Subaru DL
One Subaru models that generate enough success from the moment it was produced
until it ended was the Subaru DL. First introduced in the early seventies, the
DL became very popular with its versatility to run in any condition, especially
in snow. This characteristic was very rare in its time, thus the DL became one
of the most reliable winter vehicles in its kind. Its rarity gave it a good reputation
in foreign market. Another good thing about the DL was the price, fuel economy,
and the four wheel drive version.
The Subaru DL together with its brother GL was powered by either 1.6 or 1.8 liter
carbureted flat-4 engines. It was offered in two wheel drive models with fuel
injection in the first half of the eighties which was later changed to four-wheel
drive in the later part of the decade. The DL was renamed as Subaru Loyale in
the early nineties.
But the DL, like any other vehicles made throughout the history was not after
all, a perfect vehicle. Though it is very reliable in cold whether, its weakness
could also be seen during winter. The CV axles and parts related to it tend to
wear out or break in cold. One drawback was the replacement parts comparatively
more expensive than other brands of its class.
Though this was the case, the Subaru DL made a smooth run throughout its production
life producing almost 300,000 units.