Subaru, renowned for its rally cars
Once produced a 2-door coupe
Now boasts affordable used prices
Subaru has long been known for its prowess in motorsports, particularly rallying. Iconic models like the Impreza, Legacy, and Outback have solidified its reputation. These cars, mostly sedans and wagons, embody practicality rather than sporty performance. However, Subaru once ventured into the world of two-door coupes with the SVX.
Though discontinued after just one generation, the Subaru SVX garnered respectable sales for a sports car. Although it may not be well-known today, the model is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Despite being a product of its time, the SVX’s design remains striking, and its performance still meets modern standards. The best part? Used SVXs are available at surprisingly affordable prices, making them an attractive option for those considering a classic.
Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro
Ahead of its time, a floating roof was applied
The Subaru sports car SVX was launched in 1991 as the successor model to the previously released two-door coupe Alcyone. In terms of body size, it stands out for its low and long body proportions with a length of 4,625 mm (182.1 inches), width of 1,770 mm (70.0 inches), height of 1,300 mm (51.2 inches), and wheelbase of 2,610 mm (102.8 inches). The wedge-shaped front adds to the sleekness; legendary designer Giorgetto Giugiaro designed this vehicle.
Another feature of the SVX design is the pillars. From the A-pillar to the C-pillar, they are all covered with glass to create a floating roof design, which also helps secure visibility from the inside. However, opening the entire window is limited. Storing it inside the door is difficult since it takes up a large area. Therefore, parting lines were provided for both the front and rear windows.
Equipped with a horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engine
Why was only an automatic transmission sold?
Under the hood, Subaru’s signature boxer engine made its mark in the SVX. Instead of the typical four-cylinder engine, this coupe was powered by a 3.3-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine. Made from aluminum alloy, the engine featured dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) and four valves per cylinder, producing 230 horsepower and 31.0 kgf·m of torque. While these numbers might not seem impressive today, they were pretty potent at the time, and Subaru did not yet have a manual transmission capable of handling this power.
As a result, the SVX was only available with a four-speed automatic transmission. Despite this, the car achieved a respectable 0-60 mph time of 7.3 seconds. The base model came with front-wheel drive, but Subaru offered two different all-wheel-drive systems depending on the market: VTD for Japan and ACT-4 for North America and parts of Europe.
Low sales due to high price
The used price is cheap
Despite its innovative design and solid specifications, the SVX struggled with low sales, particularly in the North American market. Limited availability and a high price point contributed to its lack of popularity. In 1993, the SVX started at $34,445—more expensive than a Mazda RX-7 and only slightly less than a Porsche 968.
While some view the SVX as a commercial misstep, its sales numbers weren’t disastrous. Between 1992 and 1997, Subaru sold 24,379 units globally. Today, the SVX is a more accessible classic. A 1997 model averages just $4,224, while a 1992 version can be found for as little as $3,221. For those in the market for an affordable, distinctive used car, the Subaru SVX is an underrated gem.
