1997 Subaru Impreza problems
The Subaru Impreza (Japanese: スバル・インプレッサ, Hepburn: Subaru Inpuressa) is a compact car that has been manufactured by the Japanese automaker Subaru since 1992. It was introduced as a replacement for the Leone, with the predecessor's EA series engines replaced by the new EJ series. It is now in its sixth generation.
Subaru has offered a 5-door hatchback body variant since 2008. The firm also offered a coupé from 1995 until 2001, a 4-door sedan up to the fifth generation, and a 5-door wagon from the Impreza's introduction which was replaced by a hatchback with the third generation in 2008. Mainstream versions have received "boxer" flat-four engines ranging from 1.5- to 2.5-liters, with the performance-oriented Impreza WRX and WRX STI models upgraded with the addition of turbochargers. Since the third generation series, some markets have adopted the abbreviated Subaru WRX name for these high-performance variants. The first three generations of Impreza were also available with an off-road appearance non-SUV package called the Outback Sport, exclusive to the North American market. For the fourth generation, this appearance package was raised up to be subcompact crossover SUV and renamed the XV (Crosstrek in North America), and is sold internationally. Colloquially, the car is sometimes referred to as Scooby.
Subaru has offered front- and all-wheel drive layouts for the Impreza. Since the late-1990s, some markets have restricted sales to the all-wheel drive model, putting the Impreza in a unique selling proposition in the global compact class, which is usually characterized by front-wheel drive. Japanese models remain available in both configurations.
A 2019 iSeeCars study named the Impreza as the lowest-depreciating sedan in the United States after five years.
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Common 1997 Subaru Impreza problems
The Subaru Impreza is a reliable car, but like any other vehicle, it can still develop problems. Here are some of the most common issues with the 1997 Subaru Impreza, based on complaints from owners of this car:
- Engine problems: The 1997 Subaru Impreza has had issues with engine oil consumption and blown head gaskets. Some owners reported that their car consumed more engine oil than normal, which could be fixed by replacing the piston rings and rod bearings. In some cases, owners had to rebuild their engine, which is a costly and time-consuming repair. Subaru Imprezas built before 2011 may need to replace their engine’s head gaskets multiple times once they reach 100,000 miles. An aftermarket head gasket set can cost anywhere between $100 and $200, but including labor costs, repairs can set you back by roughly $2,000.
- Oil leaks: The 1997 Subaru Impreza uses a plastic oil baffle plate that is extremely prone to failure. This can cause oil leaks from the rear of the car. Subaru has released an improved design, which can be easily found on their drop-down parts list.
- Check engine light: The check engine light is illuminated, which can be caused by hundreds of potential reasons. It's a good idea to check the knock sensor first as it is the most common cause of the check engine light turning on intermittently when driving the Impreza.
- Clutch chatter: The clutch chatters when starting the car from cold. If your Impreza is still under warranty, then the dealer will replace your clutch for free as this is a known fault. If there's no warranty, then you'll need to find a complete clutch assembly on the BreakerYard parts list and replace the faulty one.
- Black smoke from exhaust (turbocharged models): If you skip an oil change, then the Impreza is very unforgiving. Oil sludge and muck will build up quickly, and your oil filter will become very blocked. If you don't sort this problem out quickly, then your car is going to see catastrophic failure across multiple parts.
- Long brake distance: The brakes on the Impreza are seriously under-specified, and they will wear out incredibly quickly. Your best bet is to install a whole new brake kit on both sides of the front of the car.
- Crunching/knocking gears: When moving from 2nd to 3rd gear, a crunching noise and a knocking sound can be heard. The gearbox system on the Impreza has a known flaw, and the problem is the synchromesh system. This is quite a serious issue, and if ignored, then multiple parts of the car can be destroyed.
It's important to note that some of these problems can be costly to fix, so it's essential to maintain the car regularly and address any issues as soon as they arise.
What is the main problem with Subaru Impreza?
Common problems with the Subaru Impreza include engine issues, sudden and abrupt acceleration, transmission failure, and air bag problems. The 2008 and 2012 models of the Subaru Impreza should be avoided, but the rest have generally good reliability.
Is The Subaru Impreza a reliable car?
Subaru Impreza
The Impreza's reliability score is ranked 33rd out of 36 compact cars by RepairPal, earning a 3.5 out of five-star rating. The average annual repair cost is $653, which isn't terribly high, but there is a 17% chance of severe repairs.
How long do Subaru Impreza engines last?
Despite its smaller size, the Impreza is built to last, with many drivers reporting longevity and reliability well beyond 200,000 miles.
How many miles is too much for a Subaru Impreza?
How Many Miles are Too Many for a Used Subaru Impreza? Although Subaru vehicles generally have impressive longevity, it doesn't mean you can buy a 200k unit and expect a problem-free experience. As a general rule, an Impreza with more than 100k miles in it should be approached with caution.
