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Used 1997 Subaru SVX

Pros & Cons

  • All-wheel drive, distinctive styling, one of few luxury sports coupes left on market, great handling
  • Distinctive styling, average acceleration for this class
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List Price Estimate
$2,227 - $5,180
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Edmunds' Expert Review

Vehicle overview

Subaru has never been what you'd call a conventional car company. When 18-foot-long V8-powered behemoth station wagons roamed America, Subaru was busy marketing tiny, ugly, four-wheel-drive wagons primarily to consumers in the Northeast, Rocky Mountains, and Northwest. While the inline four-cylinder engine became the compact class standard, Subaru installed horizontally opposed flat fours in its models. All the while, Subaru retained character in the styling of its wares, bucking the jelly-bean look for a more squared-off wedge thing. The Subaru XT Coupe, about which nothing was common, became Subaru's first attempt at marketing a sports coupe. The SVX replaced that oddity in 1992.

The first thing you notice about the SVX is the out-there design. Much more attractive than the XT Coupe, the SVX is an interesting blend of curves, bulges and angles which result in a busy, overstyled car that looks too thick in the waist. Captain Kirk likely would have found the styling pleasing, but we don't. A new body-color grille arrives for 1997, and combined with cool alloy wheels, the SVX is at least getting more attractive with age. For 1997, those alloys are shod with slightly taller, slightly narrower tires. The split side glass is a neat concept that allows you to drive with the window down in a rainstorm without worrying about getting a wet arm or mussing your hair, but we suspect that in the real world of varying-height drive-thru service windows, it doesn't work well.

Inside, the SVX looks more like a luxury coupe than a sports car. Cloth covers the seats in the L; LSi models get leather hides. The swept dash is full of oddities, such as the trick stereo cover. Comfortable chairs provide surprisingly good outward visibility, but the rear view is somewhat compromised by the big decklid spoiler.

So why should you buy this Subaru? It's relatively speedy, comfortable and with standard all-wheel drive, is one of the few sports cars made for all-weather driving. Fully loaded at less than $37,000, the SVX gives decent bang for the buck, and makes a strong statement about its owner. If your wacky personality matches the offbeat SVX, you've just found the car of your dreams.

1997 Highlights

A body-color grille debuts, along with P215/55VR16 tires.

Scorecard

Overallundefined / 5

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 1997 Subaru SVX.

Average user rating: 4.5 stars
4 total reviews

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See all 4 reviews

5 star reviews: 75%
4 star reviews: 0%
3 star reviews: 25%
2 star reviews: 0%
1 star reviews: 0%

Trending topics in reviews

  • fuel efficiency
  • safety
  • driving experience
  • maintenance & parts
  • handling & steering
  • appearance
  • transmission
  • reliability & manufacturing quality

Most helpful consumer reviews

4.875/5 stars, quality car
drivemusicnow,
LSi 2dr Coupe AWD
This is a great car. Everything from the automatic climate control to the 230 horsepower engine make this car a quality ride. While parts are slightly more expensive then most, it is a well built AWD car that screams excitment
5/5 stars, Best Car
Booye,
LSi 2dr Coupe AWD
This is the second SVX I have owned, and it is a total shame that Subaru stopped making this car. It has been excellent in every way. It has had no service needs other than scheduled service, is incredibly powerful and is great for merging onto the highways, yet for such power gets good gas mileage about 26.5 on the highway and 23.5 in town. I will never sell the car, I intend to keep it as a fun toy and hope that as it ages I can get parts. It handles like a dream and makes me feel safe on the road. It is best for smaller people, tall ones feel slightly cramped for head height but not leg room. If you can get your hands on a used one, you will never let it go.
5/5 stars, I own two SVX's
Rich,
LSi 2dr Coupe AWD
Buy and hold. These cars will put my grandkids through college and they are fun to drive. Only 640 97's sold in the US.
3.125/5 stars, Nice looking car!
Car guy.,
LSi 2dr Coupe AWD
I have owned 2 SVX's, and they look awesome, but I will not own another one because on both of these cars, the transmission went out, and it's EXTREMELY expensive to fix it. I found out that this transmission problem is typical on these cars...what a shame. If I had an Art Gallery, I'd have this car there...as long as it's not driven; it just looks good, but that's where it ends.
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Features & Specs

