1997 Subaru Outback from North America - Comments

Engine blew at 35,000 miles just under the standard warranty. Dealer replaced the lower block. That problem seemed to be fixed. No cost except aggravation.

Now there is oil all over the engine and the dealer wants about $2,000 to fix. He recommended replacing the timing belt, water pump, valve cover gaskets, etc while they were in there for about $3,000.

Security system disabled the car and had to be towed into the dealer, where they fixed the problem in about an hour. When I went to start the car, it had the same problem. The service manager apologized and fixed it again, while I waited.

Various computer faults, like Air Bag that go away in the spring, summer and fall, but lights every winter. Dealer wants $1,100 to fix and replace a sensor. Gas gauge is about 1/4 tank off. Dealer wanted $200 to fix. Lights in dash need replacing, dealer said it was a big job and would be about $300 of labor to change a $3 light bulb.

Towed into the dealer for a shot voltage regulator? Big bucks about 1 week after the 60k major tuneup. Another $450.

Car ran rough and felt like it was running on two cylinders. Check engine light came on, had it towed to the dealer. Was a spark plug wire. Paid $250 and only got one wire. Complained and they replaced the whole set at the next major service.

Needed exhaust manifold welded to prevent rattling noises while driving.

Major tune-ups cost about $600, with spark plugs, alignment or something extra would be more than $1,000.

This car was perfect for the first three years. Then the engine blew just under the warranty period and was replaced by the dealer at no cost to me. No loaner car and they had the Outback for over 3 weeks.

Minor electrical and mechanical problems have plagued this car after the three year marker.

The car is comfortable and safe driving on ice and snow. Nice and heavy and feels like you are in control of the road. Brakes are sure and last 60,000 miles. Original clutch. Tires also lasted about 55,000 miles.

I am buying a Toyota and goodbye to Subaru. We have had a total of 4 Subaru cars and two were not up to par with their reputation.

Toyotas aren't any better, check the Toyota reviews on this site.

I am shocked and sorry that this Subaru was nothing but problems for you. I would report it to lemon law. Every Subaru I have ever known has had well over 200,000 miles on it and I drive them hard. been there with the dash lights, and oil leaking... but nothing more than regular maintenance for mine. Toyotas are good if you don't have to deal with snow and ice on back woods roads every winter. My best suggestion for you is to find a reputable mechanic that you can trust and avoid the dealer unless its something major major. In the north east anyway its pretty easy to find a good import mechanic. Good luck with your next car!

I'm a little surprised at the problems as well. I have a '97 Legacy Outback, 150,000 miles on it, been neglected and abused, and is the single most problem free car I have ever owned. Bought it used it 2001, at which point it had already had a water pump replaced under warranty, but that was about the only problem it's had. Since then I've replaced the brakes, tires, oil changes, changed the tranny fluid once, I think I replaced the battery once, and that's it.

It's in the shop right now for some long overdue maintenance - timing belts, one bad axle/CV joint, new exhaust past the converter, new belts, new water pump - all normal wear for a car that old. I've owned lots of cars from GM, Ford, Toyota, Mazda, Volkswagen, and this is the single most problem free car I have ever known. Much more perfect than I ever imagined when I bought it. And the parts and service is about the same as Chevy and Ford, rather than Mazda and Toyota repair prices. All the listed work above is running me under $1500 with parts, which is much less than I expected.

That said, I know they made some serious blunders starting around the '98 models. Some stupid head gasket material that gets destroyed by coolant, if you can believe it. Maybe you got a late '97 model or something. As for mine, I couldn't be happier. Best car I've ever owned, period. Sorry to hear you got a lemon.

I don't know what to tell you. I have the same car. I bought it at about 2.5 years old (late summer of '99). Today is Feb. 10, 2009 and it's out there running fine. 110,000 miles. My check engine light comes on when the tank is full. I'm 90% sure I just need a new gas cap. Big deal.

I've had nothing but good luck with this car. I agree with the other poster; you should've called in a lemon.

M.