How much did the first Subaru cost?
Subaru, a brand now synonymous with reliability and adventure-ready vehicles, has a fascinating history that dates back to the 1950s. The first Subaru car, the Subaru 360, was introduced in 1958 and became an iconic vehicle in Japan. But how much did this pioneering car cost when it first hit the market? Let’s dive into the details.
The Birth of the Subaru 360
The Subaru 360 was the first mass-produced car by Subaru, a division of Fuji Heavy Industries. It was designed to be a compact, affordable, and efficient vehicle for the Japanese market, aligning with the government’s push for small, economical cars during the post-war era. Nicknamed the "ladybug" for its rounded shape, the Subaru 360 quickly gained popularity due to its practicality and charm.
The Price Tag of the First Subaru
When the Subaru 360 was launched in 1958, it was priced at approximately 425,000 yen. At the time, this was considered an affordable price point for a car, making it accessible to a wide range of consumers in Japan. To put this into perspective, 425,000 yen in 1958 would be roughly equivalent to around $1,200 USD at the time, depending on the exchange rate.
Why Was the Subaru 360 So Affordable?
The affordability of the Subaru 360 was no accident. Several factors contributed to its low price:
- Lightweight Design: The car was built with a lightweight body, which reduced production costs and improved fuel efficiency.
- Small Engine: It featured a 356cc two-stroke engine, which was economical to produce and maintain.
- Government Incentives: The Japanese government encouraged the production of small, affordable cars to promote motorization and economic growth.
The Legacy of the Subaru 360
The Subaru 360 was a game-changer for the Japanese automotive industry. It remained in production until 1971 and paved the way for Subaru’s future success. Today, the 360 is a collector’s item and a symbol of Subaru’s innovative spirit and commitment to creating vehicles that meet the needs of everyday drivers.
In conclusion, the first Subaru, the Subaru 360, cost 425,000 yen when it debuted in 1958. Its affordability, combined with its practicality and charm, made it a beloved vehicle in Japan and an important milestone in Subaru’s history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What car made Subaru famous?
The model for which Subaru would become most well-known arrived in 1996. The Subaru Outback was a Sports Utility Wagon, the first of its kind in the automotive industry.
What does Subaru mean in Japanese?
“unite
“SUBARU” signifies a Japanese word meaning “unite,” as well as a term identifying a cluster of six stars, which the Greeks called the Pleiades – part of the Taurus constellation. According to Greek mythology, Atlas' daughters turned into this group of stars.
How much of Subaru did GM own?
20.1%
In 2003, the company adopted the logo of its Subaru automobile division as its worldwide corporate symbol. On October 5, 2005 Toyota purchased 8.7% of FHI shares from General Motors, which had owned 20.1% since 1999. GM later divested its remaining 11.4% stake on the open market to sever all ties with FHI.
Who are the 7 sisters of Subaru?
"Subaru" is the Japanese word for the constellation Pleiades. This constellation is roughly 100 million years old and is composed of the "seven sister" stars, including: Sterope, Merope, Taygeta, Maia, Alcyone, and Celaeno.
Is Subaru still owned by Toyota?
Subaru is a subsidiary of the Subaru Corporation, formerly known as Fuji Heavy Industries, which Toyota does have a small stake in. That said, while Subaru does partner with Toyota on multiple models, such as the Solterra (built in a Toyota factory) and BRZ , it is still an independent company.
What was the very first Subaru?
Subaru 1500
In a very short time, an automotive division emerged that became known as "Subaru," a name that means "Unite." The very first Subaru was launched in 1954. The first model was turbocharged and was initially called the P-1, a name changed later to the Subaru 1500.
Which is the best Subaru ever made?
Here are nine of the very best Subarus ever made*
- Subaru Impreza WRX Type RA.
- Subaru Impreza Series McRae.
- Subaru Impreza RB320.
- Subaru Impreza STI 22B.
- Subaru Impreza P1.
- Subaru Impreza 555.
- Subaru Impreza S3 WRC 97.
- Subaru Impreza WRC2003. We could have included the Brat, the Legacy or the Outback.
What is the most stolen Subaru?
The Subaru Forester and Impreza WRX are among the most stolen new models, but which Subaru vehicle do car thieves shy away from? The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) recently released a list of the most stolen cars in the Denver, Colorado metro area, and two Subaru models are hot targets.
What is the rarest Subaru car?
Rarest Subaru Impreza's you've probably never heard of.
- Series McRae (1995) in the UK.
- WRX STi Sauber Edition (2002) in Switzerland.
- WRX Type Euro Turbo (2002) in Japan.
- WRX STi Spec C (2002) in Japan.
- WRX STi V-Limited (2003) in Japan.
- WRX STi WR1 (2004) in the UK.
- RB320 (2007) in the UK.
What did Subaru used to be called?
Subaru started as an aircraft research company named Fuji Heavy Industries in 1915, however they would soon reorganize to become the chief aircraft manufacturer for Japan during World War II. After the war effort, the company pivoted towards car manufacturing, thus creating the Subaru brand.
