1991 Subaru Justy Reviews from North America

When I got the car (which was free), it had low compression.

Its transmission jumped out of first, and 2nd and 3rd didn't work.

Its trans also leaked gear oil as fast as you could put it in.

I hit a hole, and broke the exhaust and sway bar.

The CV axle started clicking, but never broke.

After 2 1/2 years, the transmission lost 1st gear and the clutch fried.

I just used this car as a yard beater. It lasted through the heck I put it through.

It drove great, and handled really well.

It put up with a 13 year old's abuse and trashing.

I beat on it for 2 1/2 years, and it still runs to this day (though it won't move).

Many dents.

Tires wear unevenly.

Low oil pressure when warm.

Leaks gear oil really bad.

Nonoperative speedometer.

Rust.

Second, third gears do not work.

I am amazed at this car's toughness.

I bash this car unmercilessily, and it still fires right up on the first try.

I go off road in this car and it is only a front wheel drive with a 5 speed. All of those problems were there when I got it.

Slow oil leak in valve cover gasket replaced under warranty. Still leaks, but so slowly that I've never had to add oil.

Seatbelt buckles tend to get caught when closing the door and gouge the interior.

Has always had a tendency to stall when coming to a stop in the first few minutes of operation. Frequent use eliminates this.

Okay, my wife finally replaced her 18-year old vehicle, so my turn for a new car is up next. But the more I think about it, the more I realize that I don't need one. This machine still runs and is anything from a commuter to a utility vehicle.

While small, the car is solid. I believe that its curb weight is 2,650 pounds. A month after I bought it, I rear-ended someone and supposedly totaled their car. Me, I had to spend $5 on a new license plate frame.

Years ago, I would get 44MPG city. This is no exaggeration. These days due to the vehicle's age, personal driving style, and local terrain, fuel economy is in the 30s. The 1.2 liter engine provides consistent, albeit slow acceleration. Top speed is unknown, but over 100.

The small footprint of twelve-inch tires probably help the MPG. Also, they're the cheapest ones you can buy.

I have heard bad things about the automatic transmission in the Justy, so watch out for that. My manual is fine.

The hatchback has carried some fairly impressive cargo that nothing, but vans and pickup trucks should be able to manage. A mini pool table, 27-inch TV, 32-inch TV, 8-foot aluminum ladder, and 10-foot PVC pipe (admittedly bent into an arc). Actually, the ladder and pipes wouldn't have even fit into a truck without hanging out the back.

It's starting to rust around the wheelwells and inside the door frame, but after 13 years, I guess that's pretty good.

I haven't had the car long enough yet for anything to go wrong with it. The engine was shot (bad crank) when I bought the car. I bought a complete parts car, rebuilt that engine and swapped it into mine. Since then everything has worked great!

The Justy is one heck of a fun car to drive! The overall handling is great and the ride is pretty decent as well. 4WD is awesome in the snow!!!

Gas mileage is good for a 4WD, around 30-32MPG.

Completely stock, the car is somewhat noisy inside. But after applying various kinds of sound dampening products all over the interior sheet metal, it's pretty quiet now.