Subaru offers some of the most popular family vehicles sold in America today. That wasn’t always the case. For most of the ’70s and ’80s, Subarus were considered oddball, quasi-agricultural vehicles.
Subaru introduced the third-generation Leone in 1984, bridging the gap between the old truckish wagons and modern family haulers. A 1989 Subaru GL wagon from this generation was sold on eBay in Sierra Vista, Ariz.
Signature Four-Wheel Drive
Prior to the third-generation Leone, Subaru designs were old-fashioned. Subaru had only a limited number of models, and these shared major components. Prior generation Leones used the same chassis as the basis for a coupe, sedan, station wagon, and a pickup-like vehicle.
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This ute, known as the BRAT - opens in new window or tab., garnered a lot of attention for Subaru. Ronald Reagan - opens in new window or tab. used one on his ranch. The rest of the Subaru line didn’t have model names. They were called either DL or GL, essentially trim levels.
Subaru offered its signature technical feature—four-wheel drive—at a time when these systems were found mostly on pickup trucks and SUVs. It was not yet a widely accepted or desired performance and safety feature.
Benefits of Boxers
With the third-generation Leone, Subaru did away with the BRAT pickup variant. Leone styling evolved with angular and sleek designs utilizing flush headlights, smooth grilles, and integrated bumpers. Space-age features like digital instrumentation and a turbocharger were optional. The four-wheel-drive option remained, activated by a fighter jet-style red button on the shifter.
These Subarus soon proved to be economical and eminently practical vehicles for wet and snowy climates. This wasn’t due just to the four-wheel drive. Thanks to their signature boxer engines - opens in new window or tab., where the cylinders lay flat in what is essentially a 180-degree V, the Subarus have a lower center of gravity than cars with upright engines. That translates to less body roll and more stable handling.
The turbocharged 1.8-liter boxer four - opens in new window or tab. with multi-port fuel injection in the 1989 GL wagon produces 115 horsepower and 134 pound-feet of torque. It is not a quick machine even with forced induction. Evaluations in the day clocked 0-to-60 times at more than 11 seconds.
Project Car
The Subaru GL wagon listed on eBay is in the desirable configuration of a turbocharged manual-shift wagon with four-wheel drive. However, it has some paint damage and needs mechanical work. With a $1,350 Buy-It-Now price, a buyer who wrenches will see this as a great deal.
Ultimately, the Leone was a stepping stone, but an important one. Subaru learned a lot from the Leone, and incorporated those lessons into the models that followed. For 1990, Subaru decided to give the DL/GL an actual name, Loyale - opens in new window or tab., which lasted until 1994 when the Impreza - opens in new window or tab. replaced it. Turbocharging, four-wheel drive, and boxer motors are still Subaru trademarks. As the company entered the ’90s, so was the sleek styling exhibited in the Leone.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.