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1997
Subaru Impreza

Starts at:
$13,795
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • Cpe Brighton 1.8L Manual AWD
    Starts at
    $13,795
    24 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas Flat 4 Cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Cpe Brighton 2.2L Auto AWD
    Starts at
    $14,795
    23 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas Flat 4 Cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Cpe L 2.2L Manual AWD w/BL Equip
    Starts at
    $15,895
    23 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas Flat 4 Cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn L Manual AWD w/BL Equip
    Starts at
    $15,895
    23 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas Flat 4 Cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr Wgn L Manual w/BL Equip
    Starts at
    $16,295
    23 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas Flat 4 Cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Cpe L 2.2L Auto AWD w/BL Equip
    Starts at
    $16,695
    23 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas Flat 4 Cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn L Auto AWD w/BL Equip
    Starts at
    $16,695
    23 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas Flat 4 Cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr Wgn L Auto w/BL Equip
    Starts at
    $17,095
    23 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas Flat 4 Cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr Wgn Outback Sport Manual w/ES
    Starts at
    $17,995
    23 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas Flat 4 Cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr Wgn Outback Sport Auto w/ES
    Starts at
    $18,795
    23 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas Flat 4 Cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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Expert 1997 Subaru Impreza review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

It seems as though everybody is getting into the “sport” vehicle business these days.

Subaru, not to be left on the starting grid, joins the fray with a 1997 Impreza Outback Sport Wagon.

As Subaru’s newest offering in the sport-wagon class, this vehicle comes with some different marketing goals in mind and some different design features.

“They are going after a little more active person,” said Ron Vanags, vice president and general manager of Speedway Subaru. “It’s designed for younger people who want something like a car but still want the utility of a van or truck with all-wheel drive.”

On the design front, the biggest difference is Subaru’s horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine

Subaru was a pioneer on the American market about 25 years ago with a wagon that used a horizontally opposed “boxer” type engine that functioned in conjunction with four-wheel drive. The concept is retained today, but in a much more sophisticated form.

Subaru’s all-wheel drive and flat-4 are standard fare for the Outback Sport, and gives the wagon all-season-go- anywhere capabilities.

The Sport has received new exterior styling cues, new interior styling, more power for improved performance, and a new 12-volt power cargo outlet.

The Sport is based upon a shortened Subaru Legacy chassis. Engineering dropped the wheelbase from the Legacy’s 103.5 inches down to 99.2 inches. Overall length has been shortened to 172.2 inches from the Legacy Wagon’s 185.8 inches.

This knocks off more than 300 pounds from the Legacy chassis, with the Sport weighing in at 2,835 pounds in five- speed manual transmission form. If you want an automatic, the weight goes up to 2,9l5 pounds.

This lighter weight produces some performance pizzaz, with the vehicle’s 2.2-liter (136-cubic-inch) flat-4 developing 137- horsepower and 145 foot-pound of torque. The single overhead cam, 16-valve, boxer-style engine has its own gutty little roar, letting you know that it’s ready to zip through the snow or up the side of the mountain.

How quickly you want to zip depends upon whether you’re running a manual gearbox or an automatic. Of interest is that, while most everything today is going automatic, Subaru’s five-speed is still finding favor.

“I’d say it’s just about 50/50,” Vanags said.

I’d say the automatic will be a little easier to drive in hazardous going. The Sport will be a hard vehicle to bog down, for its standard equipment is 205/60 SR 15 all-season radial tires and 6-by-15-inch wheels. This 15-inch rubber gets a good bite on slippery surfaces to keep everything moving forward.

Generally speaking, wagons come in all forms and shapes. It is not easy to style aerodynamic lines around a compact vehicle without sacrificing interior space.

On balance, I would say the Sport represents a pretty slick styling job. A new front hood, hood scoop, grille, bumper and spoiler create curving frontal lines that blend in with the rear end.

Bearing an EPA classification of small statio n wagon, the Sport is a five-passenger vehicle that has a respectable 43.1 inches of legroom in front. Like all small vehicles on a short wheelbase, rear seat legroom is somewhat restricted. It has 32.4 inches available in the back, and the cabin space offers 85 cubic feet of passenger volume.

