Subaru is a Japanese automotive manufacturer founded in 1953. The company was initially called Fuji Heavy Industries, and it began as a conglomerate of several smaller companies that produced aircraft, automobiles, and other industrial products.

One of the first vehicles produced by Fuji Heavy Industries was the Subaru 1500, a small passenger car that was introduced in 1954. This was followed by the Subaru 360, a small, affordable car that was popular in Japan during the 1960s.

In the 1970s, Subaru began exporting its vehicles to the United States and Europe, and it introduced several new models, including the Leone, a compact car, and the DL and GL, a series of sedans and wagons.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Subaru continued to expand its range of vehicles and entered the sport utility vehicle (SUV) market with the introduction of the Outback, a crossover SUV based on the Legacy wagon. The Outback became a popular model and helped establish Subaru as a leading manufacturer of all-wheel drive vehicles.

Today, Subaru is known for its lineup of all-wheel drive cars, SUVs, and crossover vehicles, as well as its commitment to producing environmentally friendly vehicles. The company has also become well-known for its involvement in motorsports, including rally racing and endurance events.