1997 Subaru Outback 2.5

Summary:

An engineering masterpiece

Faults:

Body rust.

Front brakes every 20000 miles.

General Comments:

A great all around vehicle. An engineering masterpiece. You cannot get it stuck.

Lots of power. Comfortable to drive.

How many 4x4s get 26 MPG?

Awesome car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th May, 2013

4th Jun 2013, 16:58

My Volvo XC90 D5 4x4 gets 38 MPG on a run. Now that's fantastic for a big SUV... a superb vehicle!

1997 Subaru Outback Limited 2.5L H4

Summary:

A fun and useful vehicle that needs more power, less body roll, and more space

Faults:

I had to replace the fuel pump when I bought the car.

At 200,000 miles, I had to replace the O2 sensor, and I had to fix a leak in the exhaust manifold.

Since then, there are no major problems with the car, except for a small squeaking noise when I start accelerating after my car has been sitting for more than two hours.

And, for some reason, the engine steams after I get off the highway (the coolant is fine, and the engine has never overheated on me).

General Comments:

This car has been very reliable to me. All of the problems I mentioned, altogether cost about $400.

Even at 204,000 miles I still have no problem passing or getting on the freeway, although it lacks some power for climbing. I have to stay in the right lane most of the time.

The car is always sure footed, and is more secure than one might think on snow and ice.

I have a set of snow tires that came with the car, and I've never had to use them. The AWD system is excellent.

The hood scoop and alloy rims make the car look aggressive, even though the car is pretty well mannered.

The interior is pretty nice. The seats are very comfortable and the stereo sounds decent.

The dashboard, stereo, and climate control system are simple and easy to use and access, but are very plain.

The heating system and heated seats take a while to warm up, though, but it's not much of a problem.

The cargo space is plentiful and comparable to many SUVs and crossovers, but the suspension gets in the way.

There's plenty of legroom in both front and back, but tall passengers in the back may not think so.

The power windows are REALLY slow.

The brakes are excellent. The brakes never squeak, and don't fade during heavy use.

The car is fun to drive, especially with a manual transmission.

The handling is somewhat responsive, but there's a ton of body roll, due to the soft suspension for offroading.

The car does fine on bumpy, sorta-rocky trails. The ground clearance makes sure that the rocks don't mess up the undercarriage.

The shifter on the manual trans. is very tall, very flimsy, and annoying. I would recommend buying a short shifter to have crisper, more satisfying shifts.

And finally, the car gets good gas mileage.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st April, 2010

1997 Subaru Outback 2.5

Summary:

Simple but reliable car, and is easy to maintain

Faults:

Normal wear and tear any other car would go through like:

New brakes at 200K.

Spark plugs at 208K.

General Comments:

This has been then best car I've ever owned. If you take care of it like you should with any other car, like changing the oil when needed and getting it serviced as needed, this car shouldn't give you any trouble.

I come from a long line of Subaru owners whose cars have lasted well past 250K. The 2.5 4 cylinder performs more like a small V6 engine with great passing power. It's not the fastest thing you'll ever drive, but it's plenty quick for what it is.

Handling is very good, and it goes through anything -- mud, snow, etc.

If you don't mind having a car for a long time, then I recommend getting one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd May, 2009

1997 Subaru Outback 2.5

Summary:

Great car

Faults:

Engine light was on at 150000, my mechanic couldn't find the real problem and asked me to go to dealer.

Head gasket blew at 146000, cost $300 to replace it.

Some noise from the rear wheel and suspension.

The brake was rough.

Gas mileage wasn't good.

General Comments:

It is a well built vehicle for family. Lots of cargo and leg room, very safe and fun to drive, good for the winter.

Good looking, and a bit pricey to keep it running.

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

Review Date: 11th February, 2009

14th Jul 2013, 01:39

Hi, we have 97 Subaru Outback. On the way back from a long drive, the radiator plastic tank split and the thermostat jammed closed. The individual who thought it was a good idea to go from a brass radiator tank to a plastic tank, should be sent to prison for 70 years and be only fed with cucumbers and cold porridge!

14th Nov 2013, 18:25

Bought a 97 with 170,000 miles. Spent 3000$ on it, then another $3000 in repairs in the first 6 months.