As Paul correctly stated in his 1991 Legacy article yesterday, all-wheel drive was the key to Subaru’s mainstream success in North America. After the rough-and-tough looking Outback wagon’s positive reception, Subaru decided to give the same treatment to its Legacy sedan.
(Car and Driver)
Initially just offered to New England area dealers in very small numbers (approximately 300) during 1997, Subaru took the Outback SUS (Sport Utility Sedan) national in January 1998, as a 1999 model. With the Outback wagon’s increased ground clearance, beefier bumpers, egg crate grille, hood scoop, and two-tone paint scheme for the requisite “cladded” look, the SUS was aimed at buyers who not only wanted to play the part, but look it too.
Marking Subaru’s 30th Anniversary of selling cars in the U.S. in 1998, the aptly-named 30th Anniversary Edition was introduced on cars produced during the 1998 calendar year. Somewhat confusingly, all Outback SUS sedans received the special 30th Anniversary treatment, even though they were 1999 model-year cars.
Despite wider-spread availability during 1998-1999, only about 7,500 Legacy Outback Sports Utility Sedans were produced, the overwhelming majority of them being the leather-equipped Limited models. The redesigned third generation Legacy went on sale in the U.S. as a 2000 model, and although Outback sedans were still sold, the “SUS” moniker was gone, making them a very rare model.
It’s amazing how low that generation still is even after the Outback treatment.
The mid-00s version (the last with frameless door glass and the last offered as a low Legacy wagon) shipped as an Outback first and when I saw the first Legacy Wagon of that generation (a GT IIRC) it looked like it had been tastefully customized, an impression I still get when I see one of those.
When I first saw an ’08 Outback on the street, the impression I got of *that* was the kid who showed up to school on the first chilly day in last year’s pants having shot up over the summer.
Just saw one of these in the junkyard last week.
I never knew the SUS before, and I wondered why there are few higher version of Legacy running around.
Because most people buying this car are more likely to drive in the winter days, it will become pretty rare soon, just like 4WD Tempo.
The Libarian in my town has one of these
A friend of mine had an SUS. It was about 10 years old and had about 160k miles. It was tired, it had an overheating issue (perhaps head gaskets?) and the leather felt incredibly cheap and thin, but it was still soldiering on.
Interesting, but all in all I think I druther have this version of that car. The wrong-hand-traffic headlamps could be swapped for RHT units, and the wrong-hand-drive hassles would probably be well worth the, ah, the driving dynamics. Wouldn’t want the risk of horrific hassle and expense of parts and upkeep, though!
The linked one is about 5 times the price you’d pay for one in New Zealand – where parts and upkeep would be cheap as chips too! 😉
Brighton sedan here isnt it?
Just spotted one of these at a light yesterday. I had almost forgetten they existed.
Lol at “Big 15″ aluminum wheels.” 15 inches was big in 1987 on a Grand National, Mustang, or Escort GT, when little cars still came with 12 and 13 inch tyres and wheels, but by 1999 15 Inches was puny.
Found a 1997 SUS. Motor was blown sat for 3 yrs. Interior leather was excellent. Replaced engine, feul system, tires w AT2.
I need some spares… right fog light, pilot door controls, a hood, left fender, trunk cover, all for my new project car an 99 Outback….!!
My wife and I Still loving are 99 sus she has 270k and still going strong I will put a new (I’ll rebuild the engine) win time comes we love the sus and being so rare why not save it
I have a 1999 subaru legacy outback 2.2L Wagon that I’m getting rid of, its a L/30th Anniversary L edition is what the title says, about 170,000 miles on it. I’m selling it it turns off after 3-5 seconds after you turn it on but if you give it gas it stays on, idk the problem and don’t have time for it, $600 takes it if you can save it or fix it or part it out. Throw me a obo too if you want too. I just don’t have time for this car sadly. Was planning on junking it soon if no one takes it. 801-675-2468 -Bryan
Where are you located at Bryan
I have a 1999 Subaru legacy SUS 30th anniversary edition located in Buffalo N.Y. it’s been Thur a few owners but is in excellent condition a few bumps and scrapes never been in a major accident has had the head gaskets redone it’s has a little over 200,000 miles if interested in seeing or purchasing it plz contact me at 7162666460 pice is negotiable
I have a 99 sus with only 103k miles no rust and selling it. Didn’t know it was rare
Mine has 82,000. I’m also in NY! Purchased it in 2018 with 32,000 miles. 2nd owner.