2005 2.5i Outback road tests or experience?

[Guest]

Does anyone have a road test report, or better still personal
experience, of the 2.5i Outback AT - that is the base version plus
automatic?

All the road tests I've read were of the the H6 or the XT since I
guess that's what the reviewers want to drive and it also makes good
copy, but what about a report for those of us (the majority) who can
only afford the base model?

In particular I'd like to know if the 2.5i with automatic has adequate
power for all round driving including freeway, or is it just too
gutless?

 

[Pete]

Does anyone have a road test report, or better still personal
experience, of the 2.5i Outback AT - that is the base version plus
automatic?

All the road tests I've read were of the the H6 or the XT since I
guess that's what the reviewers want to drive and it also makes good
copy, but what about a report for those of us (the majority) who can
only afford the base model?

In particular I'd like to know if the 2.5i with automatic has adequate
power for all round driving including freeway, or is it just too
gutless?

Recently I have had the opportunity to test drive the 2.5i, the 2.5XT
(turbo) and the 3.0R (6 cyl). I found the 2.5i to have about the same
power and a bit improved handling over my current '99 Outback(2.5)
wagon. I would NOT characterize the 2.5i as gutless, and would have
ordered it for it's value, (and use of 87 octane gas)...BUT my wife
really liked the interior on the LLBean edition and she liked the
extra responsive of the 6 cyl. (go figure, eh?) so that's what we
ordered.

Keep in mind the 2.5 turbo and the 6 cyl. versions require 91 octane
premium gas.

Hope that helps...

 

[Guest]

.. I found the 2.5i to have about the same
power and a bit improved handling over my current '99 Outback(2.5)
wagon. I would NOT characterize the 2.5i as gutless
...Keep in mind the 2.5 turbo and the 6 cyl. versions require 91 octane
premium gas.

Thanks - good news. Yes, I realize the others need premium gas and
that's defintely a factor for me.

...BUT my wife
really liked the interior on the LLBean edition and she liked the
extra responsive of the 6 cyl.

That's a switch! Usually it's the guy wants the power. I do too, but
being presently unencumbered by a spouse I can settle for my optimum
choice

 

[Fred Holt]

Does anyone have a road test report, or better still personal
experience, of the 2.5i Outback AT - that is the base version plus
automatic?

All the road tests I've read were of the the H6 or the XT since I
guess that's what the reviewers want to drive and it also makes good
copy, but what about a report for those of us (the majority) who can
only afford the base model?

In particular I'd like to know if the 2.5i with automatic has adequate
power for all round driving including freeway, or is it just too
gutless?

I recently drove both the auto (my first visit, because there wasn't a 5
speed in stock) and the manual, which was my preference. It seems as though
they've reset the automatic to shift down and hold it earlier - it was
really smooth, but downshifted much more quickly than I'd have thought
proper. I guess that's just a setting, and when I later drove the 5 speed I
could see that it wasn't a power problem - the 4 still has some pep, it's no
sportscar - but the HP wasn't the problem. I'd strongly advise driving the
auto if you're considering it, as it seems unusual to me - not bad
necessarily - but different. Alas, I ended up not buying it, cause even the
base model is still a bit pricey for my needs.

 

[Bill]

Does anyone have a road test report, or better still personal
experience, of the 2.5i Outback AT - that is the base version plus
automatic?

All the road tests I've read were of the the H6 or the XT since I
guess that's what the reviewers want to drive and it also makes good
copy, but what about a report for those of us (the majority) who can
only afford the base model?

In particular I'd like to know if the 2.5i with automatic has adequate
power for all round driving including freeway, or is it just too
gutless?

I drove all three and prefer the 2.5i auto for its
pricepoint/performance. Having the Seletronic(sp?) shift allows you to
power shift up big hills or for agressive passing. That said, I also
recently drove an '05 Saturn VUE AWD with the new v6 (same Honda motor
as Accord and Pilot). With 250hp... it's quite a deal at only $24k
(Los Angeles) out the door. I still have issues with the rest of the
VUE being Saturn though...(g).

 

[Manfred Begemann]

Hallo, I bought an 2005 Outback 2.5i AT five weeks ago and i am happy.
I made my hollyday trip with this car 3000 km towing my boot (1500 kg).
No problems !

On the autobahn max speed ist about 200 km/h. without trailer !!

There are some tests at the german web-side of subaru, but only in german.
All test say, a very fine car. I too !

Manfred

 

[Arne Herrmann]

On the autobahn max speed ist about 200 km/h. without trailer !!

There are some tests at the german web-side of subaru, but only in german.
All test say, a very fine car. I too !

Couldn't agree more, I test drove the (german version) of the 2,5i a
month ago. It was the base version (no leather, navi or dual-moonroof)
but it was still very good.
It would definatly choose this engine, its very smooth, but I would
take the Limited (Comfort called here) with the above stuff...
Btw. The maximum speed is 220kph and then a limiter kicks pretty hard.
So there is room for more.
On the other hand ,there is no speed limiter at the 2,5 with the stick
and the 3.0R...

greetings
Arne

 

[Karen Martin]

I bought the base model wagon (champagne gold/granite grey trim) for all the
reasons stated here (plus, plenty of power for me, leather is too hot out in the
Arizona desert, value for its class is outstanding!).

Check out the review links I have saved and posted on my web site. There are
reviews from all over, but mostly large US media groups. All are very positive!

Bottom line is: once you test drive an '05 Outback or Legacy, you will want one!

-KarenM-
http://members.cox.net/kamartin/2005outbackreviews.html

(PS: please let me know if you find more reviews, or if any of the links don't
work correctly!)