1996 Subaru Impreza 2.2

Summary:

Cheaply made, with the exception of the very reliable engine

Faults:

Center differential went very bad. Expensive fix for a tiny problem (solenoid). Nearly impossible to drive without fixing.

The front control arms are puny, and I had a series of issues with alignment.

Everything that could leak, did leak.

Windows fell out of tracks.

Other, petty things that I forget.

General Comments:

It handled very, very well, and could get up and go if forced to (pedal to the floor, high RPM required).

However, it was generally sluggish and depressing to drive with an automatic transmission.

The car 'felt' cheap, like driving Tupperware.

Had the construction been more robust, I would have kept it.

Gas mileage was good, considering that the car is AWD. Averaged about 29 MPG.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 15th March, 2012

6th Jul 2021, 16:22

You bought it at 16 years old with 120,000 on it... sound like it was good going. No cheap and nasty car would last this long. I live in the UK and car's like Fiat's get scrapped at only 8 years old. Now that is cheap and nasty Tupperware. Subaru were as good as any Japanese car (Honda, Toyota), especially in the 1990's.

1996 Subaru Impreza Outback 2.2L

Summary:

Definitely getting another

Faults:

Apart from typical high mileage repairs, the car has never let me down.

General Comments:

Even with the 2.2, the car has plenty of power, and decent gas mileage.

Handles very well, no matter the driving conditions.

Just will not die.

Although parts generally aren't too expensive, the labor can cost you, depending on what the part is.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th March, 2011

1996 Subaru Impreza LX 2.2

Summary:

Great car for the money, good gas mileage, fun to drive

Faults:

Struts went at 90,000.

Rear ball bearings had to be replaced at 140,000.

Got the valve seals? replaced at 120,000.

General Comments:

Great handling, love the engine, the 5-speed transmission is fun. Gets good gas mileage. Great in the snow. Repairs have been expected and affordable, the engine and the transmission seem unstoppable!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 13th May, 2008

1996 Subaru Impreza LX EJ22

Summary:

Best buy for a used AWD sub compact car

Faults:

First thing I notice to go wrong was the power steering was leaking. Which I found out was coming from the power steering reservoir. Subaru fixed this in their later models by changing the design. Simple to fix with some Stop Leak, needed only a few drops and problem was solved.

Second was on account of my own fault, I couldn't find a power lead for my radio while installing it and blew the illumination control unit. Subaru charges 100 dollars for this, so I routed the lights to work without it.

Well I didn't have this problem, the oil pump gaskets were leaking before I bought it and the dealer had them replaced which is suggested at 100k miles.

General Comments:

If I ever want more power there is a nice amount of choices to go with, all EJ engines including the EJ20t and EJ25t (found in the WRX and STI) are swappable. So when the engine fails I can see the brighter side of it, if it ever fails.

Cockpit or interior is well designed, no noises. Cup holder becomes a pain if you eat fast food, blocking the A/C switches.

Not that fast, but faster than you would think with only 135hp with AWD. When I went from my V6 155hp 185lb torque grand am, I didn't notice that much of a slower ride, just passing up hills and it seems impossible to spin the tires due to AWD.

Snow isn't a problem unless you try to drive over a feet of it. Meant my first snow fall with my Subaru here recently and it was about 10 or so inches and I had no problems. Other cars where having troubles at lights and getting stuck, while the impreza didn't get stuck at all. Just watch turns like you would with any other car.

My Impreza LX has all wheel disc brakes as well, now I have heard other Subaru owners say there's are drum in the back I some how have rear disc brakes which pleases me since they are easier to replace.

Re-sell value seems to stay with this car which makes me feel like I bought a good buy.

Impreza's that aren't 5 door seem to be hard to find in America even on the road for the year models of 93-01 so it can make you feel like you drive an exotic at times.

The design of the exterior is well done too, especially if it comes with a spoiler.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th January, 2005