1992-1997 Subaru SVX: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1992-1997 Subaru SVX and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Steering/handling
- Acceleration
- 4WD traction
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Rear-seat room
Vehicle Highlights
Subaru broke new ground for 1992, releasing the sleek, high-performance SVX luxury coupe as a replacement for its wedge-shaped XT6. Compared to the front- and 4-wheel-drive XT sports coupes, the SVX measured four inches longer in wheelbase and also in overall length. Sole powertrain was a 230-horsepower, 3.3-liter 24-valve flat-6 engine, linked to an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission. Permanently engaged 4-wheel drive (all-wheel drive) was standard, as were antilock brakes and a driver's airbag. Standard equipment also included automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and an 80-watt audio system. SVX quickly became known for one distinctive feature: its "window-within-a-window" design. Most of the side glass was fixed in place, and only the unusual little window, mounted within the bigger pane, rolled up and down.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Subaru SVX Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 8 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 41 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1992-1997 Subaru SVX. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1992-1997 Subaru SVX.
Year to Year Changes
1993 Subaru SVX:
No change was evident in the second season for Subaru's all-wheel-drive performance coupe. Due to a glut of cars, Subaru delayed the introduction of 1993 models until spring of that year.
1994 Subaru SVX:
New lower-priced L and LS versions of Subaru's sports coupe debuted this year, with front-wheel drive instead of permanent all-wheel drive. AWD was now limited to the top-line LSi model. A passenger-side airbag joined the driver's airbag on the LS and LSi models, which got conventional manual front seatbelts instead of motorized belts. Antilock brakes were standard on LS and LSi, but not available on the L. On all models except those with "pearl white" paint, the roof and trunk now were body-colored. With white paint, the roof and trunk were black, as on all prior models.
1995 Subaru SVX:
An expanded lineup for 1995 included two front-drive models (L and LS) and two with permanently engaged all-wheel drive (L and LSi). Antilock brakes were standard on all except the front-drive L. All models had dual airbags.
1996 Subaru SVX:
Two versions of Subaru's sports coupe were offered in 1996: base L and more costly LSi. Both had permanent all-wheel drive. The LSi had such features as variable-assist power steering, leather seats, a power sunroof, a CD player, heated mirrors, remote entry system and antitheft alarm, and a split folding rear seatback.
1997 Subaru SVX:
For its final season on the market, the SVX gained a new body-colored grille and 215/55VR16 tires. Laguna Blue was dropped as a color choice.
Our road test for the 1992-1997 Subaru SVX includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1992-1997 Subaru SVX and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1992-1997 Subaru SVX is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
When it debuted for 1992, the SVX had little direct competition in its price segment of the performance/luxury-coupe market. Few rivals in this class offered 6-cylinder power combined with 4-wheel drive. Somewhat eccentric in appearance, an SVX is extremely competent on the road. All-wheel-drive traction gives it fine grip in turns, even when the pavement turns wet. The firm suspension works with the tires to furnish excellent cornering grip, without a trace of harshness. Riding flat over dips, without jarring through bumps. the SVX remains well-balanced in directional changes. Electronic speed-variable power steering, offered in the Touring Package, is a desirable addition. Most early models had that package. Acceleration is robust with liberal application of the throttle. The horizontally opposed engine pulls the coupe strongly from virtually any speed, unleashing plenty of power for passing. We've accelerated an SVX to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds. Subaru's automatic transmission generally shifts well, but occasionally winds up in too high a gear to provide a small speed increase without downshifting. Gas mileage wins no prizes. We averaged close to 25 mpg in an early SVX (in mostly highway cruising), and 17.8 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. With the available power driver's seat, as well as the standard tilt/telescoping steering wheel, automatic climate control, and premium sound system, an SVX yields a very comfortable driving environment. Subaru claimed 4-passenger seating, but the rear seat lacks sufficient head room for average-sized adults, and would be short on leg room as well with tall people seated up front. Although the trunk is fairly large, its opening is quite small, so getting luggage in and out can become tedious. Subaru's "window-within-a-window" side glass treatment was supposed to reduce buffeting with the windows open. Although the inner window frame leaves a "line" in the driver's peripheral vision, most people won't notice it after a while. Toll booths and ATM machines can be a challenge, because the window opening is so small. Otherwise, visibility is better than in most sports coupes.
Value for the Money
Unique in design, the SVX never caught on in the sales race. Not in the same performance league as the Dodge Stealth R/T Turbo/Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4, which also have all-wheel drive, SVX is the only one in that spirited group that came with an automatic transmission.
Unique in design, the SVX never caught on in the sales race. Not in the same performance league as the Dodge Stealth R/T Turbo/Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4, which also have all-wheel drive, SVX is the only one in that spirited group that came with an automatic transmission.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Subaru SVX Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 8 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 41 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Subaru SVX includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Subaru SVX .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Brakes:
The hydraulic motor for the antilock brake system may run after the key is turned off, requiring a revised relay for the motor. (1996)
Dashboard lights:
The turn signals cancel prematurely because of excessive plastic in the steering-column combination-switch bracket. (1992-93)
Engine knock:
Knocking noise from the front end is caused by defective strut mounts. Revised mounts are available for replacement. (1992)
Engine mounts:
Due to the multitude of configurations (bolt holes, accessory attachment points, etc.), cylinder heads for 2.5L engines are extremely difficult to interchange, often making the simplest solution replacement of the engine. (1995-97)
Hard starting:
No-start or hard starting after sitting overnight in may be due to ice forming on the fuel injector tips. (1993-98)
Poor transmission shift:
Poor acceleration from a standing start is actually programmed into the computer, and can be overridden by removing a resistor in the ROM (read-only memory) socket and destroying (but not removing) the noise suppressor. (1992-93)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $585 |
| Alternator | $620 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,015 |
| Brakes | $550 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $950 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $680 |
| Exhaust System | $575 |
| Radiator | $495 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $850 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $530 |
Our price chart for this generation Subaru SVX details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1997 | |||
| SVX | $3,400-4,500 | $2,700-3,600 | $900-1,200 |
| 1996 | |||
| SVX | $2,500-3,700 | $1,800-2,700 | $500-800 |
| 1995 | |||
| SVX | $1,800-3,200 | $1,200-2,200 | $300-500 |
| 1994 | |||
| SVX | $1,500-2,600 | $1,000-1,700 | $200-300 |
| 1993 | |||
| SVX | $1,800-2,400 | $1,200-1,600 | $300-400 |
| 1992 | |||
| SVX | $1,300-1,800 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Subaru SVX include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door coupe | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 102.8 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 182.1 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 69.7 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 51.2 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3375 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 8.2 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.5 | |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.0 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.5 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 35.0 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 28.5 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
All SVX coupes used the same engine: a horizontally opposed, 3.3-liter 6-cylinder that developed 230 horsepower. A 4-speed automatic was the sole transmission. Front-drive SVX coupes were available in 1994-95, but in other years all the coupes had permanently engaged 4-wheel drive.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc H6 | 3.3 / 202 | 230 | 224-228 | 4-speed automatic: 17/24 | 4-speed automatic: 17.8 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/front- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Subaru SVX include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
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