Section 1Before we get into the meat of this top 10 list, let’s set a few parameters. With the topic about the best Subaru cars of all-time, it would be very easy to just list a collection of 10 WRX/STI models. But we want to broaden this list, and in turn, make it more interesting. Therefore, from an model’s entire history, we’re only allowing one example to make the list. That means just one Impreza-based car, one Legacy, etc. Below we have ranked these ten vehicles in a very biased order based on personal preferences from yours truly. Don’t agree with my order, or which example I selected for each model? Let me know in the comments below.10. Subaru Leone RX TurboThe Subaru Leone first arrived in in 1971. But it was the third generation of the car that started to put Subaru on the map. Introduced in 1984, the car was modern looking and offered in a variety of body styles.A little bit later, the Leone introduced a performance variant called the RX. With a turbocharged engine, five-speed manual transmission, and all-wheel drive, this Leone could tackle any sort of road conditions. A limited slip differential and rally tuned suspension meant it was easy to have some sideways driving fun on loose surfaces.8. Subaru BRAT TurboIn the late 1970s, Subaru introduced a peculiar little pickup truck called the BRAT which stood for Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter. Basically, it meant this was a four-wheel drive truck meant to travel moderately off-road.To avoid taxation in the United States, Subaru imported the vehicle with a pair of jump seats bolted backwards to the truck bed. Thus, converting it into a passenger vehicle and not a heavily tariffed pickup truck. The best model of the range was the turbo that lasted just a few years and sadly still couldn’t even produce 100 hp.6. Subaru Baja TurboThere was a long gap between the BRAT and Subaru's next small pickup truck. But in 2003 an open-bed model returned called the Baja. Based on the Subaru Legacy SUV-Wagon, the Baja was quite similar to the Legacy from the rear doors forward. But in lieu of the wagon’s large cargo compartment, there was a pickup bed instead.The Baja shared a lot of components with the Outback as well, including an optional 210 hp turbocharged engine. Of course the Baja had standard all-wheel drive and with the turbo, it was even possible to get a five-speed manual transmission.5. Subaru Levorg 2.0 STI SportThe rest of this list is made up exclusively of trims we did not receive in North America. But only the Subaru Levorg is a vehicle we never got at all. Based on the WRX, the Levorg is a long roof compact car. We’d call it a wagon, but not everyone agrees with us.The first generation was launched in 2014 and even had a successful run in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). Top of the line for the first generation Levorg was the 2.0 STI Sport. It featured a 296 hp turbocharged engine and Bilstien shock. The only reason the Levorg doesn’t score higher on this list is the fact it only came available with a continuously variable automatic transmission.3. Subaru Legacy S4 BlitzenMost Subaru-loving North Americans know that the Legacy GT spec.B of the mid-2000s is the best version of the sedan we ever got. But in Japan, they got even more special.It’s hard to pick just one standout model. There were cars like the Legacy STI S401 and S402, that were basically more mature WRX STI models. Then there is also the Legacy B4 Blitzen.Built as a joint venture between Subaru and Porsche Designs, the car was based on the high-performance Subaru Legacy B4. Most cars had a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that made 280 hp. A 3.0-liter flat six was optional, but most went for the turbo unit. The Blitzen featured Subarus first use of a semi-sequential gear box and all-wheel drive system. Porsche Designs took care of the vehicles exterior upgrades and lavish interior.Best of all, it could come as a wagon too!2. Subaru SVX Alcyone S4Many will find the inclusion of the SVX on this list as ludicrous, especially placing it as high as #2 on the list. After all, the SVX was a sales failure for Subaru that was overpriced, underpowered, and had a weak automatic transmission. So what gives?Personal bias of course. This funky coupe won my heart as a teenager and I even had the privilege of owning one for a short period. The 230 hp flat-six engine powered all four wheels through a 4-speed automatic transmission and delivered above average performance for its time.The best of the line was the Japan only SVX Alcyone S4. It bumped power up to 247 hp and featured a rear-bias all-wheel drive system. To this day, nothing else has ever quite looked like the SVX with its window-within-a-window design.
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