1997 Subaru Impreza GL 2000 AWD 2.0 16v non-turbo from Brazil

Summary:

Reliable / Trustworthy

Faults:

Not to say just nothing I'll mention that there are some noises inside the car.

General Comments:

PROS:

For who can only dream with the WRX, this is a great car.

Very fun to drive it over twisty roads, specially those gravel, mud and sand ones. It feels like you're on a WRC event. The tires, that are 185/70 and it's in superb suspension are what gives the car its great handling over these trick type of roads. In my country, the city roads are not so smooth as they should be, so the car is just perfect.

The AWD traction is so exciting, and it gives you so much confidence.

I've never had any mechanical-technical problem with the car.

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CONS:

You can actually see the Fuel Indicator Needle dropping. With 50l I can drive for 350-400km.

The non-turbo charged version of the engine is not that powerful (125hp) and the car is some kind of heavy, that's what explain its slow acceleration (0-100km/h in 11s).

I believe that most noises there exists inside the car are a direct result of its not-so-rigid chassis.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th March, 2003

1997 Subaru Impreza 2.0 4WD turbo from UK and Ireland

Summary:

High performance and reliability

Faults:

Air conditioning was not working when I bought the car, fixed under warranty.

No further faults in the next 2.5 years!

General Comments:

This car is easily fast enough without any modifications.

Definitely the most reliable car I have owned.

Insurance is horrendous, far higher than my Lotus Esprit! Check some quotes before buying.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th February, 2002

1997 Subaru Impreza WRX STi 2.0 turbo from UK and Ireland

Summary:

STi is a rapid road going rally car

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Quite simply, this car is the pups nuts.

It feels safe at speed, corners amazing - STi suspension and brakes are phenomenal.

I test drove pure 2 seater sports cars such as a TVR or Lotus, but this car beats those for pure fun and it's 4 wheel drive.

Only problem is - now I want the Impreza P1.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th October, 2001

24th Apr 2005, 01:22

Regarding grey Imprezas, having owned an STi manual, two WRX autos and a 1.8 HX (Japanese model designation), it's my view that there's really no point having anything much under 200bhp. With the 1.6-, 1.8 and cooking 2.0-litre engines, the handling far exceeds engine performance, so unless you are on snow much of the year, it's hardly worth it. The extra weight and transmission drag of 4WD gives unjustified poor fuel economy and borderline mediocre straight-line performance with a 100~150bhp engine. The smaller ones even have drum rear brakes, which may explain why it's the only Subaru I could fade out the brakes. However, changing the plugs is far easier. In Japan, Subaru have a 220bhp (from memory) non-turbo version, which would be perfect for keeping UK insurance cost down. Female insurance clerks obviously don't spend their free time reading "Hot Chicks and Hot Metal" type auto magazines, so non-turbo would make the difference between insurable and non-insurable. Be advised, if you touch the electrics it's liable to bring the warning lights on. But believe your senses and the dipstick. Try switching off and on with the central locking key to clear it. Also, it's easy to get tyres up to 16-inch, above that and you are paying retail. At auction in Japan, it's not unusual for the car to come with a spare set of wheels and tyres. No, straight up. Ideal: Japanese performance cars at Japanese prices, low population density, no speed cameras and the plods in Rovers.

1997 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 2.2L boxer from North America

Summary:

Extremely reliable and well-built

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

This car's handling and steering are fantastic. It is so fun to drive in the snow, and it is impossible to lose control because the traction is superlative.

However, I wish it had a hydraulic clutch, as the cable clutch tends to be slow and uneven. I also wish it had a slightly less notchy transmission.

The power is adequate although it is not fast. The trade-off is very good mileage that I would not part with - better than 27 mpg most of the time in mixed driving.

I just wish Subaru service departments could be up to the standards of Toyota service departments.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th July, 2001