When did Subaru stop making the Justy?
In the United States, Subaru stopped selling the Justy after the 1994 model year; globally, the Justy name faded from production at different times depending on the market, with some regions seeing the last models in the late 1990s or early 2000s.
The Justy was a small hatchback that appeared in two generations across various markets. Its retirement reflects Subaru’s shift in focus toward newer compact models like the Impreza. Because production and naming varied by region, there isn’t a single universal end date for the Justy.
Generational overview
First generation (mid-1980s to early 1990s)
The original Justy debuted in the mid-1980s as a compact front-wheel-drive hatchback built on a platform shared with Suzuki’s small cars in some markets. It was introduced to several markets during the latter part of the decade, offering practical, economical transportation with a distinctive, utilitarian design typical of budget subcompacts of the era.
Second generation (mid-1990s to late 1990s, depending on market)
The second-generation Justy brought updated styling and improved equipment levels, continuing in multiple regions through the late 1990s. In many areas, this generation marked Subaru’s transition away from the Justy name as the company focused more on the Impreza and other contemporary models. The exact end of production varied by country and licensing arrangements, with some markets continuing into the early 2000s under local importers or badge variants.
End of Justy by region
The timeline for when the Justy ceased production is not uniform worldwide. In North America, the Justy effectively disappeared from dealer lots after the 1994 model year. In Europe, Asia, and other regions, the model lingered in some markets into the late 1990s or early 2000s, sometimes under different regional names, sub-variants, or rebadges. By the early 2000s, Subaru had largely retired the Justy name in favor of newer compact offerings.
Implications for owners and enthusiasts
For owners looking for parts or maintenance history, the age and regional variations of the Justy can complicate sourcing. Enthusiasts often emphasize knowing the exact generation and market origin of a given Justy, as specifications and parts compatibility can differ between early and later versions, as well as between markets where the car was sold under license or badge-engineered variants.
Summary
The Justy did not have a single global retirement date. The United States ceased Justy sales after the 1994 model year, while other markets saw the model live on into the late 1990s or early 2000s, depending on generation, licensing, and regional strategy. The overall trend reflects Subaru’s shift toward newer compact models rather than a single, nationwide discontinuation.
