Subaru has been manufacturing cars since the 1950s, but during the first several decades of its history, the company remained relatively obscure outside of Japan.
In those early years, international buyers who opted for Subarus were typically those who valued the brand’s rugged construction and permanent all-wheel drive.
However, the brand struggled to gain traction with mainstream consumers. That began to change in 1993 when Subaru replaced its aging Leone sedan with the Impreza and joined the World Rally Championship, with Colin.
Here’s a look back at ten of the coolest cars Subaru has produced over the years.
10. Subaru Impreza WR1
To commemorate Subaru’s victory in the 2003 World Rally Championship drivers’ title with Petter Solberg at the helm, the automaker released a limited-edition version of the Impreza that featured a number of performance enhancements and a unique color scheme.
Named the WR1, this special edition boasted a ride height that was 25mm lower than the standard STI, an upgraded 320 horsepower engine, and revised alloy wheels. It was exclusively offered in Ice Blue, a JDM-specific paint color that had never previously been sold internationally.
9. Subaru SVX
Subaru’s first attempt at entering the premium vehicle segment came in the form of the SVX, a uniquely designed car created by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro.
What made the SVX particularly distinctive was its innovative window-within-a-window design, which enabled the use of a glass canopy instead of a traditional roof.
The SVX was launched with a 3.3-liter six-cylinder boxer engine, which held the title of the largest engine ever installed in a Subaru passenger vehicle until the release of the Tribeca in 2008.
Despite its bold styling and technological ambition, the SVX’s unconventional appearance and steep price limited its commercial success. Today, these cars can often be found on the used market for under $10,000.
8. Subaru Brat
Another quirky Subaru model that has since earned a cult following is the Brat. It was marketed under several different names, including the Brumby, 284, and Shifter.
These compact pickups were equipped with either a 1.6-liter or 1.8-liter inline-four engine, with the most powerful version producing just 94 horsepower.
One of the most well-known features of the North American Brat was its welded-in rear seats, which were included as a clever workaround to avoid higher import taxes.
By installing these seats in the cargo bed, Subaru was able to classify the Brat as a passenger car instead of a light truck. This strategy reduced import duties by approximately 90%, making the Brat significantly more affordable than many of its competitors.
The Subaru BRAT, which stands for Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter, is a compact four-wheel-drive utility vehicle that Subaru produced between 1978 and 1994.
Based on the Subaru Leone station wagon, the BRAT was designed to offer the utility of a small pickup truck with the comfort and economy of a passenger car.
What really set it apart, especially in the U.S. market, was Subaru’s clever workaround to avoid the 25% “chicken tax” on imported trucks.
By bolting two rear-facing plastic jump seats into the truck bed—complete with seatbelts—the BRAT was reclassified as a passenger vehicle, lowering the import tariff to just 2.5%.
Mechanically, the BRAT came standard with four-wheel drive, a big deal at the time for such a small, car-like vehicle. It featured Subaru’s classic flat-four (boxer) engines, usually in 1.6L or 1.8L variants, paired with a 4- or 5-speed manual transmission.
Despite looking like a truck, it had a low ride height and unibody construction, making it feel and drive more like a quirky station wagon with a bed than a true pickup. Its lightweight design and low gearing gave it solid off-road capabilities, even if it wasn’t particularly powerful.
7. Subaru Impreza RB320
The United Kingdom has long been one of Subaru’s most significant export markets, and in 2005, the company introduced a UK-exclusive special edition of the Impreza to honor the memory of the legendary rally driver, Richard Burns.
The RB320 is based on the “hawk eye” generation of the Impreza and was enhanced to deliver 320 horsepower. It also featured a unique “Obsidian Black” paint finish available only with this edition.
The vehicle’s additional performance tuning was carried out by Prodrive, the same British engineering firm that collaborated with Subaru’s rally team during that era.
6. Subaru Forester 2.5 XT Prodrive
It may not appear particularly impressive at first glance, but when the Forester 2.5 XT Prodrive was initially launched, it ranked among the fastest-accelerating SUVs available. The car’s official 0-60 mph time was a mere 5.5 seconds, and it could reach 100 mph in just 15.5 seconds.
