Subaru is a Japanese automaker known for adventure-ready vehicles equipped with features such as Subaru's own all-wheel drive and top-notch safety technology. Subaru vehicles are some of the most popular worldwide, and by 2017, Subaru was one of the largest automakers in the world.
Subaru's History
Subaru's origins date back to 1915 when the automaker was initially called the Aircraft Research Laboratory. By 1932, the company's name changed to Nakajima Aircraft Company, and its main focus was producing Japanese aircraft in WWII. Following the war, the company branched out to produce other forms of transportation, including scooters. Subaru started to produce vehicles in the early 1950s. The first Subaru was called the Subaru 1500 and made in limited quantities. Subaru followed with other models shortly after, including the 360, 1000, and Sambar. At the same time that it expanded its vehicle production line, Subaru also started to make more technology for its vehicles, including its proprietary symmetrical all-wheel drive and its signature boxer engine. Both technologies are still found in Subaru's cars today.
Subaru's First Awards
By the 1970s, Subaru's vehicles started to receive awards. In 1975, the Subaru GF was named the "1975 Import Car of the Year" by Road Test magazine. Three years later, Subaru's DL was nominated for the "1978 Import Car of the Year" award by Motor Trends. Also, in the 1970s, Subaru introduced the first Japanese front-wheel drive vehicle called the FF1, followed by the Subaru 4WD wagon. The 4WD wagon was the first passenger vehicle with four-wheel drive sold in the US.
Subaru Adds Class
For the first several decades, Subaru produced vehicles that were practical and a bit sporty. Starting in the 1980s, however, Subaru began producing more upscale and luxurious cars. The Subaru Legacy, one of its most popular vehicles, was its first car with luxury components. The Legacy helped Subaru make a name for itself as a more upscale automaker. Later, in the 1990s, Subaru produced its first luxury coupe called the SVK, which further established Subaru as an upscale automaker while also retaining its sporty and athletic qualities.
The Outback Appears
In the 1990s, Subaru unveiled the Outback, which is still one of the automaker's best-selling vehicles. The Subaru Outback has undergone updates and improvements over time, but it still stands out as a capable sport utility wagon.
If you want more information, contact our Subaru dealership today to learn more.
