Used 1997 Subaru SVX Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 SVX, so we've included reviews for other years of the SVX since its last redesign.
Fell in love at first sight
ron193, 03/26/2011
1992 Subaru SVX LS 2dr Coupe AWD
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Take off feels like an American luxury V8, except it's awd so no tires slip. You'll get complements "what kind of car is that" question. I love the asymmetric mag wheels (L/R are different) which adds to uniqueness. It's a heavy and wide car, slalom like bends gets the car leaning like a boat, but it still grips. Great city driver if you don't mind the 6cyl mileage, great hwy cruiser. Braking is mediocre for car of this weight and pwr. Only problems were creaky dashboard (known to Subaru) and weak Tranny, which died after I traded it in. I'd taken it on fishing trip & even minor offroad (by accident) stoped when tranny temp light turned on. I'd buy this car again if possible.
Review of 1992 Subaru SVX
Bo Bowman, 03/01/2004
1992 Subaru SVX LS 2dr Coupe AWD
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
My SVX has been a relatively reliable and fun-to-drive sport car. I have always been particularly impressed with the "quiet and smooth powerfulness" of the engine. It has always ridden well. I continually get questions and compliments relative to its sleek and "split window" exterior design. I believe its weakest design feature is the transmission. I have had it rebuilt one time, and I have heard that this is not unusual for this car. Also, I have found that parts are very expensive, and gas mileage is not good. I would say that it is an excellent buy right now for someone who wants a luxury style sport car at a less than $3,000 price tag.
Definitely a different drive
Xodi-SVX, 06/06/2005
1992 Subaru SVX LS 2dr Coupe AWD
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I purchased my Subaru SVX back in May of '04 and have never looked back. This car is completely different from every other car on the road. Its rare to see another one, and quite honestly, owning one is like having a membership into a cult of sorts. The 3.3 liter Boxer H-6 engine definitely puts out the power to the wheels, which happens to be all wheel drive. Coupled with independent ABS on each disc (Yes, four discs, not two discs and two drums), this car will get you up to speed and back to a halt in no time flat. And if you're not sold on it yet, here is another tidbit. When you floor it, a green light on the dash displays POWER. Such a rush to drive.
Why it has grown on us!
Brigitte Javidara, 02/01/2007
1992 Subaru SVX LS 2dr Coupe AWD
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
It is one of the most fun-cars to drive. I traded in my 1989 Corvette for this SVX and immediately became a stable and peaceful person. The smooth and in particular the quiet drive, even at speed, is a real driving experience. It's like sitting in an air plane, smooth and quiet. There never were any technical problems. Now that I am older however, it is a little harder for me to get in and out of the car.
SOOOOO much FUN
bigdr1979, 07/26/2008
1994 Subaru SVX L 2dr Coupe
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I absolutely love this car. The engine is strong, and the style is second to none. I have added an aftermarket exhaust, that does not sound like a bumble bee, instead it purrs like a porsche. This is the most fun I have had in a car in a long time. The only thing I hate is the first question out of everyones mouth "what's up with the windows?"
Best car I have owned
Don, 05/02/2005
1994 Subaru SVX L 2dr Coupe
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought this car after driving the FWD as I liked the look in 1992, but until I drove the FWD is when I fell in love. I have 92,000 miles on the Laguna Blue Beauty & heads turn to try and guess what car it is. I still have the original Bridgestone tires and think I will get new ones soon. For anyone interested in these '92-'97 SVX's, if you buy one get the FWD as the ones with the AWD seem to have transmission & wheel bearing issues, which I never had even though I change the oil & filters more often than normal. Owning a car like this makes you feel different as on the highway it purrs better than any other car I've driven, so enjoy being different.
best built car
Just yn Tomblyn, 04/25/2002
1995 Subaru SVX L 2dr Coupe AWD
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
For your money, this is the best built car available, it is luxurious, sporty, comfortable, roomy (even for smaller rear passengers). easy to operate, easy to maintain. Everything about the SVX is designed with the driver in mind. city driving is ok, stop and go driving takes its toll on the fuel tank, but it makes commutes easier, it is an absolutely wonderful long-trip car. very quiet and comfortable, and good highway milage for what it is! i have had it a year and am very attached.
