What year did the Subaru SVX come out?
The Subaru SVX first appeared in 1991 in Japan as the Alcyone SVX, and it reached U.S. dealers as the 1992 model year. Worldwide production continued through 1997.
The SVX was Subaru's bold foray into a stylish, performance-oriented grand tourer in the early 1990s. Known for its distinctive glass canopy and all-wheel-drive chassis, the model was developed under Giorgetto Giugiaro's Italdesign studio and marketed as Subaru Vehicle X, signaling its experimental nature.
Release timeline
Key milestones in the SVX release timeline include:
- 1991 — Debuts in Japan as the Alcyone SVX; global production begins
- 1992 — US market introduction as the 1992 model year
- 1997 — Final year of global production (end of the SVX run)
This timeline shows how the SVX moved from its Japanese introduction to a U.S. rollout, before production ended in the late 1990s.
Design, engine, and market reception
Here are some key design and mechanical details that defined the SVX:
- Engine: 3.3-liter flat-six producing roughly 230 horsepower
- Transmission: 4-speed automatic transmission; manual transmissions were not offered in most markets
- Drivetrain: All-wheel drive; four-seat coupe-like body with a distinctive wraparound glass canopy
- Design: Exterior styling by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Italdesign, making the SVX one of Subaru's most recognizable shapes
- Market reception: Noted for bold looks and a niche appeal; price and practicality limited mainstream popularity
These features underscore the SVX's role as a bold, if limited, experiment in Subaru's lineup during the 1990s.
Legacy and takeaway
Today the SVX is remembered as a niche, head-turning model that highlighted Subaru's willingness to blend performance, luxury cues, and all-wheel drive in a single package. Its production span and limited market presence make it a collectible among enthusiasts, representing a unique chapter in Subaru's history.
Summary: The Subaru SVX debuted in 1991 in Japan as the Alcyone SVX, reached the United States in 1992 as a model year, and remained in production globally until 1997. It stands as a distinctive example of Subaru's early design experimentation and all-wheel-drive performance engineering.
Is the Subaru SVX a collector car?
Japanese sports cars are all the rage in the collecting game, and we can see why. Flying around in an ever-stylish portal to the past can be a thrill if you do it right. The SVX is a rare gem, with the 1997 Subaru SVX LSi being the most precious pearl.
Is a Subaru SVX fast?
The technology-laden engine is strong enough to propel the 3614-pound SVX to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 144 mph, aided by an electronically controlled transmission that selects the necessary cogs thoughtfully and smoothly.
How much horsepower does a Subaru SVX have?
The Subaru SVX has 230 horsepower, produced by its 3.3-liter flat-6 engine. Some sources cite the torque as 224 lb-ft or 228 lb-ft. The horsepower remained consistent across the model years, from 1992 to 1997.
You can watch this video to see a review of the Subaru SVX's performance: 57sMatt Maran MotoringYouTube · Jan 18, 2023
- Horsepower: 230 hp
- Torque: 224 or 228 lb-ft
- Engine: 3.3L flat-6 (EG33)
- Model years: 1992–1997
How many Subaru SVX are left?
Estimates suggest there are around 700 Subaru SVX vehicles left in the US and approximately 130 in the UK as of recent reports. These numbers are based on estimations of surviving vehicles as a percentage of the original sales figures, with the UK's 130 cars representing about 5% of their total sales.
- United States: An estimated 700 SVX models remain, calculated by applying the same 5% survival rate from the UK to the total U.S. sales of 14,257 units.
- United Kingdom: There are approximately 130 SVX vehicles remaining.
- Note: These figures are estimates and the actual numbers could differ.
