It was sold from 1978 until 1994, introduced following the concept of coupe utilities such as the Chevrolet El Camino and the Ford Ranchero.

Unlike trucks from other manufacturers, all BRATs had four-wheel drive, as they were developed from the existing Leone station wagon.

[1] North American and Canadian BRAT models featured carpeting in addition to welded-in rear-facing plastic jump seats in the cargo area.

The plastic seats in the cargo bed allowed Subaru to classify the BRAT as a passenger car, rather than as a light truck.

The BRAT was re-introduced with a rise in popularity of small trucks being sold in the United States, primarily from Toyota, Nissan, and Mazda.

It also had other features, such as: a spring-loaded hidden door, for a side step into the cargo bed; and a spare tire mounted under the hood.

The declining demand came as a result of Japanese customers shifting to station wagons at that time.