Regular Car Reviews: 1992 Subaru SVX, Part 1

[n__neen]

my first girlfriend's mom had an svx sitting in their yard for years. i still think about her from time to time...

the car, that is.

[TrashHeapCustodian]

"Subaru forums will argue..." You can just end it there. Arguing is the only thing Subaru forums are good at.

[alkoyyy]

a 230hp sports car only available with automatic transmission. good thinking there, subaru!

[AbielHoff]

I have been a long time fan. I love watching your reviews when I am looking for a "regular" car. I have always wanted one of these. I found a 1 owner, 94 SVX for 2k. It sat for a year and a half before I found it. I threw a new battery in it and it fired right up. I spent today checking everything out and updating fluids. It is totally stock and was well kept. Other than the faded paint and the A/C belt missing (I found the replacement in the trunk) It is running like a dream. TIme will tell. I showed my Girlfriend this 2 part review and she said "I will never let you get rid of that car." Im gonna call it a win. Keep up the great work!

[thunder_moo]

lets do some comparing and see a different view on why this car flopped in North America:

1992 Dodge Stealth R/T Twin Turbo (3000GT's brother) $30000 new

1993 Mazda RX7 $32, 000 new  

1992 Toyota Supra Turbo $28, 000 new

You could for the same money, buy a lot more car in the SVX's era.

[mateenabdul]

I really want Subaru to make SVX again. a 450bhp Subaru, imagine that!!!!

[Revitalyzed]

I can't be the only one who looked at the thumbnail and thought it was a first-gen Eagle Talon.... right?

[Proffak]

Oh crap, it's the Uranus from GTA:San Andreas.

[BrendanMacWade]

A Giugaro-designed masterpiece. A true Japanese bubble economy car.

[charlesduran]

I bought one when they first came out, Very quiet, reliable and fast . Went over 100, 000 miles with just routine maintenance . My first Subaru and for me the best 😊👍🏿

[pseudopacman]

test drove this before I decided to by my 3000gt in 92. Couldn't get over those windows haha

[gamecore]

Wow!  This is the first time a car review has touched my damn heart.  I drive a '95 SVX w/108, 000 miles on it's original tranmission.  Great job!  

[fehtothemax]

I had a pearl white one of these. I think the closest car comparison wise would be a more radical/weirder XJS or Soarer, definitely a grand tourer more than a track car.
They were all auto only.
Nerd shit:
US models had a standard Subaru 4 speed auto like in the Liberty/Legacies with an electronic fwd biased centre-diff (90/10 f/r when cruising 50/50 under acceleration or slipping). In Australia and other markets we got the VTD (Variable Torque Distribution) transmission with a mechanical rwd biased planetary gear centre diff 35/65 f/r split and a viscous lsd on the rear.
Something he didn't bring up was how much of a tank they are - 1600 kg/3500 lb kerb weight for a 2 door coupe, you don't really notice it when driving though, until it comes to stopping.
They aren't a perfect car but have tons of character ( and the flat 6 sounds awesome), it was fun to see people stop in their tracks wondering what the hell.
I'm definitely getting another one soon.
Also, there's a guy here in Aus who takes his lifted one on vast cross outback treks..

[HigherPIaces]

I'd drive it if it came with a clutch petal. 

[venividivicichannel]

Just saw one of these for the first time in person in Crestline, CA. So cool

[popnsplat]

I miss my SVX. It was fabulously quiet, comfortable, the engine sounds amazing when you push it, If it was sold with a 5 speed as standard, I'd probably still be driving one today. It had exceptionally good handling too, for a GT car.

[awesomenesssquash]

I always wondered when there would be a Regular Car Review for the the SVX. I knew the day would come eventually, and now I'm so glad it did.

[joshmartin]

The SVX real problems were the weight and transmission.
Also the extreme cost.
they were far from amazing because of those 2 things.

[MikeS]

Love it... currently getting my 1994 SVX restored... Should do my own review after it is finished... although I never will reach your awesome blend of automotive knowledge and hip philosophical delivery ;)

[dellahart]

i love you! I miss my SVX his name was Hector...and he was the best!