Developed in Japan in 1977 at the request of the President of Subaru of America, the BRAT was introduced to match the demand for small trucks in the USA, from Toyota, Nissan, and Mazda. Unlike these trucks, all BRATs had four-wheel drive, being developed from the existing Leonestation wagon. It has other features such as an optional T-top split roof, a spring-loaded hidden door for a side step into the cargo bed, and a spare tire mounted under the hood. When the Leone was redesigned in 1979 for the 1980 model year the BRAT continued with the original body until 1982. In 1987 imports to North America ceased, but exports to Europe, Australia, Latin America and New Zealand continued until 1994. Due to truncating demand of pickup trucks since late 1970s as Japanese customers shifted to station wagons at that time, Subaru never considered marketing the BRAT in their home market.
Jumpseats
The USA and Canada's version also had carpeting and welded-in rear-facing jumpseats in the cargo area. These were a tariff-avoidance ploy, with the plastic seats in the cargo bed allowing Subaru to classify the BRAT as a passenger car - charged only a 2.5%, compared to 25% tariff on light trucks due to Chicken tax. They were discontinued after the 1985 model year.
Drivetrain
All BRATs had four-wheel drive and the Subaru EA engine. Early models received the 1.6 litre EA-71 whereas 1981 and later models received a 1.8 litre EA-81 engine. 1983 and 1984 models could be purchased with an optional turbocharged engine. Manual transmissions were standard on all models, and an automatic transmission was available on turbocharged BRATs. 1980 and earlier models had a single-range transfer case, while 1981 and later GL models had a dual range transfer case, and all turbocharged models were equipped with an automatic transmission with a single range, push-button four-wheel drive.
A 1985 BRAT, decorated in the Stars and Stripes, was owned by Joy in the television showMy Name Is Earl. In Haim Saban and Andy Heyward's 1st ever live action/animated cartoon series Kidd Video Whiz owned a 1984 BRAT truck, in which has transformed into The Kiddmobile after the band enters the cartoon realm called The Flipside. In the movie Napoleon Dynamite, the character Rex from 'Rex Kwan Do' drove a 1982 BRAT. In the Achewood universe, a 1982 BRAT is given to every soul that enters hell. The 1980 model is available in several of the Forza racing games. Freddie Flintoff chose a BRAT during an electric vehicle challenge on Top Gear series 27. Unlike the other vehicles, Flintoff kept the petrol engine in situ as well as installing a Tesla powerplant. In "," Season 6 Episode 13, Eivin Kilcher rebuilds a Subaru BRAT for his brother, August.
