1998 Subaru Impreza L wagon Brighton review from North America

Failed the emission test due to inoperative oxygen sensor. Cabin plastic is very easily scratched, looks very cheesy and cheap, but no rattles.

I was very impressed with the handling of this car. Although take off is not its strongest point, once it's going it makes you feel confident. The pick up is very quick even from 100km/h in fifth gear without downshifting. It seems to be built robust, but mine one is extremely basic, so I do not know how those bells and whistles of the higher models hold up. It also has a very nice feature of being very serviceable even for an amateur.

The only thing that annoys me is the gearbox.

It downshifts very reluctantly.

There is no grinding noise when I push on the shifter, trying to engage gears, it just does not go for some time and after shifts smoothly.I'm getting used to it and, on the other hand I'm not a racer,but the speed shifting seems to be very problematic on this car. May be it has something to do with the AWD.

The car is very responsive in terms of handling.

Changing directions is quick and precise.

Braking is not that impressive-the pedal feel is mushy, but braking distance is OK.

All in all I think, that anyone can rely on this car. It's been soundly built, may be not that refined as a Toyota, but it definitely has a personality of its own.