Is the Subaru Impreza 1997 reliable?
The engine and drivetrain have proven to be very reliable. Only needed regular maintanence. The 2.2L engine is on the weak side with only 130hp.
What is the main problem with Subaru Impreza?
Common problems with the Subaru Impreza include engine issues, sudden and abrupt acceleration, transmission failure, and air bag problems. The 2008 and 2012 models of the Subaru Impreza should be avoided, but the rest have generally good reliability.
Is The Subaru Impreza a reliable car?
Subaru Impreza
The Impreza's reliability score is ranked 33rd out of 36 compact cars by RepairPal, earning a 3.5 out of five-star rating. The average annual repair cost is $653, which isn't terribly high, but there is a 17% chance of severe repairs.
What is the fuel consumption of a Subaru Impreza 1997?
Subaru Impreza 1997 Fuel consumption
The Subaru Impreza currently offers fuel consumption from 7.5 to 9.2L/100km.
1997 Subaru Impreza car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Subaru Impreza problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Wheels problems
- Power train problems
- Suspension problems
- Seats problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Subaru Impreza vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1997 Subaru Impreza
The NHTSA has received 34 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Subaru Impreza. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1997 Subaru Impreza vehicles.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-02-12
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH DOWN AN INCLINE, THE VEHICLE SKIDDED ON A PATCH OF ICE AND CRASHED INTO A CREEK. UPON IMPACT, BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND EXPLODED WITH DEBRIS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000......UPDATED 02/10/16 *BF
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-07-19
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 SUBARU WAGON. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED TWO WEEKS AGO. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE RISING FROM THE RADIATOR WHILE DRIVING. THE RADIATOR WAS REPLACED AND HE ACCUSED THE DEALER OF SELLING HIM A LEMON. THE DEALER STATED THAT HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE "AS IS" AND NOTHING COULD BEEN DONE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE BLEW THE HEAD GASKET AND CRACKED THE ENGINE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 71,400.
SUSPENSION,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-05-20
- VIN: JF1GM4250VH
- Components: SUSPENSION,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: FAILURE OF REAR WHEEL BEARINGS. *NM
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-28
- VIN: 4S3BG685XV7
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: THE GAS GAUGE DOESN'T WORK. I FILL THE CAR UP AND THE GAUGE GOES UP THEN FALLS BACK TO EMPTY. WHILE DRIVING IT FLOATS UP AND DOWN BETWEEN HALF AND THEN SITS ON EMPTY. I AM TRYING TO DETERMINE IF THIS IS A MANUFACTURES DEFECT.*AK
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-25
- VIN: JF1GF4859VG
- Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: REAR WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE FAILED 4 TIMES UNDER WARRANTY AND ADDITIONAL 4 TIMES OUT OF WARRANTY. BEARING WERE REPLACED DURING EACH REPAIR, SOMETIMES AXELS AND HOUSINGS AS WELL. SUBARU REFUSED TO CONTINUE REPAIRS OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY PERIOD. 8 FAILUES TOTAL AT REGULAR INTERVALS . *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-25
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: JF1GM225XVG
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: BOTH DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED WHEN IGNITION OF CAR WAS STARTED. THE AUTOMOBILE WAS NOT RUNNING PRIOR TO DEPLOYMENT. THE AUTOMOBILE WAS STATIONARY. THERE WAS NO IMPACT.*AK
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: CONSUMER NOTICED LOW LEAK FROM ALL FOUR VEHICLE TIRES. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED, TECHNICIAN NOTICED PROBLEM WAS DUE TO WHEEL RIMS.*AK
SEAT BELTS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-02-11
- VIN: FULLFILL
- Components: SEAT BELTS,SEATS
- Summary: THE FRONT SEAT BELTS DID NOT LOCK CORRECTLY. THE RECLINING LEVER FOR THE BACK OF THE SEAT FAILED, WHICH CAUSED CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THEIR WAS NOTHING THEY COULD'VE DONE. *JB
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-12-29
- VIN: JF1GC4356VG
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: WHEEL HUB KEEPS COMING OFF AFTER REPLACEMENT OF TIRE. ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF CAR DUE TO A WHEEL HUB COMING OFF AND HITTING WINDSHIELD. WINDSHIELD DID NOT BREAK.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JF1GF4850VH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO A "FAULTY AXLE" CONSUMER WILL SEND MORE INFORMATION WHY THIS VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE DIAGNOSIS PROVIDED TECHNICIAN OF THE INSURANCE COMPANY. TS
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-11-28
- Crash: 1
- VIN: PLEASE PROV
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT AND WITHOUT WARNING THE DRIVER SEAT WILL FULLY RECLINE BACK CAUSING A DISTRACTION TO THE CONSUMER. DEALER NOTIFIED. PH