This model was another collaboration with British rally specialists Prodrive, who took the already-speedy 2.5 XT and enhanced its performance by remapping the ECU and installing a high-performance exhaust system.
While examples of the Forester 2.5 XT Prodrive are still relatively affordable on the used market, its rare combination of performance and practicality means prices may not remain low for long.
5. 2018 Subaru BRZ tS
Developed as part of a joint venture with Toyota, the Subaru BRZ made its debut in 2013 and quickly earned a reputation as one of the best compact sports cars available.
It’s affordable, fun to drive, and constructed with the same top-notch build quality that Subaru enthusiasts have come to expect.
That said, it wasn’t until 2018 that buyers were offered the special race-inspired tS trim, which introduced a stiffer suspension setup along with unique aerodynamic enhancements, including a front diffuser and side skirts.
The tS variant retained the same power output as the standard BRZ, and one of the most common criticisms aimed at the car was its lack of horsepower.
Still, a wide range of aftermarket upgrades is now available for those looking to add more performance. The second-generation BRZ hit the market just a few months ago, bringing with it updated styling and a slightly more powerful engine.
4. Subaru Impreza STI CS400 Cosworth
Cosworth has played a role in the development of many of the world’s most iconic performance cars, and more recently, they teamed up with Gordon Murray to create the highest-revving V12 engine ever built, used in the GMA T.50 hypercar.
Back in 2012, they partnered with Subaru to produce the CS400, an extremely limited edition of the Impreza hatchback.
The “400” in the car’s name highlights its impressive performance figures 400 lb-ft of torque and up to 400 PS (approximately 395 horsepower). Only 75 units of this exclusive model were ever manufactured, and each one features a numbered plaque to commemorate its limited production.
The Subaru Impreza STI CS400 Cosworth is a rare, high-performance version of the Impreza WRX STI, born from a collaboration between Subaru UK and the legendary British engineering firm Cosworth.
Launched in 2010 and limited to just 75 units, the CS400 was a UK-exclusive model that aimed to elevate the STI to a new level of performance and exclusivity.
Under the hood, Cosworth reworked the 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four engine to produce 395 horsepower (hence the “CS400” name), slashing the 0–60 mph time to around 3.7 seconds—making it one of the fastest hatchbacks of its time.
The car also received upgraded brakes from AP Racing, a revised suspension setup by Bilstein and Eibach, and visual tweaks including unique alloy wheels, a more aggressive front bumper, and CS400 badging.
Despite its blistering performance and rarity, some enthusiasts felt it didn’t go far enough in terms of dynamic upgrades for the high price tag. Still, it remains a sought-after collector’s item for those who appreciate a blend of Japanese rally DNA and British engineering pedigree.
3. Subaru 360
While Subaru is best known today for its rallying success, it was the small but significant 360 that first put the company on the map. As Subaru’s first mass-produced vehicle, the 360 quickly became a major hit, earning a spot among Japan’s most beloved cars.
The 360 also found modest success outside Japan, with several thousand units reportedly making their way to the United States during its production run.
In Japan, its rounded, compact shape earned it the affectionate nickname “Ladybug,” and its popularity endured for more than a decade, remaining in production for 13 years before eventually being succeeded by a new model.
2. Subaru Impreza 555 WRC
When it comes to unforgettable rallying moments, few images are more iconic than watching Colin McRae tear through narrow backroads with crowds of fans lining the course.
The 555 World Rally Team’s Impreza became a defining car of its era, and it still stands today as one of the most celebrated rally machines in history.
Many of the original competition vehicles were eventually sold to private collectors, and they occasionally make appearances at high-profile shows and events, always drawing impressive crowds.
One of the 1994 WRC cars driven by McRae was recently auctioned off, fetching a price of approximately $370,000.
1. Subaru Impreza 22B STI
Regarded by many as the ultimate iteration of the Impreza, the 22B was created to mark two significant milestones: Subaru’s 40th anniversary and their third consecutive World Rally Championship title.
Only 400 units of the 22B were produced, and a few of those have unfortunately not survived, making this model one of the rarest Subarus in existence.
In recent years, several of these rare vehicles have been sold, with the most expensive example fetching $312,555 on Bring a Trailer.