Loading

How much did the first Subaru cost?

The first Subaru model, the Subaru 360, was introduced in 1958 and had a remarkably low price tag for the time. This compact car, often referred to as the "Ladybug" due to its distinctive shape, played a crucial role in establishing Subaru as a brand and paving the way for its future success.


The Subaru 360: A Pioneering Compact Car


The Subaru 360 was designed to be an affordable and practical mode of transportation for the Japanese market. Powered by a 356cc two-cylinder engine, the car was known for its exceptional fuel efficiency and compact size, making it an ideal choice for navigating the narrow streets of Japan's urban centers.


One of the most remarkable aspects of the Subaru 360 was its price. When it was first introduced, the car had a retail price of just 93,000 yen, which was equivalent to approximately $258 at the time. This made the Subaru 360 one of the most affordable cars on the Japanese market, making it accessible to a wide range of consumers.


The Impact of the Subaru 360


The Subaru 360's low price point and practical design were instrumental in establishing the Subaru brand and laying the foundation for its future growth. The car's popularity in Japan led to the company's expansion into international markets, including the United States, where it gained a reputation for its reliable and affordable vehicles.


The success of the Subaru 360 also paved the way for the development of other Subaru models, such as the Subaru Leone and the Subaru Impreza, which would go on to become iconic vehicles in their own right. Today, Subaru is known for its commitment to safety, all-wheel-drive technology, and a diverse lineup of vehicles that cater to a wide range of consumer needs.


Conclusion


The first Subaru, the Subaru 360, was a groundbreaking vehicle that played a crucial role in the brand's history. With its low price point and practical design, the 360 helped to make Subaru a household name and laid the foundation for the company's future success. As Subaru continues to evolve and innovate, the legacy of the Subaru 360 remains an important part of the brand's story.

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 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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.