The Detroit News's view

Subaru calls its 1997 Impreza Outback Sport a wagon. But you might mistake it for a sports car. Or a sport-ute. That’s part of its charm – or a character flaw – depending on your perspective.

We had radically different responses to the Japanese all-wheel-drive vehicle that is priced at $19,183. Parts of the Impreza are so outrageous – like its hood scoop and side air vents that scream “performance” – that you’ll either love it or hate it.

He: I like everything about this car except the dopey “mail slot” on the hood. I like the way it looks. I like the way it feels. I like the way it accelerates and handles. It’s a blast to drive.

She: That’s a nice, simple way to put it. I was thinking more in terms of Jungian analysis when I look at the Impreza. You know how Jung talked about the “puerile quality” of certain men. He meant playful, but the flip side of that is a lack of seriousness. That’s what I see in the Impreza. More silly cosmetic stuff like that “mail slot” hood scoop and grate-covered side vents next to it that really serve no useful function. It’s not like you’re getting a Ram Air effect to cool down the engine – it’s not big enough to be cooled down. And then there’s that amusing two-tone paint job and what about that name? I’m trying to Impreza you? I can’t believe this is a Subaru – I thought they were a lot more serious and all about all-wheel-drive and forging through snow drifts.

He: Subaru is going to leave you in a snow drift. Besides, what’s your problem? This is an Impreza Outback, remember? That means that even with the goofy cosmetics, you still get the neat four-wheel-drive system, the standard antilock brakes and all the other good stuff that comes with the Outback package. In this case, that includes a terrific 137-horsepower four-cylinder engine that’s lively as heck and delivers 30 mpg on the highway to boot. You can toss three kids or loads of groceries in the back and the whole thing costs less than $20,000. Come on, what more could you ask for?

She: A more specific identity.

He: OK, Miss Smartypants. Tell me who else makes an all-wheel-drive station wagon for under $20,000? I don’t know how you can get much more specific than that.

She: I don’t know what this is. Is it a sports car you can take off road? Is it a station wagon that’s supposed to look like a rally car?

He: Now you get the idea. It’s whatever you think it is. If it does the job for you, fine and dandy. If it doesn’t work for you, maybe that means you have no imagination or maybe you’re just too old. After all, isn’t the Impreza Outback aimed at Jungian families?

She: No, it’s young families – and more. Subaru’s early buyer profile shows that Impreza customers are 49 percent male. I’m shocked that so many women seem to be attracted to this car. Granted, the Outback version does have some nice standard touches like a washable rear cargo tray, a rear bumper step pad and a 12-volt cargo outlet. I like stuff like that. But I don’t like the fact that you can’t get roadside assistance on the Impreza. Subaru says it’s because they “don’t need it.” But I would feel insecure without it. Instead, I get raised suspension because of the larger diameter 15-inch tires on the Outback. I’d rather have the peace of mind than the bigger tires.

He: I look at the Outback and I see an economical and practical small car that’s an alternative to a sport-utility vehicle like a Geo Tracker. The Outback is far more comfortable to drive and I think it looks better, too. You asked earlier about off-road capability. I don’t think that’s really what Subaru had in mind. The beauty of the Outback is its all-weather traction. The car is also extremely nimble and responsive, with features like all-independent suspension, front-and-rear stabilizer bars and variable assist power steering. You’re really getting the best of all worlds in an affordable package.

She: Best of all possible worlds? ave a very clear memory of you not being able to find the cupholders in the Impreza. I couldn’t find them either. Turns out they are built-in so well above the radio that it’s easy to miss them. And those little radio controls are a real hallmark of the car’s personality. They are slanted at a quirky angle. And that’s what I think of when I think of the Impreza. Too offbeat, too quirky. Besides, it has kind of bulbous lines. It looks like an old AMC Pacer wagon that went on an Ultra-Slimfast diet.

He: I’m just tickled that I didn’t need to go on an Ultra-Slimfast diet to fit into the Impreza. It’s one of those rare subcompacts that actually felt roomy inside. If I’m going to get stuck in a small wagon, I’d much prefer it to be an Impreza Outback than one of those other boring Japanese or domestic models.

She: Well, I felt silly driving it. Like I had a lampshade on my head. In trying to be everything – part Arthur Fonzarelli in Happy Days with the performance cues and part Crocodile Dundee with the Outback stuff – it ends up too mish-mashy in terms of its personality. If brand management means aligning yourself with a certain “club” or labeling yourself with a certain brand like a head of cattle, well, I guess the Impreza would mean you are in many clubs with several brands. I just don’t get it.

He: We didn’t want you in our club anyway.

1997 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport

Type: Front-engine, all-wheel drive, five-passenger station wagon.

Price: Base, $17,995; as tested, $19,183 (inc. $495 destination charge).

What’s new for ’97: Sport edition; more horsepower; revised grille, hood and front bumper; 12-volt cargo power outlet.

Standard equipment: Variable-assist power steering, all-independent suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, air conditioning, two-tone paint, roof rack, tinted glass, rear defogger, rear wiper, splash guards, AM-FM stereo cassette, two 12-volt power outlets, tilt steering column, passenger vanity mirror, intermittent wipers, dual cupholder.

Safety features: Dual front air bags, antilock brakes, child-proof rear door locks.

Options on test vehicle: Alloy wheels ($629); carpeted floor mats ($64).

EPA fuel economy: 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway.

Engine: 2.2-liter O-4; 137-hp at 5400 rpm; 145 lb-ft torque at 4000 rpm.

Transmission: Five-speed manual.

Competitors: Ford Escort, Mercury Tracer, Hyundai Elantra, Saturn SW.

Specifications: Wheelbase, 99.2 inches; overall length, 172.2 inches; curb weight, 2835 pounds; legroom, 43.1 inches front/32.4 inches rear; headroom, 39.2 inches front/37.4 inches rear; shoulder room, 52.5 inches front/53.3 inches rear.

12-month insurance cost, according to AAA Michigan: $1,096.

Rates based on an average family of four from the Livonia area whose primary driver is aged 40 with no tickets who drives 3-10 miles each way to work. Rates reflect multicar discount and, where appropriate, discounts for air bags and seat belts.

Where built: Yajima, Japan.