Subaru

Subaru is a well-known car manufacturer hailing from Japan. The company is highly regarded for producing vehicles that are both practical and enjoyable to drive. Subaru's all-wheel-drive powertrains and turbochargers are responsible for its sharp performance, while its discreet and versatile vehicles are great for family use.

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd was formed in the early 1950s, which later gave birth to Subaru's automotive division. In 1954, the first Subaru car was launched, boasting a four-cylinder engine, front-wheel wishbone-type independent suspension, and a monocoque body - a design first in Japan. The brand faced challenges in funding and support, which led to sales suspension. However, Subaru resolved its issues, and the Ladybird - a compact car with a ladybug shape - was introduced in 1958 and remained popular for 12 years.

Subaru's lineup expanded in the 1960s, starting with the first Subaru truck called the Sambar. This compact truck offered a spacious cargo bed and compact dimensions ideal for narrow Japanese streets. The Sambar Light Van, a compact van designed for commercial and leisure use, followed soon after. In 1966, Subaru rolled out the 1000, which used the first drive technology employed in current Subaru models - a front-wheel-drive system paired with a horizontally opposed engine. This setup offered many benefits in handling and performance. By the end of the decade, Subaru North America had been founded, and exports to the United States had started.

The '70s started with Subaru's launch of the GL/DL - called the Leone in other markets. The GL/DL was a sedan, coupe, and station wagon offering four-wheel-drive (4WD) capability, breaking new ground as 4WD had only been offered in off-road vehicles. The GL/DL became the world's top-selling 4WD vehicle, benefiting from its popularity for use in the snow and hilly regions. In 1977, Subaru introduced the successful Brat, a small car-based pickup with a cargo bed featuring a pair of jump seats. The rugged Brat catered to the needs of young people seeking a vehicle designed for an outdoorsy lifestyle.

In the '80s, Subaru developed the world's first electronically controlled continuously variable transmission, making its debut in the tiny Justy economy car. The Legacy replaced the GL/DL at the end of the decade, emphasizing performance, and the automaker continued to offer versatile yet quirky vehicles.

In the 1990s, Subaru won the Manufacturers' title at the World Rally Championship for three consecutive years, making a name for itself in motorsports. The brand expanded its lineup with the high-performance SVX, popular Legacy-based Outback wagon, and sporty Impreza. General Motors acquired a 20% stake in parent company Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) in the late '90s, with the aim of boosting its presence in foreign markets, but Toyota currently owns a small percentage of FHI.

Today, Subaru's lineup includes everything from compact trucks to family-friendly wagons and high-performance cars like the WRX STi. Subaru is a top pick for enthusiasts seeking vehicles that offer performance thrills along with practicality.