Catfish
dtrita, 12/16/2003
1994 Subaru SVX L 2dr Coupe
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Built to last! Keep up with the maintenance and it's a dream come true. 3 sets of tires, three timing belts f/ normal maintance - beat that!
I am in love with this car.
BofMouais, 07/07/2002
1996 Subaru SVX LSi 2dr Coupe AWD
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This car’s amazing. I've had mine for 2 years and I still love it. Nobody else has one so it’s quite an attention getter. It performs quite well and goes very fast. My only complaint is that mine has had some mechanical problems, including the transmission going out. These repairs were expensive to fix, and not all places will work on this car because it's so uncommon. It probably wouldn't have had as many problems if I weren't so hard on the car. I drive it daily and I’m very rough on it.
Svx....sweetest car ever made.
girlofthenorth, 09/15/2008
1992 Subaru SVX LS 2dr Coupe AWD
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
This car is awesome, I live in an area of over 150,000 people and never see another one! People always stare and ask what it is... haha. I love this car, it's super fast, but bad tranny:( too bad they didn't make them 5 speed. Auto tranny is poor and expensive to fix. $1400 for a tranny overhaul at around 120k miles. Engine is quiet, never burns oil. Brakes seem a little weak even after replacing things, still squeak. Rear wheel bearings seem to be a common issue on all Subarus I've heard of. AWD is sweet as hell though. Don't want to get rid of this car ever!
great car except for tranny
ozzy1, 10/20/2004
1992 Subaru SVX LS 2dr Coupe AWD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Loved to drive the car, but had to put in 4 transmissions in the 9 years I owned it (bought it new in '92) Yes 4 trannys. Two were under warantee, but the last two were my expense and at over $3K...yikes. Got rid when it went again. I did not drive it hard either. CV boots go every year as well and tough to keep in allignment. With all that said, I would still be driving it if it were not for the tranny, as this was a great car to drive.
Great car, expensive to fix
ChrisP, 04/24/2003
1992 Subaru SVX LS 2dr Coupe AWD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I've had this car for almost 5 years now. Bought it with 80k. Tranny fixed under warantee, 24k later, tranny fixed again. Front rotors warped, got aftermarket 'low heat' pads when turned rotors and rotor live seems to have improved. Power steering hoses popped off twice.
Fast Times
speedmerchant, 10/20/2020
1992 Subaru SVX LS 2dr Coupe AWD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I've had my "92 SVX for 8 years and love its style and speed. But be aware that the engineers, maybe pushed by the bean counters, installed a weak transmission, though with improvements it was better in '94 and much better from '95 onward. Unfortunately, the majority of all the ones sold were on the road by then. The fixes for the '92-'93 are simple and effective: 1-Use full synthetic tranny fluid. 2- Install a transmission cooler. 3- Install a tranny fluid filter (ask your mechanic or look at owner websites. After that, the power is with you.
What more can you ask for
vollball81, 03/05/2004
1992 Subaru SVX LS 2dr Coupe AWD
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 180k on it and it runs perfect still. The interior is perfect. The tranny was rebuilt, and the car electronically works perfectly. This car I expect to go at least another 100k
'94 Subaru SVX AWD still going strong!
The Doug, 02/10/2004
1994 Subaru SVX LSi 2dr Coupe AWD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Best car I've ever purchased. Period. Subaru's unbelievably well-kept secret sports car. 10 years old and runs like new. The style was way ahead of its time. Still turns heads. Terrific sports car in the summer, turning into a virtual snowplow in winter with its full-time AWD. Extremely safe: heavy chassis, wide tires that grip all road surfaces, 4-channel antilock brakes, etc. It will be hard to part with it; there is nothing on the market like it today.
1994 Subaru SVX front wheel drive
R. Burrows, 06/02/2003
1994 Subaru SVX LS 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought car new as leftover 94 model in 95 at a bargain price ($7000 under sticker). The car gets used about 3000 miles per year. It has had no needed repairs in 20,000 miles. High quality fit and finish. Great Suede leather interior. High fun to drive factor with unique looks. Looks as new the day I bought it with design still looking innovative after 9 years. Great areodynamics resulting in virtually no wind noise even with windows down.