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-30
- VIN: 4S5BG6852Z7
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: ALL FOUR TIRES ARE LOSING AIR PRESSURE ON SIDWALL. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK *YH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-01-01
- VIN: JN8AR05Y3XW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
- Summary: WIRING BETWEEN THE BODY AND THE HUTCH PASSES THROUGH RUBBER BOOT. REPEATED OPENING AND CLOSING OF THE HUTCH BREAKS THE WIRING. REAR TOP BRAKE LIGHT, REAR WIPER POWER LOCKS ARE AFFECTED. ALSO IN ANOTHER BOOT THE TUBE FOR A REAR WASHER IS SIMILARLY SEVERED, WASHER FLUID ENTERS THE CAR.*AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-11-23
- VIN: JF1GF4850VG
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLES IDLE WILL NOT GO DOWN, IT REVS FROM 1500 TO 2000 RPMS. WHEN IT SHOULD BE AT 800. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER AND THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK CONSUMER STATED WHEN GOING DOWN HILLS, THE SPEED CONTINUES TO INCREASE, IN A NORMAL SITUATION SPEEDING DOWN HILL 50 MPH USING ENGINE AS BRAKE, SPEEDS EXCEED 70 MPH IN 5TH AND 4TH GEAR, CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE HAD TO BE PUT INTO NEUTRAL TO SLOW DOWN, CONSUMER STATED HE CONTACTED DEALER BUT STATED THAT THERE IS NO PROBLEM, CONSUMER STATED HE HAS RAN ACROSS OTHER COMPLAINTS LIKE HIS WITH ONBOARD COMPUTER COMPUTERS.*JB
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-10-29
- VIN: JF1GF4854VG
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 6 LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARING REPLACEMENTS IN 3 YEARS, ALONG WITH SPINDLE AND HUB.1ST WHEEL BEARING FAILURE AT 41,000 MILES. LAST WHEEL BEARING LASTED LESS THAN 5 MONTHS.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-05-04
- VIN: JF1GF4H54VG
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: LEFT REAR WHEEL WENT BAD AT 43000 MILES, AND HAS BEEN REPLACED 5 TIMES, LAST REPLACMENT WAS NEEDED AFTER ONLY 3000 MILES. BEFORE REPLACEMENT A LOUD NOISE CAME FROM REAR OF VEHICLE.*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: REAR AXLE FAILED. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-04-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I'VE HAD THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED 3 TIMES IT HAS BEEN A TOTAL OF 6 OF BOTH SIDES. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-01
- VIN: JF1GC435XVG
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM WHEELS. DEALER HAD TO REPLACE WHEEL BEARINGS. WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED IN OCTOBER 1999/ OCTOBER 2000, AND AT THIS TIME. *AK
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHEEL WELLS ARE BUILDING UP EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF SNOW AND ICE CAUSING VEHICLE TIRES TO HAVE DIFFICULTY ROTATING AND TURNING DUE TO ICE BLOCKING TIRES IN WHEEL WELLS, CAUSING CAR TO UNEXPECTEDLY SLIDE OR SKID ON ICEY ROADS. ALSO CAUSING EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR AND MISALIGNMENT OF FRONT SUSPENSION. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-30
- VIN: JF1GF4857VG
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE SHUTS DOWN AT HIGHWAY AND CITY SPEEDS UNEXPECTEDLY. OFTEN DIFFICULT TO RESTART. CAR HAS BEEN TOWED ON THREE OCCASSIONS TO SUBARU DEALERS. NEITHER OF TWO LOCAL AUTHORIZED SUBARU DEALERS ( CASEY OF NEWPORT NEWS VA OR ROUGHTON OF NORFOLK VA ) HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ANALYZE OR REPAIR VEHICLE. WAITED 9 WEEKS FOR PARTS WHICH NEVER ARRIVED FROM JAPAN WHICH ONE DEALER THOUGHT, BUT WOULD NOT GUARANTEE, MIGHT SOLVE PROBLEM. ELECTRICAL FAILURES OCCURRED IN VEHICLE O/A MAY OF 1998. I HAVE ALL MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR RECORDS. VEHICLE IS SO UNSAFE ICANNOT DRIVE IT. I ONLY WISH TO HAVE VEHICLE REPAIRED SO THAT SAFE OPERATION IS AGAIN POSSIBLE. CAN ANALYXE OR REPAIR VEHICLE. ENGINE SHUTDOWN WITNESSED BY WIFE.*AK
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-01
- VIN: JF1GF4858VH
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: WHEEL HUBS DO NOT STAY ON WHILE DRIVING. THEY WILL JUST POP RIGHT OFF, NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK REAR WHEEL COVER CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING AND THE DEALER STATES THAT THE WHEEL COVER WAS NOT OUT ON CORRECTLY. *YH
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-25
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER TOOK HIS VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP. ATTENDANT WENT TO STEAM THE MOTOR AND TO START MOTOR SO HE COULD WAX AND BUFF VEHICLE. BUT, BOTH AIRBAGS WENT OFF. CONSUMER WANTS TO KNOW WHY THE AIRBAGS WENT OFF. *AK
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-12-14
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JF1GCY352VG
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS
- Summary: SEAT BELT FAILED TO TIGHTEN, SEAT FELL BACK INTO THE BACKSEAT AND AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY DURING THE ACCIDENT. YH
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-01
- VIN: JF1GF485XPH
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: HUBS KEEP COMING OFF VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING. DEALER CONTACTED, AND IS IN PROCESS OF REPLACING HUBS. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
