Subaru Leone (1971-1989)
Manufacturer : Subaru
Productions : 1971-1989
Engine : GLF. Turbocharged engine
Transmission : 5-speed or automatic transmission
Source : netcarshow.com
The Subaru Leone is a compact automobile produced by Subaru from June 1971 to February 1989 when it was replaced by the Subaru Loyale, which was essentially the same car, only with a different name. The Leone was known as the “GL/DL” in North America. The Leone was offered in sedan and hardtop coupe format from launch and station wagon format starting in September 1972.
This nameplate covered three generations of compact Subaru; the dates given below are for North American-market vehicles.
- 1972 model year – GF hardtop coupe offered alongside existing G-series sedans and wagon.
- 1973 model year; G series replaced by new (Loyale) two- and four door sedans and 5-door wagon.
- 1975 model year – All-wheel drive wagon offered.
- 1978 – AWD-only pickup added, marketed as Subaru Brat in North America and Subaru Brumby in Australia. Sedans and wagons offered in plainer DL and fancier GL trim.
- 1980 – SECOND GENERATION – restyled body for passenger cars. Two-door sedan dropped, replaced by 3-door hatchback on a shorter wheelbase than the others, available with AWD. Pickup continues on old body. 5-speed manual transmission supplied with 2WD GL sedans and wagon and GLF hardtop.
- 1982 – Pickup now restyled, catches up with passenger cars.
- 1983 – GL now midlevel trim, fancier GL-10 trim for all bodystyles replaces hardtop-only GLF. Turbocharged engine (“Turbo-Traction”) available on AWD GL-10s. AWD now available on sedans and hardtops, and with 5-speed or automatic transmission for the first time. Minor trim changes for all models include “honeycomb” grille texture, Mercedes-style ribbed taillight lenses, and plastic-covered bumpers (except North American 2wd models). GL and GL-10 now have quad headlights.
- 1985 – THIRD GENERATION sedan and wagon with larger, angular body. Quad headlights now on base DL, composite headlights on GL and GL-10. Hardtop discontinued, second gen. hatchback and pickup continue without change.