Subaru is known for the creation of its front-wheel drive platform which features the engine set horizontally, an innovation which began in the 1960s and continues to this day. In the 1970s Subaru introduced the all-wheel drive capabilities on vehicles designed for everyday use. The Subaru GL and DL became increasingly popular throughout the decade as American’s took an interest in more and more outdoor activities.
In the 1980s and 90s Subaru continued to be at the forefront of technological advances. They introduced the first variable controlled transmission in the world and developed the Legacy and the Impreza. The Impreza WRX was an important development for Subaru, and in the mid-1990s it helped propel the company forward. Colin McRae, a Scottish road rally driver, was largely responsible for this fame when he won the World Rally Championship in a Subaru WRX in 1995, 96, and 97. Colin’s success drew the attention of young male drivers searching for compact power and extreme performance – and the WRX was often the answer to their needs. The second generation of the WRX was even more popular and put Subaru in direct competition with Mitsubishi.
Then, in the late 1990s Subaru sold twenty percent of their company to General Motors, but this partnership dissolved and GM sold their stake in the company to Toyota. Today, Subaru offers fourteen models for buyers to choose from. The Subaru Outback and Legacy remain some of the company’s most popular choices. The versatility, affordability, all-wheel-drive, and understated style make Subaru an increasingly solid choice for families. The Impreza WRX offers extreme performance bundled in a small, exhilarating package suitable for city, country, or off-road rally driving.