It's Not a Box or Wagon - SVX Sporty
cpt kirk, 10/17/2003
1995 Subaru SVX L 2dr Coupe AWD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I wanted a car that would get good gas milage and would get me up and down the steep hills during a snow storm. I got lucky and bought a 1995 SVX AWD and have been very happy. Try 28mpg on the highway with a lot of extra peddal to go; about 90 mph @3500rpms. I get about 19mpg city. This car takes premium gas. I had no trouble getting up to Alta, Utah, for a powder ski day when only 4x4's and cars with chains were allowed up the canyon. Under the paint is a zinc coating to help reduce corrosion - so smart! Fender wells designed to keep splashes/road tar from going all over the car's body. Overall great (Italian)styling.
quality car
drivemusicnow, 10/16/2002
1997 Subaru SVX LSi 2dr Coupe AWD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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
Best Car
Booye, 10/06/2003
1997 Subaru SVX LSi 2dr Coupe AWD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
I own two SVX's
Rich, 06/01/2006
1997 Subaru SVX LSi 2dr Coupe AWD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
Great besides the transmission
SkubaSteevo, 07/07/2003
1992 Subaru SVX LS 2dr Coupe AWD
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
I bought the car last year with about 78k and have put just over 8k miles on it. The only big problem has been the transmission, which needed to be rebuilt about 1/2 yr ago. Excelent car overall.
SVX
Splishsplash, 12/15/2006
1995 Subaru SVX LS 2dr Coupe
4 of 7 people found this review helpful
This is a great and under rated car. It handles in all kind of weather, always starts, never breaks down so it costs way less than my previous Ford to maintain. The style is Italian designed and still turns heads. Given the limited number built and sold in the USA it gets rarer by the day. I have 125,000 miles and plan to go to 200,000 with confidence. My only complaint is that the level of interior finish could have been better.
Trouble Free is Me
Jazzy Min, 08/01/2002
1992 Subaru SVX LS 2dr Coupe AWD
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Ten years and going strong. Unsurpassed all weather handling. Quality manufacturing and design, both interior and exterior. Superb reliability. If they sold it again, I would buy in a heartbeat. The WRX is great, but the SVX is incomparable.
12 years without a peer
dray, 02/12/2007
1994 Subaru SVX LS 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Owned this car for 12 years and have not found another one to replace it. Smooth driving and fun. Still get people asking what is that? And they can't believe it is a Subaru.
The greatest 2-door coupe ever built
subaru svx driver, 10/09/2004
1995 Subaru SVX L 2dr Coupe AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have owned this car for 5 years and I love it. I have had a couple of repairs to do on it, but I'd do anything to keep this car. The aftermarket is starting to heat up, as well. A new 350+ hp supercharger kit will be out soon and there are countless amounts of aftermarket parts such as, exhaust, intake, brakes, interior and exterior accessories are available now. If Subaru decides to bring this car to the market again, it would be a great seller.
Excellent value & performance!
Chiketkd, 04/26/2004
1996 Subaru SVX L 2dr Coupe AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have owned several different performance vehicles - Camaro Z28, 300ZX TT and a '00 SVT Lightning. The Subaru SVX is the best 'all around' performance machine to ever be in my garage. The AWD system is flawless, cornering is flat, and unlike the other cars I've owned, when it starts snowing, this car begs to be driven rather than parked. The sound of flat 6 boxer engine is intoxicating!!! I'm in SVX heaven!
miss my VEX !!
