Subaru BRAT & Baja: The ElCamino's from Japan?

Welcome to Auto Chatter! Todays tale is about Subaru's "trucks" they sold in the U.S. These more car like vehicles with a bed were unlike anything else you could buy then, but did that translate to great sales numbers? Lets find out! Hope you enjoy this one, and kindly leave a like if so! Be sure to check out some of other vids if your new and consider subscribing (ITS FREE!!!). Thank you to current Subscribers as always for the continued support!

[@1heavyelement]

i'm a subaru technician. on the rare occasions when either of these come in we all flock to them. nobody wants subaru to bring these back worse than us. as of right now there are no plans on subaru bringing them back. chances are if they did bring the baja nameplate back it would more than likely share its name with something like the toyota stout. that is if toyota makes it. if i can find a baja in even decent shape ill buy one. sadly most are used up, or people want a mint for them. thanks for the video.

[@autochatter]

@@1heavyelement I'm glad you enjoyed it...Im a fan myself.

[@Kickthelighter]

There's a decent looking one on ft worth auto trader right this moment

[@autochatter]

@Kickthelighter Just begging for a EJ swap.

[@KrayzeeAssKrisReturns]

When I was about 6 I saw a brand new BRAT and though it was great. It became my first dream car and I was lucky enough to buy one, an '85, as my first car. Engine problems aside, it was awesome with the jump seats and t-tops. Unfortunately, it was my first car and suffered the consequences of my naivety. I'd love a Baja but it's starting to get as rare as the BRAT nowadays, especially a minty one.

[@autochatter]

@@KrayzeeAssKrisReturns There was no Subaru Dealer in my hometown, so any of them were rare sights to me growing up.

[@Hobotraveler82]

I like both of these. Very handy for hauling camping supplies. Lifestyle vehicles is what I call these. Just like the Sporttrac, Ridgeline, and Gladiator. Of course three out of four can tow more. I feel the Baja is perfect for light trail and hiking excursion. 😊

[@P_RO_]

I rode in the back of a 1st gen Brat a couple times, quite an experience. No comfort on the hard seats and as low as they were you had to keep your feet drawn up close to you or let your legs stretch out and flop around. You really needed those handholds on rougher roads and trails. It was sort of our introduction to "Utes" as Australia calls them. Very practical vehicles, just not what most Americans prefer. Haven't seen one or a Baja in ages.

[@autochatter]

I haven't myself. I see a Baja here and there, but not a BRAT.

[@doug6191]

My favorite BRAT was on My Name Is Earl.

[@autochatter]

Oh yeah it was!

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

Great presentation of these.

[@autochatter]

Thank you Rob!

[@doug6191]

16:24 - Ford's Maverick has shown enough demand that Toyota is 👀 and about to release the Stout. If Toyota & Subaru are now bedfellows, maybe Subaru can benefit from the reintroduced Stout.

[@autochatter]

Subaru is more than a bedfellow.Toyota owns part of them LOL. I'd like to see the Stout here. I think the market would love another lower priced truck option.

[@19chucki74]

Subaru has a HUGE opportunity to revive the BRAT, using the same platform that the Crosstrek sits on. Perfect canvas for the quirky ute's return. The Baja, base it on the Ascent SUV, as a real competitor to the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick.

[@autochatter]

I think both ideas are good ones..The question is will they?

[@ListsOf13]

love both these cars

[@averyparticularsetofskills]

Cool animations Chatter 👌

[@autochatter]

@averyparticularsetofskills Lol...Thanks!

[@h.paulsprojects3061]

These older Brats were kool

[@autochatter]

@@h.paulsprojects3061 They were!

[@RoadRunnergarage8570]

There is a 70s Subaru Brat Model kit I have seen at some of the shows... Hopefully I'll get my hands on one to build someday...

[@autochatter]

That would be cool! Love how your 77 Jeep model came out!

[@RoadRunnergarage8570]

@@autochatter Thanks!! It built up fairly well foe the most part..

[@diddlybow3891]

Good choice with this one. I wish I could find a small truck that was actually small…

[@autochatter]

@@diddlybow3891 Yeah..These make a current Maverick look like a semi truck.

[@P_RO_]

Agreed. It's time to get rid of the 'chicken tax' on vehicles.

[@autochatter]

@@P_RO_ Should have been gone ages ago.

[@JimmyShields-z2h]

Unfortunately Australia never got newer Baja, i reckon it would done better in Australia. I can't believe Maverick n Hyundai ute isn't sold in Australia too, can't wait for KIA Tasman ute.

[@autochatter]

@JimmyShields-z2h Yeah seems odd those aren't sold there.

[@Project_Low_Expectations]

Always loved the brat… and have absolutely no idea why. Not a fan of the brand Not a fan of the slowness Not a fan of the lack of build quality No need for 4x4 Not a fan of being that cramped But I SOOOOOOOO want one! 🤷‍♂️

[@autochatter]

Probably because it's not a cookie cutter, gets lost in a sea of sameness type of car.

[@michaelcoffey7362]

Nice 😊

[@GeorgeJFW]

I have a soft spot for the BAJA i always wanted one, one was for sale a couple of years ago and i kick myself for not buying it lol

[@autochatter]

@@GeorgeJFW Same...I ended up buying a new WRX, but was casually window shopping for a manual turbo Baja at one point.

[@GeorgeJFW]

@@autochatter ha no kidding fellow Subaru fan boy love it, honestly they are great cars going from a ford dealership to a Subaru dealership I could not believe how few issues they had in comparison.

[@autochatter]

@GeorgeJFW Thats how I felt going from Nissan to Lexus.

[@kc0lif]

both nice trucks.

[@autochatter]

Yep!

[@doug6191]

4:01 - FYI...You have a little audio trouble here.

[@autochatter]

@@doug6191 Yeah..The chicken tax part...

[@justinwhite9689]

The ford ranger solved this problem (s)

[@ericharrison619]

Before Subaru went full CVT and copy/paste.

[@autochatter]

Yep!