Subaru
Subaru is a tremendously significant Japanese car maker, born from Fuji Heavy Industries. Originally an Aircraft Research Lab, founded in 1915, FHI was conceived in the mid-50s after a merger took place between various companies that specialised in chassis and engine manufacturing, as well as coachbuilding.
Subaru – named after the Japanese name for the Pleiades star cluster – built its first car, the Subaru 1500, in 1954.
Some of Subaru’s most popular models include off-roading icons such as the Subaru XV, Outback and performance cars like the notorious Subaru WRX.
News
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News2026 Subaru Outback introduces Wilderness off-road sub-brand to Australia
The 2026 Subaru Outback has been launched in Australia with upgraded powertrains, larger dimensions and new off-road models.
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It has been an enduringly popular model in Australia for three decades here’s our tribute to some of the most memorable examples of the Subaru “Rex” ever made.
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News2026 Subaru Solterra: Updated electric mid-size SUV lands in Australia with more power and range
Subaru’s first electric vehicle has been updated for 2026 with updated styling, a larger battery and more power.
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NewsNew car calendar 2026: All the new cars coming to Australia next year
Here’s the WhichCar by Wheels guide to all the new cars that will launch in Australia in 2026. Check back in regularly for updates…
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News2025 Japan Mobility Show: Subaru signals new STI Era with Performance-E and Performance-B concepts
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NewsSubaru WRX’s major milestone in Australia as iconic ‘Rex’ turns 30
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AdviceWho makes the most fuel efficient mid-size SUV?
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NewsSubaru unveils limited-edition WRX and BRZ Series
About Subaru
Subaru is a tremendously significant Japanese car maker, born from Fuji Heavy Industries. Originally an Aircraft Research Lab, founded in 1915, FHI was conceived in the mid-50s after a merger took place between various companies who specialised in chassis and engine manufacturing, as well as coachbuilding.
Subaru – named after the Japanese name for the Pleiades star cluster – built its first car, the Subaru 1500, in 1954. Just 20 were produced, however, due to various supply issues.
Those early years were punctuated by such vehicles as the Subaru 360 (1958), the Sambar (1961), and the 1000 (1965) that introduced Subaru’s signature boxer engine.
Subaru began importing vehicles to Australia in 1973, and celebrates 50 years in Australia in 2023. Nameplates like Outback and Liberty have long been a mainstay of Australian roads and families alike, and the brand earned rafts of car enthusiast followers with its giant-killing WRX and its years of World Rally Championship involvement.
The current Subaru range in Australia comprises XV, Forester and Outback SUVs, WRX sports sedan, and the BRZ sports coupe. Of pertinence is the incoming Subaru Solterra, due locally in 2023, as the brand’s first dedicated electric vehicle (which shares its underpinnings with the incoming Toyota BZ4X).
All new Subarus are covered by a five-year/unlimited-km warranty – unless the vehicle is used for commercial/business purposes, in which case the warranty period is five-years/150,000kms – whichever comes first.