For a compact, the Sport has a wide range of standard support equipment and convenience items, like air, stereo, power accessories, defoggers, tilt steering column, intermittent front and rear wipers, a vanity mirror, storage bins, cup holders, and dual airbags.

Options are limited to a CD player, cruise control, alloy wheels and a rear spoiler.

All this is generally the province of some fairly expensive automobiles, but with the Sport, it’s included in the five-speed $17,995 sticker price. The automatic increases the price by $800.

1997 Subaru Impreza review: Our expert's take
By

It seems as though everybody is getting into the “sport” vehicle business these days.

Subaru, not to be left on the starting grid, joins the fray with a 1997 Impreza Outback Sport Wagon.

As Subaru’s newest offering in the sport-wagon class, this vehicle comes with some different marketing goals in mind and some different design features.

“They are going after a little more active person,” said Ron Vanags, vice president and general manager of Speedway Subaru. “It’s designed for younger people who want something like a car but still want the utility of a van or truck with all-wheel drive.”

On the design front, the biggest difference is Subaru’s horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine

Subaru was a pioneer on the American market about 25 years ago with a wagon that used a horizontally opposed “boxer” type engine that functioned in conjunction with four-wheel drive. The concept is retained today, but in a much more sophisticated form.

Subaru’s all-wheel drive and flat-4 are standard fare for the Outback Sport, and gives the wagon all-season-go- anywhere capabilities.

The Sport has received new exterior styling cues, new interior styling, more power for improved performance, and a new 12-volt power cargo outlet.

The Sport is based upon a shortened Subaru Legacy chassis. Engineering dropped the wheelbase from the Legacy’s 103.5 inches down to 99.2 inches. Overall length has been shortened to 172.2 inches from the Legacy Wagon’s 185.8 inches.

This knocks off more than 300 pounds from the Legacy chassis, with the Sport weighing in at 2,835 pounds in five- speed manual transmission form. If you want an automatic, the weight goes up to 2,9l5 pounds.

This lighter weight produces some performance pizzaz, with the vehicle’s 2.2-liter (136-cubic-inch) flat-4 developing 137- horsepower and 145 foot-pound of torque. The single overhead cam, 16-valve, boxer-style engine has its own gutty little roar, letting you know that it’s ready to zip through the snow or up the side of the mountain.

How quickly you want to zip depends upon whether you’re running a manual gearbox or an automatic. Of interest is that, while most everything today is going automatic, Subaru’s five-speed is still finding favor.

“I’d say it’s just about 50/50,” Vanags said.

I’d say the automatic will be a little easier to drive in hazardous going. The Sport will be a hard vehicle to bog down, for its standard equipment is 205/60 SR 15 all-season radial tires and 6-by-15-inch wheels. This 15-inch rubber gets a good bite on slippery surfaces to keep everything moving forward.

Generally speaking, wagons come in all forms and shapes. It is not easy to style aerodynamic lines around a compact vehicle without sacrificing interior space.

On balance, I would say the Sport represents a pretty slick styling job. A new front hood, hood scoop, grille, bumper and spoiler create curving frontal lines that blend in with the rear end.

Bearing an EPA classification of small statio n wagon, the Sport is a five-passenger vehicle that has a respectable 43.1 inches of legroom in front. Like all small vehicles on a short wheelbase, rear seat legroom is somewhat restricted. It has 32.4 inches available in the back, and the cabin space offers 85 cubic feet of passenger volume.

For a compact, the Sport has a wide range of standard support equipment and convenience items, like air, stereo, power accessories, defoggers, tilt steering column, intermittent front and rear wipers, a vanity mirror, storage bins, cup holders, and dual airbags.

Options are limited to a CD player, cruise control, alloy wheels and a rear spoiler.

All this is generally the province of some fairly expensive automobiles, but with the Sport, it’s included in the five-speed $17,995 sticker price. The automatic increases the price by $800.

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
5 years / 80,000 miles
Basic
Coverage available for purchase
Dealer certification
152-point inspection

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Consumer reviews

4.6 / 5
Based on 5 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 3.4
Interior 3.3
Performance 4.1
Value 4.8
Exterior 3.9
Reliability 5.0

Most recent

  • Perfect Choice...overall

    If you want something fun to drive, have all wheel drive then the 1997 Subaru Impreza is a great choice. I own one to this day. When I bought the Impreza, it had 109,700 miles on it...NOW IT HAS OVER 230K! So far I do the usual. Oil changes, tire rotations, etc. The major problems were replacing the fuel system and catalyst. Other than that, my 1997 Impreza has not given up! Hope it makes the 300K mile mark!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • An amazing reliable ugly little car!! Loved it!