HOAMSKOOLED, 10/19/2018
updated 10/21/2019
1996 Subaru SVX LSi 2dr Coupe AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
i was a subie guy for yrs , started with a showroom new '09 STi ..fun , but turned out to be a lemon , sold it and bought a highly modded '07 WRX (400+hp) , after a couple yrs ith that car with very few issues i was offered a stupid amount for it so i sold it and was looking for a manual forester XT or a legacy B-Spec , but in the "meantime" i found an SVX on CL with 90k miles for 1500 bux..in great shape and a slight fuel smell ..ran/drove GREAT ..so i bought and drove it 200 miles home and smell was a 2'' piece of hose by the gas tank accessible via the trunk . cheap n easy ..The fill in "Temp" vehicle became my new love and i drove it issue free for 2 yrs , besides rear wheel bearings , one of these cars Achilles's heals . my trans worked great , but wouldnt go into OD till it was warmed about 5 mins of driving (heard that was by design?) never an issue . 2 yrs into ownership the alternator died . i bought a "new" bosch alt and it was flawed and the regulator failed to regulate and fried 11 fuses and my power steering computer /AWD/Fuse block and wire harness ..was so sad ..still in great shape , sold it for 1k ..after that i bought a VW Phaeton..loved that weird limo, totaled on a deer . Now i drive a 500HP , AWD Audi RS6 (bi-turbo V8) ..of course the VEX wasnt the fastes car in the world and my RS6 is a crazy beast in comparison , but i STILL miss my SVX !!!!!! ..i long to own another some day ..and i want to swap a 5 or 6 spd in it..fairly cheap to do :) .. told me to update ..lol .. not much more to say , still would like another VEX someday .. my RS6 now is 550 hp 625 TQ and has 164k miles..had 87k when i got it ... all good..lol
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
best sport for the funds
cargamer03, 10/24/2002
1992 Subaru SVX LS 2dr Coupe AWD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
very good car. great performance that pulls you in your seat but also holds like your mother when you were a kid. only prob that i have found is that there are literally no factory made modification that you can find. other than that if you just want a car this is the one that will get looks. beat all the four bangers and save you gas money. subaru made a great one this time
Svxiness in San Diego
dgranet, 03/29/2003
1992 Subaru SVX LS 2dr Coupe AWD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car was and still is ahead of its time. Worried about safety in a small car? Not in this incredibly solid vehicle. All wheel drive with excellent power and handling completes the package. And its different! Don't forget this car competed with the BMW (and for me won). With only 14000 in the US it is becoming a collector's item.
Nice looking car!
Car guy., 05/15/2009
1997 Subaru SVX LSi 2dr Coupe AWD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
Favorite thus-far
lots-o-cars, 09/12/2008
1992 Subaru SVX LS 2dr Coupe AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car all-around. I bought it at 114k miles, and have driven it for about 15k miles. The only thing I've replaced is the water pump. AWD so it corners amazingly. Very comfortable. more-so than my Infiniti. people try to race me every time i drive it. And i usually win. But always get a thumbs up or something. Very sturdy. This car was hit in a parking lot by an H2 hummer (and repaired) prior to me buying it. Then less than 2 weeks after I bought it, it was hit on the same corner (front right) by a big White work van. I bent the fender off of the tire and the car drove perfectly straight. I also hit a rock big enough to break my rim on the same front right tire. No real damage.
SVX under-rated
love subies, 10/12/2008
1992 Subaru SVX LS 2dr Coupe AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got my SVX 3 years ago with a new transmission because the original owner towed it by the front tires forgetting it is awd. The tranny was $4800 but i only paid $3200 for it! I have since put in new ignition, fuel system, harmonic balancer, head gaskets, door locks, antenna motor, spark plugs and wires, rack and pinion, and more. Talk about not cheap. One of the upper glass pieces on the doors was over $300 dollars new, but I went to a junk yard and got it for $75 but was $80 to install. What can I say I love this car, and have been looking for the chip and supercharger I want. Soon I will have my Superu
'92 Subaru SVX AWD
PhoenixSVX, 09/29/2010
1992 Subaru SVX LS 2dr Coupe AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I 'inherited' this car with 86K miles on it from a family member who had purchased it new and treated it very kindly. The transmission [the weak link in the chain] had been rebuilt at 73K miles. I immediately installed the largest external transmission cooler that could fit. The vehicle consistently gets 19-20 mpg in town and I've seen 30 mpg on the highway and is very comfortable. I found a local mechanic that loves the cars and, other than for routine maintenance, the car is never in the shop and has never let me down. It's an absolute blast to drive through curving mountain roads. It's neat to pull up to a stoplight and not see three other ones there with you like some other makes.
