1997 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport review from North America

Rear wiper motor died.

Power lock actuator died (replaced with eBay actuator for 2.99 that still works today 10K miles later.)

New tires at 170,403.

I bought a 1997 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport on eBay for $1500 cash, and I feel I got a GREAT deal. This car is AMAZING in the snow. I can drive through over 1 foot deep snow like nothing.

Even in dry weather, this Impreza Outback Sport is an amazing car that handles better than any VW or Honda I have ever driven. I can take turns at very high speeds, and this Subaru is glued to the road.

In the rain, I feel 100% confident behind the wheel, and at stop lights I can BLOW OTHER CARS AWAY in the rain. It is so much fun to see the light turn green and floor it and leave everyone else WAY behind me as I accelerate into the open road. The Subaru 4 Wheel Drive system is amazing in slippery conditions. I can simply floor the gas and I get INSTANT acceleration that simply cannot be touched in the rain by any non 4x4 car/truck regardless of Horsepower.

I have also never felt so confident in the RELIABILITY of any car I have owned before this Subaru. My Impreza Outback Sport has 180,000+ miles and runs PERFECTLY.

As far as I'm concerned, I have found the holy grail of cars with Subaru. I say this after having owned a 1989 VW GTI 16v that I thought was the ultimate car and drove it to 320,000 miles, but this Subaru Impreza Outback Sport beats my old VW 16v hands down.

There is nothing like setting out on a 1000+ mile road trip and KNOWING you are going to arrive save and sound with a smile on your face. THAT is what a Subaru will give you that many cars cannot guarantee.

As far as I'm concerned, I will NEVER own another car that is not Subaru. (Unless I win the lottery and can afford cars that break down all the time.. ha ha)