The 1991 Subaru Loyale represents Subaru’s practical, durable compact-car formula at the close of the Loyale nameplate era, with simple packaging and everyday usability that still appeal to enthusiasts who keep these cars on the road. Tire selection for this model is more configuration-specific than it first appears, because the Loyale uses two different 13-inch radial sizes depending on sub-model. The Base uses 175/70R13, while the Wagon (4WD) uses 165R13. Available choices stay within a traditional blackwall presentation, with distinct series from Avon, Michelin, and Dunlop. The key is matching the exact sub-model first, then choosing the tire that best suits originality, road use, and wheel compatibility.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1991 Subaru Loyale
The 1991 Subaru Loyale uses two different tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model rather than a change in basic construction or rim diameter. Both fitments are radial tires for 13-inch wheels, so the first step is confirming whether the car is a Base model or a Wagon (4WD), then selecting the right tire series within that size.
175/70R13 is a metric radial size in which 175 identifies nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1991 Subaru Loyale, this size applies to the Base model and keeps the fitment in a modern metric format familiar to many drivers. The available product in this size is an Avon CR6ZZ blackwall radial. This fitment makes sense for an owner who wants to stay with the proper Base-model size while confirming wheel width and overall vehicle setup before replacement.
165R13 is a Euro-metric radial size, with 165 indicating nominal section width in millimeters, R showing radial construction, and 13 identifying the wheel diameter in inches; this format commonly corresponds to an 80-series profile. On the 1991 Subaru Loyale, it is used on the Wagon (4WD) and gives that sub-model a different fitment path from the Base. Available choices include Michelin and Dunlop products, all in blackwall form, across series such as XAS-FF, XAS, and SP Sport Aquajet. This size is the right place to start when preserving Wagon (4WD) fitment and comparing series character on the correct 13-inch wheel.
Tire fitment on the 1991 Subaru Loyale varies by sub-model, even though both applications use radial tires on 13-inch rims. Checking the exact model designation matters here, because the Base and the Wagon (4WD) do not share the same tire size.
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1991 Subaru Loyale Base
The 1991 Subaru Loyale Base uses the 175/70R13 radial size. That keeps tire selection focused on choosing the right 13-inch metric radial for the car’s wheel width, intended use, and overall presentation.
The 1991 Subaru Loyale Wagon (4WD) uses 165R13 radial tires rather than the Base model’s size. That makes wheel and sub-model confirmation especially important before replacement, particularly when comparing Michelin and Dunlop options within this classic Euro-metric fitment.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1991 Subaru Loyale Tires for Sale
Available 1991 Subaru Loyale tires center on two 13-inch radial sizes, with blackwall choices from Avon, Michelin, and Dunlop. The product range also varies by tire series and, in some cases, rim-width compatibility, which helps separate a straightforward replacement from a more tailored selection.
Common 1991 Subaru Loyale tire questions usually come down to sub-model-specific sizing, 13-inch wheel fitment, radial tire selection, and what to inspect before putting a low-use older Subaru back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1991 Subaru Loyale?
A 1991 Subaru Loyale uses one of two radial tire sizes depending on sub-model. The Base model uses 175/70R13, while the Wagon (4WD) uses 165R13. Both sizes are for 13-inch wheels, but they are not the same fitment and should not be treated as interchangeable simply because they share the same rim diameter.
The practical step is to confirm the exact model designation on the car before choosing a tire. Once that is settled, compare the tire to the actual wheel on the vehicle, especially if it has had wheel changes over the years. Matching the proper size first makes it much easier to choose among available tire series and brands.
What size rim does a 1991 Subaru Loyale use?
The 1991 Subaru Loyale uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies to the 175/70R13 fitment used on the Base model and the 165R13 fitment used on the Wagon (4WD), so the wheel diameter stays consistent even though the tire size changes by sub-model.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it helps to verify wheel width as well before selecting a tire. Some available products include a stated rim-width range, and that can matter when an older car has replacement wheels. A correct 13-inch diameter alone does not answer every fitment question.
Do all 1991 Subaru Loyale sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 1991 Subaru Loyale does not use one tire size across all covered sub-models. The Base model uses 175/70R13, while the Wagon (4WD) uses 165R13. Both are radial tires for 13-inch wheels, but the size difference means the sub-model has to be identified before selecting a replacement.
That difference matters because the available product choices also change with the tire size. A Base owner is shopping within a different fitment than a Wagon (4WD) owner, even though the wheel diameter matches. Looking at the tire currently on the car and confirming the model designation helps avoid choosing the wrong 13-inch radial.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1991 Subaru Loyale?
