North Carolina Subaru Dealer

History of Subaru

As a vehicle manufacturer, Subaru's history stretches back to the mid-1950s when its vehicles were sold exclusively to the Japanese market. However, the Subaru story is even older than that, and it didn't begin with the cars we know and love today. In fact, Subaru got its start in 1915 as the Nakajima Aircraft Company, building warplanes for the Imperial Japanese military. After World War II, Nakajima was broken up, with half of the company reforming as Fuji Heavy Industries. In 1954, this new company released its first car, the Subaru 1500. After a decade on the market, Subaru would go international and American drivers got their first taste of what was on offer.

The 1970s saw substantial growth for Subaru as the company held its own against American manufacturers with a firm footing in the North American market. Interest was sparked by the Leone sedan, a vehicle that was highly regarded for its all-wheel drive. Despite having a single-model lineup well into the 1980s, Subaru was a rapidly growing brand. However, the Leone was eventually joined by the smaller Justy, the larger Legacy, and the sporty Alcyone.

In the 1990s, Subaru diversified its lineup with a full range of new models. The trustworthy Leone and the relatively new Justy were discontinued and replaced by the Impreza. The 1990s also saw the release of the Subaru Outback, an exemplary effort that mixed the versatility of an SUV with top-of-the-line off-roading capabilities, which was then followed up by the Forester at the end of the decade. It was also around this time that Subaru began exploring a larger emphasis on performance with the founding of Subaru Tecnica International (STI).

Shortly after the beginning of the new millennium, the automotive industry was becoming an entirely different beast. An example of this radical shift in automotive culture was the high-performance WRX coming overseas and finally being released in America after several years of exclusivity in Asian and European territories. Also, part of this period saw the American release of the WRX STI. In more recent years, Subaru co-developed and produced the BRZ in partnership with Toyota, which was yet another successful performance vehicle under Subaru's lineup. To this day, STI vehicles are at the top of the list for many car enthusiasts.

Family Vehicles

Traveling with your family requires a vehicle that not only has space for all of your passengers and gear but also delivers a safe ride, no matter where you’re heading. Fortunately, Subaru’s lineup of family-friendly vehicles is impressive, and it starts off with the three-row Ascent. This SUV offers an expansive interior cabin plus loads of configurable space to help you stow all of the things accompanying you for the ride, from backpacks and strollers to science projects, baseball equipment, and more. It showcases a refined ride, marked by controlled handling, and with an arsenal of safety tech in newer models, you won’t have any doubt in your mind that this Subaru favorite is ready to keep you and your brood safe on the road ahead.

Another family favorite is the midsize Outback, which is perfect for families who don’t need all of the space that the large Ascent provides. This versatile traveler showcases a carefully crafted cabin, plus high ground clearance, perfect for families who love to explore the wilderness. Its rugged appearance and practical nature make it a winner with families who don’t mind venturing off the beaten path. Finally, if you’re more interested in a sedan, one that offers an easy driving experience and impressive efficiency, the midsize Legacy is a great family pick. From a spacious interior to smooth ride quality and an arsenal of standard safety and assistance tech in newer models, the Legacy is able to keep your precious cargo comfortable and safe during any journey.

Commuter Vehicles

When your travels require a skilled commuter to help you whip through city traffic effortlessly, there are a number of Subaru models designed just for these tasks. The subcompact Crosstrek isn’t just small and agile; it’s also excellent on gas, which makes those stop-and-go situations on the highway easier on your wallet at the pump. You may be in need of a bit more space than the pint-size Crosstrek can provide, which is where the Forester comes in to save the day. This compact SUV offers a roomy interior space, fit for your workmates when you’re on carpool duty, as well as an impressive cargo hold for all of your work materials and travel gear. It also showcases an enjoyable ride quality and expert-level efficiency, which comes in handy when you’re stuck in traffic during rush hour.

When efficiency is a top priority, the Solterra SUV may be perfect for your travels. This EV features a remarkable range, allowing you to travel with assurance, no matter how congested the interstate happens to be on your way home from work. It’s also loaded with state-of-the-art technology and ultra-contemporary styling to add to its already alluring appeal. Of course, nothing beats a sedan when it comes to taking on your daily commute, and Subaru’s compact Impreza is a surefire winner when your everyday drive is on your mind. Its cozy interior sets the tone of your ride, and with easy handling and great fuel economy, arriving at your destination, even when there’s dense traffic, is a breeze for this Subaru staple.

Performance Vehicles

Within Subaru's lineup of performance vehicles, you'll find the WRX and the BRZ, and if you're lucky, you might find their STI versions, the WRX STI and BRZ tS, on the used market. These latter versions are differentiated from their base models because STI brings over advanced tuning and design derived from Subaru's rally car vehicles. Subaru's history with rally racing dates back to the Subaru Rally Team of 1980, but Subaru didn't have an official performance division until Subaru Tecnica International was founded in 1988. Vehicles such as the Legacy Turbo cemented the manufacturer in rally racing stardom, and eventually, STI models would begin making their way into production for the commercial market.

All Subaru models use a horizontally-opposed engine, also known as a Boxer engine. Unlike a traditional engine, which has its pistons moving up and down, a Boxer engine has its cylinders moving side to side. This places the center of gravity extremely low in the vehicle, which is perfect for a performance model and has contributed to Subaru's motorsports reputation. Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is the second key to its success, as four-wheel grip provides its vehicles with an incredible performance advantage in all conditions.

