What did BRAT stand for Subaru?
The acronym BRAT stands for Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter. The name was attached to Subaru's compact pickup introduced in 1978, notable for its rear-facing seats in the cargo bed and its outdoors-ready, utilitarian design.
Origins of the BRAT name
Subaru's marketing materials from the late 1970s described the BRAT as an acronym for Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter, a label chosen to signal dual-drive capability and rugged versatility in a small pickup.
Official expansion
The four elements of the acronym are commonly cited in automotive histories as the parts of the BRAT name:
- Bi-drive: a dual-drive concept signaling capability across on-road and off-road conditions
- Recreational: position as a vehicle for outdoor activities and leisure
- All-terrain: emphasis on capability beyond standard pavement
- Transporter: highlight of cargo-carrying utility
In practice, Subaru used the BRAT branding to emphasize a compact, practical vehicle that could serve family trips and light outdoor adventures, aided by the distinctive rear seating in the cargo bed.
Legacy and cultural footprint
Although production ended decades ago, the BRAT remains a touchstone in Subaru's history, remembered for its quirky design and marketing-friendly name. The acronym's official meaning—Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter—continues to be cited by historians and enthusiasts alike.
Summary
BRAT stands for Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter, a name chosen to convey Subaru's dual-drive capability, outdoor lifestyle appeal, and practical utility in a compact pickup. The model's distinctive bed seating and rugged image secured a lasting place in automotive nostalgia.
What does BRAT stand for with Subaru?
Subaru BRAT This is the first generation of the Subaru BRAT (acronym for "Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter") is a light-duty, four-wheel drive "coupe - utility" version of the Subaru Leone. It was sold from 1978 until 1980.
Can you legally ride in the back of a Subaru BRAT?
And 10 seconds on Google tells you there's no specific law on riding in the truck bed in 21 states, and it's perfectly legal to ride in the back above the age of 18 in over 40 states... and in the other states you can still ride back there with seat belts, or under specific conditions.
What did Subaru BRAT stand for?
Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter
The B-R-A-T in Subaru BRAT stands for: Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter, which somehow fits the term BRAT. Introduced in the late 1970s, the BRAT wasn't just another small truck; it was a clever workaround designed to meet a specific market demand and ended up becoming a cult classic.
Is Subaru a LGBTQ car?
No, cars do not have sexual orientations, but Subaru has become associated with the LGBTQ+ community, particularly lesbians, due to decades of strategic and inclusive marketing. Subaru identified lesbians as a key demographic in the 1990s and developed campaigns with subtle, coded messages that resonated with the community.
You can watch this video to learn about Subaru's marketing strategy: 59sAuto Agentic AIYouTube · Jul 15, 2025
- Targeted advertising: In the 1990s, Subaru was facing declining sales and launched a campaign specifically targeting lesbians. The marketing team found that lesbians were four times more likely to buy a Subaru and developed ads that spoke directly to this demographic.
- Subtle and coded messages: The campaigns featured subtle, queer-coded messages like license plates that read "XENA LVR" or "P-TOWN" (a reference to Provincetown, a popular gay vacation spot). Taglines also included double entendres, such as "Get out and stay out" and "It's not a choice. It's the way we're built".
- Authentic support: The company's commitment extended beyond advertising to include sponsorships of LGBTQ+ events and partnerships with LGBTQ+ causes. They became a founding sponsor of the Rainbow Card, a credit card that donated to gay and lesbian causes.
- Community perception: These efforts created a lasting and positive association. Many people within the LGBTQ+ community see Subaru as a brand that was inclusive and supportive at a time when many other companies were not.
