When did Subaru come to the USA?
Subaru, a brand synonymous with all-wheel drive vehicles and rugged reliability, has a rich history in the automotive industry. Understanding when Subaru made its entrance into the United States provides insight into its growth and the evolution of its vehicle offerings over the years.
The Arrival of Subaru in the USA
Subaru's journey in the United States began in the late 1960s. The brand was introduced to the American market in 1968 by the Subaru of America, Inc., which was established as a subsidiary of the Japanese automaker, Subaru Corporation (formerly known as Fuji Heavy Industries). The first model to be sold in the U.S. was the Subaru 360, a compact car that was marketed primarily as a low-cost vehicle.
Growth and Expansion
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Subaru expanded its lineup and began to gain popularity among American consumers. The introduction of models like the Subaru Leone and the Subaru Brat helped establish the brand's reputation for durability and performance. By the late 1980s, Subaru had solidified its presence in the U.S. market, particularly with the launch of the Subaru Legacy and the Subaru Outback, which appealed to a growing demographic of outdoor enthusiasts.
Key Milestones
- 1968: Subaru of America, Inc. is established.
- 1968: The Subaru 360 is introduced as the first model in the U.S.
- 1980s: The brand gains traction with models like the Leone and Brat.
- 1990s: The Subaru Legacy and Outback are launched, further enhancing brand recognition.
Conclusion
Subaru's entry into the U.S. market marked the beginning of a successful journey characterized by innovation and a commitment to quality. Today, Subaru is known for its all-wheel drive technology and has a loyal customer base, thanks in part to its early efforts to establish a foothold in the competitive automotive landscape of the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes Subaru engines?
Who Makes Subaru Engines? Subaru engines are made in the Oizumi factory in Japan, where the automaker builds the boxer engines and transmissions for its vehicles.
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 did Subaru do during WWII?
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.
When did Subaru start selling in the US?
Toyota and Nissan (then called Datsun) were relatively well established in America when Subaru entered the U.S. market in 1968. The automotive arm of Japan's Fuji Heavy Industries got off to a slow start, and in more than 50 years selling cars here, Subaru several times found itself chasing odd vehicular dead ends.
What do Subaru owners call themselves?
If we love our Subaru, we all know at least one “Subie” enthusiast who takes it more seriously than we do! Whether or not they drive a WRX or an Ascent, it is easy to recognize that if someone has a Subaru, they have their own language to talk about their favorite ride and activities.
Who brought Subaru to the US?
Malcolm Bricklin
In 1967, Malcolm Bricklin approached Subaru with the idea of bringing the tiny Subaru 360 to the United States. After a great deal of regulatory red tape and negotiation, Bricklin made a deal with Subaru. Bricklin formed Subaru of America, Inc. to sell Subaru franchises and later brought in Harvey Lamm as the COO.
Which is better, RAV4 or Subaru Forester?
2024 Subaru Forester. With a more affordable price, better predicted reliability, more comfortable interior and seats and better ride and handling, the Subaru Forester beats the Toyota RAV4.
What does Subaru mean in Japanese?
“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.
Is Subaru reliable as Toyota?
Subaru had an average reliability rating of 68 out of 100. Toyota's luxury car brand Lexus had an average reliability score of 65, while Toyota itself scored an average reliability score of 62.
What Subaru has a Toyota engine?
It is used in the Subaru BRZ, and is identified by a Toyota engine family code known as the 4U-GSE, which is installed in the Toyota 86 and the Scion FR-S.