Start with the correct sub-model and tire size, because a 1991 Subaru Loyale Base uses 175/70R13 while the Wagon (4WD) uses 165R13. Both are radial 13-inch fitments, so the main selection factors become proper size, wheel compatibility, tire series, and whether the car is being kept close to its original road-going character.
It also helps to think about how the car will be used. A lightly driven collector car may call for a different choice than a Loyale that sees regular road miles. Comparing rim-width guidance where available, along with brand and series differences, gives a clearer picture than choosing only by nominal size.
What sidewall styles are available for 1991 Subaru Loyale tires?
The available tires for the 1991 Subaru Loyale are blackwall radials in both 175/70R13 and 165R13 applications. That keeps the appearance straightforward and practical, without whitewalls, redlines, or raised white letter treatments in the current group of options tied to these sizes.
For many Loyale owners, that is a natural match for the car’s clean, everyday presentation. Since there is no sidewall-style spread to sort through here, the buying decision leans more toward choosing the correct size, comparing brands and tire series, and making sure the tire suits the wheel currently on the vehicle.
What brands offer tires for the 1991 Subaru Loyale?
Tires for the 1991 Subaru Loyale are available from Avon, Michelin, and Dunlop within the applicable 13-inch radial sizes. Avon appears in the 175/70R13 fitment, while Michelin and Dunlop appear in the 165R13 fitment, so the brand choices depend partly on which sub-model and size the car uses.
That means brand comparison starts after the fitment question is settled. A Base owner and a Wagon (4WD) owner are not looking at exactly the same product pool, even though both are shopping for 13-inch radials. Once the correct size is confirmed, series details and wheel compatibility become the more useful comparison points.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1991 Subaru Loyale?
A period-style 1991 Subaru Loyale restoration starts with the correct size for the sub-model: 175/70R13 for the Base and 165R13 for the Wagon (4WD). Since both fitments are radial and the current options stay with a blackwall appearance, the emphasis is less about dramatic styling and more about preserving the car’s proper proportions and era-appropriate look.
Series choice still matters, especially for owners who want the car to feel visually consistent with an early-1990s compact Subaru. The best approach is to match the correct size first, then compare the available series within that fitment. If strict originality matters, period photos or marque-specific references can help guide the final appearance decision.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1991 Subaru Loyale restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1991 Subaru Loyale restoration because the car uses different sizes by sub-model, even though both are 13-inch radials. Choosing the proper 175/70R13 or 165R13 fitment helps maintain the vehicle’s intended stance and avoids blending Base and Wagon (4WD) specifications into one generic replacement choice.
Fitment accuracy also affects how the finished car looks and how naturally the tire fills the wheel opening. A restoration-oriented replacement should respect the sub-model, wheel size, and overall presentation of the vehicle. That makes size confirmation one of the first steps, not something left until after a brand or series has already been chosen.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1991 Subaru Loyale?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1991 Subaru Loyale even when the car still uses a 13-inch wheel. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, or body modifications can influence how a 175/70R13 or 165R13 tire sits and whether it has adequate clearance during steering and suspension movement.
That is why the actual wheel and vehicle setup should be checked before choosing a replacement by size alone. An older Loyale may have had parts swapped over time, especially if it has been used regularly. Verifying wheel dimensions and looking for clearance issues helps prevent avoidable fitment problems once the new tires are installed.
What should I inspect before driving a 1991 Subaru Loyale on new tires?
Before driving a 1991 Subaru Loyale on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the correct sub-model, and look over the suspension and steering for worn parts that could affect alignment or clearance. It also helps to confirm that lug hardware is in good condition and that the tires are inflated properly for the vehicle’s setup.
A road-ready check should also include looking for fluid leaks, brake issues, and any rubbing marks inside the wheel opening from the previous tires. On an older Subaru that may not be driven often, age-related wear elsewhere on the car can show up quickly after fresh tires are installed. A short test drive and reinspection are sensible final steps.
How often should tires on a 1991 Subaru Loyale be inspected?
Tires on a 1991 Subaru Loyale should be inspected regularly, especially if the car is driven infrequently or stored for long periods. Look for cracking, uneven wear, cuts, bulges, air loss, and any signs that the tire is contacting suspension or body components. That applies whether the car uses 175/70R13 or 165R13 radials.
A quick visual check before driving and a more careful inspection at routine service intervals is a practical habit for an older vehicle. Storage conditions matter as well, since prolonged sunlight, heat, and ozone exposure can shorten tire life on collector-era cars. Catching age and wear early helps protect both the tire and the vehicle.