Base MSRP
N/A
MPG & Fuel
15 City / 22 Hwy / 18 Combined
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gal. capacity
Seating
0 seats
Drivetrain
Type: all wheel drive
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Engine
Flat 6 cylinder
Horsepower: 230 hp @ 5400 rpm
Torque: 228 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Basic Warranty
N/A
Dimensions
Length: 182.1 in. / Height: 48.4 in. / Width: 69.7 in.
Curb Weight: 3525 lbs.
Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 8.0 cu.ft.
See all features & specs

Safety

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Side Impact TestNot Tested
Roof Strength TestNot Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test
0

FAQ

Is the Subaru SVX a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 1997 SVX both on the road and at the track. You probably care about Subaru SVX fuel economy, so it's important to know that the SVX gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the SVX has 8.0 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Subaru SVX. Learn more

Is the Subaru SVX reliable?

To determine whether the Subaru SVX is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the SVX. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the SVX's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 1997 Subaru SVX a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 1997 Subaru SVX is a good car. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 1997 SVX is a good car for you. Check back soon for the official Edmunds Rating from our expert testing team Learn more

How much should I pay for a 1997 Subaru SVX?

The least-expensive 1997 Subaru SVX is the 1997 Subaru SVX LSi 2dr Coupe AWD. Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $0.

Other versions include:

    Learn more

    What are the different models of Subaru SVX?

    If you're interested in the Subaru SVX, the next question is, which SVX model is right for you? SVX variants include L 2dr Coupe AWD, and LSi 2dr Coupe AWD. For a full list of SVX models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
    More about the 1997 Subaru SVX

    Used 1997 Subaru SVX Overview

    The Used 1997 Subaru SVX is offered in the following submodels: SVX Coupe. Available styles include L 2dr Coupe AWD, and LSi 2dr Coupe AWD. The Used 1997 Subaru SVX comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 4-speed automatic.

    What do people think of the 1997 Subaru SVX?

    Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the Used 1997 Subaru SVX and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the Used 1997 SVX 4.5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the Used 1997 SVX.

    Edmunds Expert Reviews

    Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 1997 Subaru SVX and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 1997 SVX featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.

    Our Review Process

    This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

    We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

    What's a good price for a New Used 1997 Subaru SVX?

    Used 1997 Subaru SVX L 2dr Coupe AWD

    The Used 1997 Subaru SVX L 2dr Coupe AWD can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $31,120. The average price paid for a new Used 1997 Subaru SVX L 2dr Coupe AWD is trending $28,899 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

    Edmunds members save an average of $28,899 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $2,221.

    The average savings for the Used 1997 Subaru SVX L 2dr Coupe AWD is 92.9% below the MSRP.

    Used 1997 Subaru SVX LSi 2dr Coupe AWD

    The Used 1997 Subaru SVX LSi 2dr Coupe AWD can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $36,740. The average price paid for a new Used 1997 Subaru SVX LSi 2dr Coupe AWD is trending $34,185 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

    Edmunds members save an average of $34,185 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $2,555.

    The average savings for the Used 1997 Subaru SVX LSi 2dr Coupe AWD is 93% below the MSRP.

    Which used 1997 Subaru SVXES are available in my area?

    Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 1997 Subaru SVX for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 1997 Subaru SVX.

    Can't find a new 1997 Subaru SVXs you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

    Find a new Subaru for sale - 1 great deals out of 9 listings starting at $8,754.

    Why trust Edmunds?

    Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.

    What is the MPG of a 1997 Subaru SVX?

    1997 Subaru SVX L 2dr Coupe AWD, 4-speed automatic, regular unleaded
    18 compined MPG,
    15 city MPG/22 highway MPG

    1997 Subaru SVX LSi 2dr Coupe AWD, 4-speed automatic, regular unleaded
    18 compined MPG,
    15 city MPG/22 highway MPG

    EPA Est. MPG18
    Transmission4-speed automatic
    Drive Trainall wheel drive
    Displacement3.3 L
    Passenger VolumeN/A
    Wheelbase102.8 in.
    Length182.1 in.
    Width69.7 in.
    Height48.4 in.
    Curb Weight3525 lbs.

    Should I lease or buy a 1997 Subaru SVX?

    Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

    Check out Subaru lease specials
    Check out Subaru SVX lease specials

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