English
Lietuvių
Latviešu
Eesti
Polski
Русский
Українська
Deutsch
Nederlands
Čeština
Slovenčina
Svenska
Norsk
Dansk
Suomi
Subaru Leone: Features, Engines, and What to Know When Buying
Subaru Leone — a compact model produced from 1971 to 1994, widely known for its all-wheel drive. In this article, we'll explore its features, engines, and things to check before buying.
Leone in brief
The Leone was one of the first series-production cars with all-wheel drive, which gained popularity even in Europe. It was offered in sedan, estate, coupe, and hatchback body styles.
Today, it's a rare classic car, primarily appreciated by enthusiasts.
Which one to choose
Over its 23-year production run, the Leone went through several iterations. Early models (1970s) are simpler and often collector's items, while later ones (1980s and early 1990s) are more modern and practical.
The most important thing is the condition of the specific car, as most examples are quite old now.
Engines and transmissions
The Leone featured boxer-type petrol engines — roughly from 1.4 to 1.8 litres in capacity, with later versions also offering turbocharged options.
The transmission could be manual or automatic. Some cars featured all-wheel drive.
What to check when buying a used Leone
Inspect the body for rust, especially around the sills, wheel arches, and underbody parts. For a car of this age, this is the primary concern.
Check the engine operation, cooling system, and oil leaks. In all-wheel-drive versions, also check the drive shafts and transmission.
Finding parts might take time, as the model is quite rare.
Trims
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the versions most commonly found in Europe.
Leone sedanas
1971–1994Four-door version.
- Sedan body style
- Boxer-type petrol engine
- Often — four-wheel drive
Leone universalas
1971–1994More practical version.
- Estate body style
- Larger boot
- Often — four-wheel drive
Leone Turbo
1980sSportier version with turbo engine.
- Turbocharged engine
- Often — four-wheel drive
- Sportier looks
Body style comparison
| Sedanas | Universalas | Turbo | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who's it for? | Daily driving | Practical use | Enthusiasts |
| Engine | Boxer-type | Boxer-type | Boxer-type turbo |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | Budget | Budget | Mid-range |
Most buyers will prefer a sedan or estate, while enthusiasts might opt for the turbo version. Condition is key in all cases.
Pros
- Option for all-wheel drive
- Simple tech
- Boxer-type engine
- Rare old model
Cons
- Risk of corrosion
- Parts can be hard to find
- Old design and limited safety features
Frequently asked questions
Did the Leone come with four-wheel drive?
Yes, some versions did come with four-wheel drive.
What engines did the Leone have?
Boxer-type petrol engines, roughly 1.4–1.8 litres, some versions with a turbocharger.
Is the Leone suitable for daily driving?
It can be, if the example is well-maintained, but expect repairs due to its age.
Updated 2026-10-19 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