Safety Features

Performance vehicles and commuter cars alike need ways of keeping their occupants safe, and Subaru knows this better than anyone. All current Subaru vehicles, including the WRX and BRZ, offer EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, a specially designed suite of advanced safety features that drivers can utilize. The safety suite is so reliable that Subaru claims that its EyeSight technology has decreased severe rear-end crashes by 85%, a remarkable feat of engineering.

There are a plethora of features that come with EyeSight Driver Assist, and among these features, you'll find Pre-Collision Braking, a state-of-the-art braking system that will immediately apply pressure to your brakes if an accident is about to occur. Pre-Collision Throttle Management also comes included, a feature that can slowly bring your vehicle to a complete stop when approaching another vehicle. Lane Keep Assist and Sway warning both come as part of the package as well, which will signal the driver if the vehicle is leaving its intended lane. Lastly, Adaptive Cruise Control also comes with EyeSight Driver Assist and can increase or decrease your speed on the fly depending on the distance between yourself and other drivers.

Mechanical Features

It’s evident that Subaru showcases a lineup of vehicles that are versatile, reliable, and safe, but they also include features designed to make them even more appealing to today’s busy travelers. When the terrain beneath your tires becomes challenging, rest assured that a Subaru can handle it, as its models are armed with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive capabilities. This groundbreaking system continually analyzes road conditions, delivering power to all four wheels to ensure maximum traction, stability, and control at all times. This state-of-the-art system lies along the center of Subaru vehicles, creating a balanced ride, enhancing the performance of these vehicles, making them some of the most controlled on the road.

Another aspect that sets Subaru vehicles apart is the famous Boxer engine lineup, which can be found in every new gas-powered Subaru model. Not only does this renowned engine provide its vehicles with ample power to add excitement to the journey, it also enhances efficiency and performance to make for a ride like no other. Having the best of both worlds—efficiency and power––means that your experience will be one-of-a-kind when you trust your journey to a Subaru.

We Sell New, Used, and CPO Subaru Models

With over 97% of Subarus sold within the last ten years still confidently on the road, there’s no doubt that any Subaru model you choose will deliver the ride you demand. When you want to take advantage of some of the latest features to grace the roadways, buying a new Subaru will achieve this. From cutting-edge safety and assistance tech to performance features and adventuring potential, new Subarus feature breakthroughs in the industry, allowing you to travel with maximum confidence.

When you want to save more money on your vehicle, buying used or Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) may be the right move for you. Subarus hold up among the best in the industry with top resale values and a level of reliability that can’t be matched, meaning that no matter which model has intrigued you, you’ll be undoubtedly pleased with its performance. When you want to shop from an inventory of near-new vehicles with low mileage, choosing Subaru’s CPO program may work best for you. Each vehicle in the CPO program has passed a detailed 152-point safety inspection, and they’re backed by exceptional warranties to ensure your satisfaction. Whether you choose to buy new, used, or CPO, Williams Subaru has everything you’re looking for to enhance your experience behind the wheel like never before.

Visit Our Subaru Service Center

Once you find your ideal Subaru model, don’t forget to visit our award-winning service center, which specializes in servicing Subaru models. It’s true that Subarus hold up better than many of its competitors, but it takes routine service and maintenance to ensure that they’re operating at their peak. That’s why Williams Subaru staffs its service center with certified Subaru technicians to ensure that each vehicle that comes through our doors is taken care of by the best. Not only are we able to help you with all of your service needs, we pride ourselves on keeping our parts department stocked with parts designed just for your Subaru. After all, your Subaru deserves only top-quality parts so that your ride can be safer, more efficient, and of course, more enjoyable.

Why Choose Williams Subaru?

There are many reasons to trust us when you have a Subaru on your mind. Not only have we been serving the Carolinas for over 80 years, we seek to offer only the best-quality models for fair, transparent pricing. We won’t pressure you or rush you through the process because we understand that this is a big purchase, one that deserves to be taken seriously. In addition to our fabulous inventory and top-notch service center, we also offer competitive rates, top values for trade-ins, and finance pros dedicated to helping you create the payment plan that meets your budget requirements.

We also offer perks along the way, like our New Vehicle Limited Warranty, which is valid for ten years/100,000 miles and is available on each new car we sell on our lot. This program protects important components of your vehicle, including your engine, transmission, and drive system, so you can move forward with confidence that you’re protected by the best. You can’t go wrong when you choose to partner with us, and the proof is in all of the repeat customers we welcome back to our dealership each time they’re in the market for a new vehicle.

Come Find Your Next Subaru

Subaru vehicles are unlike any automobile that you may be used to, as there is no other manufacturer that provides the same combination of advanced safety and performance features. At Williams Subaru, we're committed to providing high-quality Subaru vehicles to drivers across the greater area of Charlotte, NC. Couple this with an unforgettable shopping experience backed by our friendly and professional team, and you've got yourself one of the highest-rated North Carolina Subaru dealers around. We offer Subaru vehicles of all sorts at various price points, and you'll find fan favorites in our vast inventory of new, pre-owned, and Certified Pre-Owned models.

As part of our dealership, we also feature an on-site service center where you can order parts for your vehicle or bring it in for servicing and repairs by one of our talented, certified mechanics. If you're looking for extra financing assistance with the Subaru that you're purchasing or leasing, you can visit our on-site finance center to learn various ways to save money on your purchase. We can even estimate the value of your current trade-in to give you some money towards your next Subaru. All of this combined helps to make us the go-to Subaru dealership in the area, and Williams Subaru is excited to assist you in entering the exciting world of Subaru automobiles.