Rex · 1972–1992
The 360's successor, and a kei car that quietly went global under other names.
Succeeding the R-2 (1969–1972), the Rex ran three generations across a 1972–1992 span, shifting layout from rear-engine/rear-wheel-drive (1972–1981) to front-engine/front-wheel-drive with optional AWD (1981–1992) — the AWD option placing it inside the same Symmetrical AWD lineage that began with the 1972 Leone 4WD Estate Van. Beyond Japan, the Rex was reportedly exported under a range of rebadged names to several other markets, though this project's research has not yet independently verified each specific market claim.
JDM by default; also exported under rebadged names (Ace, Viki, Sherpa, 500/600/700, Mini Jumbo, M60/M70/M80) to Europe, South America, Australia, and the Caribbean, per one source not yet independently verified per-market.
CoverageGeneration tracer-bullet · 23 July 2026
Powertrain
Engine options
Per-generation engine specs aren't sourced yet for this profile — see the engine genealogy page for the family-level boxer engine history.
Configuration
Trims and transmissions
The 'R-2' name was later reused for an unrelated 2003–2010 'Subaru R2' (no hyphen) kei car — a distinct later model, not covered by this profile.
Identify & buy
Identification and ownership notes
A pre-1981 Rex is rear-engine/rear-wheel-drive; a 1981-or-later Rex switched to front-engine/front-wheel-drive with optional AWD — a genuine mid-life architecture change, not just a facelift.