1989 Subaru GL review from North America
"Despite a few flaws, it's a very nice, economical little car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Air conditioner didn't work when I got it; when I took it in to have it fixed the alternator was also broken so all together it cost 200 dollars to fix.
I have had some minor transmission problems. The car leaks transmission fluid pretty badly, and I have to put fluid in it at least once a week; if I don't, it slips while I'm driving.
It doesn't accelerate fast at all. You can floor it and it still pokes around just to get up to 55 miles per hour.
The radio that came with it didn't have a very good sound quality; I thought it was the speakers, but I replaced the radio with a CD player and it sounds very nice.
General comments?
The car is very roomy for a small car and the seats are very comfortable.
Mine came with power windows, locks, and mirrors, all of which work great.
Paint is durable; there are no rust spots, chips, peeling, etc, and I have seen this to be true on all old Subarus.
My GL does not accelerate very well; I don't know if this is just mine or if all GLs handle this way.
Recommended reviews
| Fun, good in snow, and good on gas |
| Rock solid, economical, utilitarian mountain car! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1989 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 6 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 95000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 120000 miles |
| Previous car | Chevrolet Beretta |
| Date of Entry | 15th May, 2002 |