1991 Subaru Loyale Station Wagon FWD 1.8L

Summary:

Basic super reliable and efficient car

Faults:

Bought the car in 2001 with micro spots of rust above one of the fenders, one of the rear doors and the rear of the roof. For 2 of 4 years the car was kept out and the rust didn't spread at all, and I was always finding excuses to clean it.

For 3 years, from 2001 to 2003, the car required only regular maintenance: oil, brake pads, liquids and bulbs.

The radiator needed replacement and the rear brakes drums had to be tuned up in early 2004 at 185,000 km.

General Comments:

Feels softer than most of the other Japanese cars I had and tried during the years.

Has nice ground clearance, event-hough it's not All Wheel Drive and still handles well off road driving, including mud and steep roads.

The car is still with the original clutch, and all electrical and mechanical components are working just fine, including the radio cassette.

Looks and feels very basic (sometimes it's what I am looking for), extremely reliable and easy to maintain. My 17 year old son loves it better than the newer Honda Civic EX we have, since it's the beat-the-crap-out-of-it car.

Highly recommended for young drivers and outdoors people, or as a second car to carry home reno loads...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th August, 2004

22nd Feb 2007, 20:53

Whats a reno load?

11th Jul 2007, 15:09

Home renovation loads. Big appliances, wood, tools, etc.

21st Sep 2008, 18:55

I work in the auto parts business and need a 2nd car. One of the garages has a 1991 Loyale, auto, 4wd. Looks and drives perfect. For $500.00 American. Is this great or what?

1991 Subaru Loyale 1.8 liter

Summary:

Energizer Bunny - it keeps on going and going

Faults:

The timing belt seems to need to be replaced every 60000 miles or so. You will stop dead in the water if you aren't "prevention" oriented.

Have replaced everything at one time or another. This is to be expected after 250000 plus miles.

I have owned this car since 90,000 miles and have replaced the oil pump, water pump, CV joints twice, wheel bearings, muffler system, oil pan and valve cover gaskets, a few alternators and batteries.

General Comments:

I am amazed that this car has survived 255,000 miles on ONE CLUTCH!! It just finally went kaput.

Truly amazing. Now I am grief stricken and torn as to what to do. It COULD TRULY last another 100,000 miles!

Highly recommend any Subaru vehicle.

These older models are so much easier to work on and fix basic things yourself with some "basic engine repair 101" knowledge and a good manual.

Mine is a "Rocky Mountain" Edition - just curious if anyone knows what this really means? It was bought in Montana and has now travelled to Oregon, where it sits in my driveway, unable to move.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st June, 2003

5th Mar 2005, 13:07

These cars are so great it's hard to say when is too much to fix one. My 92 loyale wagon has 306285 miles on it and has the original clutch and if it blew up I would put a new one in mine if I had to.

12th Aug 2006, 08:08

Subaru Loyale is the worst car ever. I have a 91 Loyale and everything went wrong. Clutch, all belts, tranny and a whole lot more.

15th Aug 2007, 10:56

I was in need of some wheels. I had only 2K max to spend and didn't want a car payment. After 2 weeks with no vehicle I found a 91 loyale wagon for sale. After almost buying an old Accord I met this guy with the "Subie". This car had a good clutch, no rust, new paint, good brakes and tires, decent stereo and was just clean. More than that the seller gave a good vibe and the car had 90K on it in 2006. The car was expensive, but the Kelly value was 2K!!!I still have it; after 9 months it has 120K and the only problem is the exhaust leak at the manifold. It might need motor mounts, but big deal dude. I don't see 2 many of these cars around bc they rust out too soon. Keep your undercarriage clean of salt in winter and who knows how many miles you will get. I am going 4 300K! BOW DOWN TO THE LOYALE!