1997 Subaru Impreza recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1997 Subaru Impreza.
- Manufacturer: DOPE, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
- Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
- Manufacturer: K2 MOTOR CORPORATION
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
Negative 1997 Subaru Impreza car reviews
Positive 1997 Subaru Impreza car reviews
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I really love my little Subaru! It's been a great first car for me. While it may not have a lot of horsepower under the hood, it handles just about anything I race against. I think it's a great car for a small family or even a single person like myself. I plan on keeping my Subaru for as long as possible, it's been so reliable! It takes turns on a dime and the AWD is especially nice in the rainy weather we have here in the Northwest. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone looking for a smaller vehicle that can handle well and is dependable.
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What can I say? It's a Subaru. It's hard to beat!
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Your 97' Impreza sounds like a great car! Even though it's your first car and you don't have much to compare it to, it seems like it's been reliable for you. You bought it used in 2003 and have only had to replace the steering fluid container, which is impressive. It's always fun to drive a car that you love, and it sounds like you'll be enjoying your Impreza for many more years to come!
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Awesome car!! There are plenty of modifications that can be done for someone who is looking to customize their Subaru. I have chrome rims, altezza lights, a spoiler, sound system, and exhaust on mine. As a fast-driving teen, I can attest that this car can handle a beating.
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This car is not only durable and reliable, but it's also fun to drive. Additionally, the repair and maintenance costs are about average.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Subaru Impreza problems:
Old Car with low miles: Good buy? Or money pit? (97 Subaru Impreza)
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1997 Subaru Impreza Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
Problem with your 1997 Subaru Impreza? Our list of 6 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1997 Subaru Impreza.
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Other years of Subaru Impreza
Are you having problems with your 1997 Subaru Impreza?
Ethel Adams 2024-11-06
After reading all of these reviews, I would like to share my experience with the car. It is important to keep in mind that this car requires regular maintenance and can be expensive to maintain. I purchased this car a year ago with only 60,000 miles on it and was initially pleased. However, after driving it for about 6,000 miles, I began to notice a burning oil smell. I took it to the mechanic and discovered severe oil leaking and axle problems. Unfortunately, oil leaks are common among Subarus, which was a major disappointment. I was not prepared to spend $1000 every six months or so. My mechanic suggested that it may go another 12 months before another oil leak occurs. I wish you the best of luck with your decision.
Irwin Roberts 2024-09-08
In the poem 'The 100-Year Shay,' a legendary horse-drawn sled performs perfectly for a century, then disintegrates. Similarly, my Outback Sport was a reliable companion for 100K miles, but unfortunately required some major repairs and maintenance, including replacement of all the major seals, the steering rack, and cam cover caps, as well as repainting and clearcoating of the hood scoop and vents. Although the cost of these repairs was significant, I still value my Outback Sport and appreciate the time we spent together. It's disappointing that the cost of repairs exceeded the private-party resale value, but I still believe that Subaru makes great cars.
Maurice Rau 2024-08-28
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my 1997 Subaru. It has been an amazing car for me and my family. The only issue I had was with the water pump, but the dealership replaced it under warranty. Recently, I changed the clutch and I'm confident that it will last for another 100,000 miles. I've been getting upwards of 27 MPG, which is pretty impressive for an AWD car with a lot of weight added to it because of the rear drive axle. It's a zippy little car and I absolutely love driving it. Subaru's are fantastic and this one is especially great in the snow. I actually prefer driving it over my wife's Honda CR-V. I make sure to change the oil every 5000 miles and use high-quality oil since the car is getting up in miles. Overall, it's a great car and I highly recommend it!
Vernon Ankunding 2024-04-27
Subaru cars have become quite expensive to fix. I understand your frustration with the issues you've experienced with your three Subarus. Have you considered exploring other car brands that may better suit your needs? Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
Kacey Abshire 2024-04-15
Subaru cars have become quite expensive to fix. I have owned three and after around 76,000 miles, a lot had to be replaced such as the oil pump, clutch, and brakes. Unfortunately, I feel that Subaru has cut a lot of corners and there are better-built cars out there. This will most likely be my last Subaru.