1999 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 2.2

Summary:

Handles like it's on rails, but expensive to maintain

Faults:

Wheel bearings, front and back.

CV joints.

Brakes.

Occasionally fails to start.

Squeaks and rattles.

General Comments:

The car has good performance. With the all wheel drive, it handles like it's on rails in most road conditions. With the Michelin X ice winter tires, it handled really well in snow, and the only time I got it stuck in snow, was during a severe blizzard in Saskatchewan.

Occasionally the car failed to start; I researched about why. When the car is being driven, and when the engine is immediately shut off after being driven, what happens is there is fuel starvation, due to fuel evaporating in the fuel lines around the intake manifold, due to heat soaking into the fuel lines while the engine is still hot from being ran.

Once the engine is shut off, the evaporation begins when the engine is still hot. The only way to guard against fuel starvation from fuel evaporating in the fuel lines is to let the car idle for about half a minute or a minute before shutting the engine off. This keeps the fuel flowing as the engine cools down by idling. Then the next time you start the engine, there should be no problem.

Aside from this no start quirk, the car was great for handling. I only sold it because I needed a truck.

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

Review Date: 21st June, 2010

9th Jan 2013, 15:12

You should always let any turbo engine idle before switching off to prolong the life of the turbo.

In reply to 9th Jan 2013, 15:12

9th Feb 2014, 17:33

In so far as I am aware, the ej22 was not equipped with turbo for the Impreza. Wiki mentions the ej22g, a turbo variant, as used on the "Impreza STi 22B GC8 series(JDM)." Perhaps the original author imported this vehicle, perhaps he or she mislabeled their post, or perhaps an aftermarket turbo was added.

Never heard of this problem in a non-turbo engine.

In reply to 9th Feb 2014, 17:33

20th Dec 2014, 03:20

I am the one who originally posted about this car. The engine was not turbo. The car was originally from California and it was a fuel injected 2.2 liter engine.

1999 Subaru Impreza L 2.2

Summary:

Avoid all Imprezas!!!

Faults:

Engine head gasket leaked at 95,000 miles.

Engine developed a bad rod knock at 100,000 miles (replaced engine).

CV boots have torn repeatedly.

Window regulator failed at 80,000 miles.

Struts began leaking at 60,000 miles.

Steering column coupler failed at 50,000 miles.

Makes a loud grinding noise from engine that no one can diagnose at 102,000 miles.

Alternator failed at 90,000 miles.

Knock sensor failed at 75,000 miles.

Oxygen sensor failed repeatedly.

Etc.

General Comments:

Very poor build quality-something is always breaking down. If you must have a Subaru, avoid Imprezas and buy a Legacy ($).

Fair fuel economy.

Engine performance is pretty good for a 2.2L (when it runs), and the AWD system is great.

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

Review Date: 13th April, 2009

12th Nov 2009, 11:17

Hey! Look at the mileage breakdowns. Some of these items should have gone a lot sooner. For the most part these are service items that need to be replaced at regular intervals... they do not last the entire life of the car. I can only imagine from these comments why you had engine problems... LACK OF MAINTENANCE!

12th Nov 2009, 15:13

Actually most of these failures did happen quite early in the car's life. I wouldn't expect to have these problems until about 130,000 miles or so.

5th Feb 2010, 17:33

My wife drives a 1999 Impreza Brighton Wagon that has 277,000 kilometers on the first power train, including clutch!!!

If I was any shorter - I am 6'6" - I would have another Impreza in the driveway! They did have trouble with wheelbearings, but they were re-designed and are no more trouble at all. Sometimes they fail emission testing due too bad PCV valves; that creates a $25.00 replacement bill.

The only other car that can compete with our Impreza is my 1993 Lexus LS400 that has now 418,000 kilometers and is in the garage at this moment to get the ORIGINAL UPPER CONTROL ARMS replaced.