    I owned a 97 subaru outback sport for about 4 years while in college full time and also had two jobs.I therefore was always in a hurry and with no time for anything else.I pretty much abused my subie but this car could not break down!When I did go for maintenance I always asked the mechanics ..."are you sure nothing is wrong ?" and they would always confirm that it was a sturdy vehicle.Watch out though ,it handles the snow very well and this gives one too much confidence.Its not a looker but its definately the best car i've ever owned so far without a doubt!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Not the best car ever, but good for the money

    I have owned a 1997 outback sport for over a year now. It has been good. I got a really good deal on it, so I can't complain too much. Given the choice of using the cash for a down payment on a nicer car and just buying this car, I would go for the old Impreza. It really has gotten me through college with only routing maintenance, and a little more than average gas price. Only recently have I had to even consider fixing routine items like a clutch or a timing belt. The only mechanical trouble I have had is with the steering rack, everything else is good to go. By the way, I autocross, and am not very subtle in my driving technique. I have abused this car, but it is fantastic in defending itself. Handling is good, but can be improved with some cheap, easy to install parts. The interior is the worst, though. I really can't fit more than 2 adult friends in the thing. Also, if you plan on driving fast the seats will need to be swapped for some race stuff. I did it on the cheap and it looks good and feels great. The engine is beefier than a stock honda, but a wrx implant is choice. If you live somewhere with snow, the drivetrain layout makes for a safe, and even fun, winter drive. Of course braking on ice is the same on every car, so don't get over confident like I have in the past. Finally, the wheels are ugly, and need to be changed no matter what. However, be careful. I bought wheels with too big of an offset, and the tires rub on the wells. It takes a lot of work to get big wheels and tires to fit. I did it, but they still rub once and while on big dips.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great Drivetrain, Lacks Interior/Exterior Quality

    I've got 105,000 on my 97 Outback Sport. 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. 2.2L Hondas make 240hp. The handling is fantastic. There isn't much you can do to upset the very stiff chassis. The steering is overboosted, though, leading to a lack of feel. In the deep snow we can get here in Colorado, it's just Subarus and SUVs on the roads for a while. The material quality of the interior is sub-par, especially for the price of the car. Plastics are hard and cheap. The red paint used on the car is also easy to scratch and hasn't aged well. It's also pretty darn noisy on the highway. Overall, it's a fun little car that is driveable all year around. I'll probably buy another one.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • The best family sedan that I ever have

    This car was amazing, It took to me about 2 months to decide to buy a car in 1997, after visiting many dealers and other brands, I was not quite shure about subaru because I never hear too much about those cars, but when I made y decision, thank god, because this is the best car for family and job that never had. Comfortable, and very easy to maintain, with this car I realized that mechanics is easy. I did most of the maintennance of this car, including the timing belt, brakes, everythig. I owned it for 4 years, and the top of all, I had an accident were I was driving with my wife and my 2 kids, and nobody was hurt, the security features that the car have are amazing, and believe me, in the accident the car finally stop flipped over one side. very good car...
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1997 Subaru Impreza?

The 1997 Subaru Impreza is available in 3 trim levels:

  • Brighton (2 styles)
  • L (6 styles)
  • Outback Sport (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 1997 Subaru Impreza?

The 1997 Subaru Impreza offers up to 24 MPG in city driving and 30 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 1997 Subaru Impreza?

The 1997 Subaru Impreza compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 1997 Subaru Impreza reliable?

The 1997 Subaru Impreza has an average reliability rating of 5.0 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1997 Subaru Impreza owners.

Is the 1997 Subaru Impreza a good Coupe?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1997 Subaru Impreza. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.6 / 5
Based on 5 reviews
  • Comfort: 3.4
  • Interior: 3.3
  • Performance: 4.1
  • Value: 4.8
  • Exterior: 3.9
  • Reliability: 5.0

Subaru Impreza history

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