'92 Subaru SVX LS 'Touring'
Roy Corley, 11/30/2010
1992 Subaru SVX LS 2dr Coupe AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I 'inherited' the car in March of 2009 from my sister-in-law who bought it new in Tucson. The car had 86K miles and the transmission had been rebuilt around 75K. The car had led a very sheltered life and was in exceptional condition for its age. Within a week, it received a complement at a stoplight from a Ferrari driver. I drove the car on a 3700 mile loop through Texas and New Mexico in July. It never missed a beat and averaged 28 mpg for the trip. It's an absolute blast to drive through mountain twisties. The car has never let me down, but finding a quality mechanic is of utmost importance. Fortunately, I found one here in Scottsdale that loves the car and is honest as the day is long.
owner
chuckP, 03/05/2002
1992 Subaru SVX LS 2dr Coupe AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
very good
Space Car!
ww111, 03/12/2002
1992 Subaru SVX LS 2dr Coupe AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fantastic Car! Great in Summer, Winter, and Nobody knows what it is.
Great car, expensive to fix
Chrisp, 04/24/2003
1992 Subaru SVX LS 2dr Coupe AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this car for almost 5 years now. Bought it with 80k. Tranny fixed under warantee, 24k later, tranny fixed again. Front rotors warped, got aftermarket 'low heat' pads when turned rotors and rotor live seems to have improved. Power steering hoses popped off twice.
Unique and wickedly quick
Alan, 05/29/2017
1992 Subaru SVX LS 2dr Coupe AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Despite abundant glass sight lines are challenging. Care and attention is required to drive the car safely.
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Check the Tranny
SVX Guy, 10/12/2018
updated 04/20/2020
1992 Subaru SVX LS 2dr Coupe AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the car in 2012 from 1st owner who maintained it very well, had only 20,000 miles on it, and now it has 41,000 miles. I have loved the design, the power, the handling, etc. The tranny is the weak point, which I knew from SVX forums, so I immediately put on a tranny filter and cooler, and have used synthetic fluid, and have had no problems with it at all. By 1994-95 Subaru had fixed the problem. If you are thinking to buy a 1992-93, check for the filter, have tranny checked by trusted mechanic. I love the car.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
love this car
SVXboy631, 08/02/2002
1993 Subaru SVX LS 2dr Coupe AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the car is great...it's fun to drive and it no one even knows what it is.
1993 SVX 25th anniversary
melissa, 08/22/2005
1993 Subaru SVX 25th Anniversary 2dr Coupe AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my SVX. The transmission had to be replaced at 120,000 miles, and the air conditioner also had to be fixed. Other than the weak tranny, the car is fantastic! Lots of power and lots of looks.
In love with this car!!
PshPlay, 04/22/2004
1996 Subaru SVX LSi 2dr Coupe AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car several years ago and other than a couple 02 sensors, and regular maintenance (oil changes and 50k mile service), it's been very reliable. I bought it because it was unique. Some people say they think the side windows would bother them but you really don't notice the line. Also, it has great visability (no blind spots). The car handles like it's on rails and is a real joy to drive. I'm surprised they don't hold their value better. I've met other SVX owners that have in excess of 250k miles on their car and they still love it. If you own one, you love it!
Great Engineering: Poor Marketing
fredtromans, 04/05/2002
1995 Subaru SVX LS 2dr Coupe
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
The demise of the SVX after fewer than 15,000 vehicles were sold says more about Subaru's ability to sell this type of car than about the car itself. It is a marvelously fun-to-drive sports car with outstanding reliability. It never fails to catch attention. It is an excellent highway car and, unlike most sports cars, performs very well in snow. I LOVE IT.
experiences with 1992 SVX
jstav, 03/30/2002
1992 Subaru SVX LS 2dr Coupe AWD
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Excellent auto-bot it new and car is wonderful enough that I kept it for 10 years. Prior this car I had a new car once a year it seems, including 9 mercedes,infiniti,etc. Car needs some work and has a small dent in L front fender, but still one the most powerful and responsive cars I have ever driven.
Great Orphan Sports Car
Fred Tromans, 06/20/2002
1995 Subaru SVX L 2dr Coupe AWD
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great performance car that generates a lot of looks. I wish they still made it