Subaru's First U.S. Model Was A Disaster

In honor of Subaru of America's 50th anniversary, we look back at the company's first model, the Subaru 360. The tiny 360 was so "cheap and ugly" that Subaru literally marketed that way.

CNNMoney
Jul 27, 2018
Latest in Automotive
Security Breach Podcast
Sponsored
Security Breach Podcast
September 9, 2025
A worker holds a sign reading 'investing instead of saving' during a nationwide warning strike of the union IG Metal at the car maker FORD factory in Cologne, Germany, Germany, Oct. 29, 2024.
Ford to Cut Up to 1,000 Jobs at German Plant as EV Demand Lags
September 16, 2025
A long line of unsold 2024 R1S electric utility vehicles sits at a Rivian service center Nov. 26, 2024, in east Denver.
It's 'Do or Die' for EV Maker Rivian
September 16, 2025
The current Ford World Headquarters is seen, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, in Dearborn, Mich.
Ford Moving World Headquarters for First Time in 70 Years
September 15, 2025
Related Stories
Mnet 108423 Nissan Battery Ap
Automotive
Nissan Says Exhaust Tests Were Altered in Latest Scandal
The 2019 Toyota Rav4 is shown Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at the New York Auto Show. Image credit: AP Photo/Mark Lennihan
Automotive
BMW: Tariffs Mean Higher Prices in China for US-Made SUVs
Mnet 109217 Volkswagen
Automotive
Ohio to Spend Volkswagen Settlement Funds on Clean Vehicles
Security Breach Podcast
Sponsor Content
Security Breach Podcast
More in Automotive
Security Breach Podcast
Sponsored
Security Breach Podcast
A new video series from Manufacturing.net - Security Breach, looks to offer the insight and tools needed to ready your company's defenses. Stay up-to-date on today's vital cybersecurity topics by subscribing here.
September 9, 2025
A worker holds a sign reading 'investing instead of saving' during a nationwide warning strike of the union IG Metal at the car maker FORD factory in Cologne, Germany, Germany, Oct. 29, 2024.
Automotive
Ford to Cut Up to 1,000 Jobs at German Plant as EV Demand Lags
The factory will move to one shift per day instead of two.
September 16, 2025
A long line of unsold 2024 R1S electric utility vehicles sits at a Rivian service center Nov. 26, 2024, in east Denver.
Automotive
It's 'Do or Die' for EV Maker Rivian
The company just started long-delayed work on a $5 billion facility in Georgia.
September 16, 2025
The current Ford World Headquarters is seen, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, in Dearborn, Mich.
Automotive
Ford Moving World Headquarters for First Time in 70 Years
But the carmaker didn't move too far.
September 15, 2025
Micro Bird's Plattsburgh Facility.
Automotive
School Bus Manufacturer Micro Bird Opens U.S. Manufacturing Facility In New York
The new $38 million investment is expected to bring 350 jobs to Plattsburgh.
September 10, 2025
Amazon-Zoox robotaxis are beginning to give free rides through parts of Las Vegas as part of its driverless service's launch.
Automotive
Amazon's Zoox Launches Robotaxi Service in Las Vegas
After two years of testing, the boxy vehicles hit the streets.
September 10, 2025
Euisun Chung, Executive Chair, Hyundai Motor Company, left, stands with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp as Chung signs an IONIQ 9 EV vehicle during a media tour and grand opening at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, March 26, 2025, in Ellabell, Ga.
Automotive
Electric Mobility Dream for Georgia Tested After South Koreans Detained in Raid
The detentions sparked questions in South Korea about its relationship with the U.S.
September 9, 2025
AVATR VISION XPECTRA Makes Global Debut.
Automotive
Acatr's Vision Xpectra Makes Global Debut
The Vision Xpectra made its debut alongside other Acatr models.
September 8, 2025
Export vehicles are parked at Daikoku Pier in Yokohama, near Tokyo, April 8, 2025.
Automotive
Japan Welcomes Trump's Order to Implement Lower Tariffs On Autos, Other Goods
The reduction to 15% from the previous 25% addresses uncertainty for key industries.
September 5, 2025
The Ford logo is seen above the entrance to the Ford Motor Company Kentucky Truck Plant, April 30, 2025, in Louisville, Ky.
Automotive
Ford Racing: A New Era for America's Race Team
Ford is rebranding its motorsports arm to link it to the company's production side.
September 4, 2025
I Stock 2196488692
Automotive
China's EV Influence Expands Nearly Everywhere – Except the U.S. and Canada
How China is rewriting the rules of automotive technology and global competition.
September 3, 2025
Rendering of Astemo Americas’ new regional headquarters.
Automotive
Astemo to Open New Regional Headquarters in Michigan
The automotive components supplier expects to create 200 jobs in the Detroit area.
September 3, 2025
A Toyota logo is seen at a dealership in El Monte, Calif., Thursday, March 27, 2025.
Automotive
Toyota Announces $792M Expansion of Czech Plant to Build New Electric Car
The new line expects to create another 245 jobs at the factory that already employs 3,200 people.
September 3, 2025
I Stock 2168818243
Automotive
Tesla Asks Court to Throw Out Big Damage Award in Crash
The company says comments about CEO Elon Musk misled the jury.
September 2, 2025
The Unitree G1 robot plays boxing with Aadeel Akhtar CEO and Founder of Psyonic at the first International Humanoid Olympiad at the Olympic Academy, in ancient Olympia, Greece, Monday, Sept. 1, 2025.
Oracle
Humanoid Robots Showcase Skills at Ancient Olympia
But they're on a long road to catch up to AI.
September 2, 2025