The Subaru Fleet-X was introduced at the 1999 Tokyo Auto Show. Featuring very individual and uncommon weight-saving technology, the Fleet-X is a fabulous vehicle to drive.

This is truly a 'Grand Touring' wagon for the 21st century and is also very environmentally friendly. Carrying a hint of Subaru's next-generation flagship, the Fleet-X is taking the place of the SVX. The Fleet-X has an overall height of 56.3 inches, a length of 181 inches, and a width of 69.3 inches. With a wheelbase of 2,670 mm, the Fleet-X weighs in at 2,315 lbs and has a seating capacity of 4 people.

The Subaru Fleet-X body is made up of various materials and is composed of steel and light alloy outside panels. The quarter windows utilize polycarbonate panes, and also in the tailgate window. Different exterior materials are identified by different colors. The Legacy wagon weighed in around 30% heavier than the Fleet-X and had less fuel economy, 40% less, according to Subaru.

Inside the Fleet X was a quad-cam, 16-valve engine, opposed four-cylinder engine that displaced 2.0 L. This engine was a four-cylinder version of Subaru's new lightweight, compact modular-engine family, and a 3.0-L flat-six version was under serious review. The 16-valve naturally aspirated engine produced 180 hp at 6,800 RPM and 144 lb/ft of torque at 5,600 rpm. Electronically, the transmission is controlled by a four-speed automatic which drives all wheels through a variable-torque-split system. The engine is much more compact than previous engines, and because of this, the cabin comes further forward, which allows for more interior space. The Fleet-X is quite a bit shorter than the Legacy due to these enhancements.

by Jessican Donaldson