1998 Subaru Impreza RS Coupe 2.5 rs

Summary:

Horrible, expensive to buy and maintain

Faults:

I bought a 1998 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS in 2000.

With the overpriced tag when I bought it from the dealership, and grossly overpriced repairs for inferior parts, it was a struggle to keep it on the road.

Ran OK until I reached 90,000 miles. Now I am smack dab in the middle of the Subaru cooling system malfunction. 4 thermostats, 1 waterpump, 2 radiator flushes, about 20 gallons of antifreeze, and a negative carbon monoxide test; still no answer.

I have missed so many days of work stuck on the side of the road overheated (the car and myself). No garage can give me a straight answer other than that they think it's this or that, until they fix it and it still overheats.

Head gasket? All set with that! For the $2,000 dollars that will cost, it will go towards a vehicle not named Subaru. It's a shame and disgrace they would destroy their reputation they once had. Subaru needs to man up and take responsibility for inexcusable ignorance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd November, 2007

3rd Jan 2011, 01:47

Sounds like you got a lemon. Subarus are still one of the best values on the used market.

3rd Jan 2011, 16:02

I don't think it's fair to blame Subaru, I had some older Subaru's that were bulletproof.

The problem is that all the newer cars are disposable junk, nearly impossible to fix with all the computerized fuel injection, and all the other stuff that requires expensive diagnostics. They are throw away cars, simply put.

30th Jun 2013, 00:50

To the two writers above, yes Subaru makes very reliable cars. BUT those don't include the infamous cars known to have head gasket problems. The early 2.5 RS is the one to watch out for. Had some different later ones in early 2000's. It's a shame Subaru let it happen over multiple years. But they did.

1998 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport Wagon 2.0

Summary:

A great all-purpose car for a fun person!

Faults:

My rear bearing went out at 85,000 miles.

Aside from that no other problems other than normal maintenance.

General Comments:

This is a great car. I have loved it's practicality and low costs. The wagon body style in a small car allows me to haul a lot of items normal sedan of this size would not.

It has driven through very bad weather and I wouldn't trade the 30mpg AWD system for anything! Extremely safe and handles nicely.

I take a lot of gravel roads and this car loves to grip around the corners no matter how loose the surface. It has a ton of clearance for a car!! Fire service roads in the foothills are no problem (even better than my wife's Escape) It also climbs up and down the Rocky Mountains with ease carrying me, my friends, the dog, and skis religiously on weekends.

The body integrity is fair. Seems to dent easily and the paint chips. Mine has a full under coating which has helped tremendously.

Tune-up for this model are still easy. Platinum plugs and synthetic oil have helped the horizontally opposed engine idle more smoothly.

I love this car and am a Subaru fan for life.

I've owned Jeeps, Toyota's, and other Subaru's, but this is my favorite for it's pure reliability, safety, mpg, and all the practical ways to use it.

Highly recommended vehicle for anyone with multiple hobbies and an adventurous lifestyle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th July, 2006

1998 Subaru Impreza TS 2.2 gasoline

Summary:

Very good car

Faults:

There is a persistent clank on bumps in the right rear suspension when the temperature falls below -5 degrees Celsius. Unable to find cause, but probably just deteriorating rubber bushes.

The front brake pads wore out at 76000 km.

The knock sensor died at 86000 km, illuminating the Check Engine Light.

The rubber door seals and other rubber seals around the body are getting tired.

General Comments:

The car as delivered was a very determined under steerer. Fitted a 1998 Outback rear anti-roll bar two months after purchase, and handling was transformed for the better.

Nowhere near as good in snow as my previous two Audi quattros. Tends to exhibit a weird torque steer at the front right when accelerating in light snow.

Incredibly reliable overall, and I must say the best car I have ever owned.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st August, 2004

1998 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 2.2L 4 cylinder

Summary:

Good car, a little bit quirky

Faults:

Nothing really wrong, but a couple of quirks.

Check engine light keeps blipping on, but none of the mechanics can find anything wrong with it.

The vacuum plates (?) on the ABS system are rusting and need to be fixed soon.

General Comments:

I waited a long time to buy this car, always liked them, so I was thrilled to get it finally.

It handles like a dream and my experience in the snow has been great. I live in a mountainous area of WV and this is my first experience with AWD. Wow! Car can handle snow up to 8" deep like it's nothing.

Nice control panel. Fairly roomy interior, but why do all car manufacturers use such ugly fabrics for their upholstery?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 17th December, 2003

29th Jul 2004, 14:29

I agree with the upholstery comment; it seemed a bit wild to me when I first got in, but I don't notice it anymore and my 9mo old likes playing with it. Overall great car; bought it used, but it only has about 81k on it right now. Had it in for brake pads once, but apparently screeching doesn't always mean something's wrong (would still get it checked anyway). Biggest complaint is that a carseat doesn't fit in the middle backseat; has to be behind driver or passenger. Plan to go up to a Forester next.

8th Sep 2008, 13:55

Just to let you know the Forester is made on the same platform as an Impreza, so I don't think you'll gain any more room in the middle back seat for your child's car seat. You should consider a Legacy!