and 15,000 miles we can report no mechanical problems with our Outback 2.5XT. As to annoyances, we still find front seat comfort on the "thin" side for long trips.
That aside, our Outback's flat-4 250-horsepower turbocharged engine and 5-speed automatic transmission is a surprisingly smooth combination. Fuel economy of 20.3 miles per gallon remains stable. And while this sport-utility wagon is also a favorite for long distance summer vacations, it is also a true four-season vehicle. Sure footed in rain and snow, and responsively fun to drive in the dry. We think we will be recommending Subarus for a long time to come.
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If you must have all-wheel drive, and can afford to downsize just a bit, how about a Subaru Outback sport-utility wagon? After 8 months and 17,300 miles, we have almost total praise for our Outback 2.5 XT.
It's flat-4 250-horsepower turbocharged engine and 5-speed automatic transmission is a smooth and willing combination with a fuel economy average of 20.4 mpg so far. Plus, its cargo capacity of 66.2 cubic feet rivals many popular SUVs.
We have no wants except for more front seat comfort, and mechanically our Outback has been trouble free. Got the SUV blues? Then cheer up with a Subaru Outback.
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Another SUV alternative is this 5-passenger 2005 Subaru Outback sport-utility wagon. After 10 months and 20,000 miles, our Outback's 250-horsepower turbocharged flat-4 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission continue their well-matched performance. That includes a fine fuel economy average of 20.3 mpg. Great for any all-wheel-drive utility.
If there is one area in which Subaru needs improvement it is in seat comfort. Americans are big folk, and we consistently find Subaru seats supportive but thin, especially if you want to go after the near-luxury car crowd. Still, if your loads are big but not too big, the Outback is a top-notch all-weather conveyance.
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Time to say goodbye to our 5-passenger 2005 Subaru Outback sport-utility wagon. After a full year and 22,000 miles, its trio of a 250-horsepower turbocharged flat-4 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, and automatic all-wheel drive, delivered very good overall performance. That includes, for a utility, an admirable fuel economy average of 20.3 miles per gallon.
We had zero mechanical problems with our Outback, and we end our experience as we started, with only one complaint. Subaru needs to improve seat comfort. We consistently find Subaru seats supportive, yet also thin and hard. Not what we expect from a vehicle seeking a premium status.
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