Everything You Need to Know About Subaru: Frequently Asked Questions
At Spitzer Subaru in DuBois, PA, we proudly serve drivers across Clearfield, St. Marys, Brookville, and surrounding Western Pennsylvania communities. Whether you’re shopping for your first crossover or upgrading your current ride, choosing the right vehicle comes down to clear, honest answers. To help you shop with total confidence, our team has compiled answers to the twenty most frequently asked questions about the Subaru brand—from performance and winter reliability to safety technologies, financing, and electric lineup options.
1. What’s the most popular Subaru model?
The Subaru Outback and Subaru Forester consistently rank as Subaru’s top-selling models nationwide, closely followed by the versatile subcompact Subaru Crosstrek. Drivers in Pennsylvania gravitate toward the Outback for its wagon-like versatility and smooth highway drive, while the Forester appeals to families looking for standard high-visibility design and generous headroom. Explore our latest inventory of new Subaru models for sale in DuBois to compare them in person.
2. Is Subaru a reliable brand?
Yes, Subaru consistently ranks among the most durable and trustworthy automotive brands on the market. Renowned independent reviewers such as Consumer Reports and J.D. Power frequently honor Subaru for high predicted reliability, solid mechanical engineering, and low ownership hassle.
3. Is now a good time to buy a new Subaru?
It is an exceptional time to purchase or lease a new vehicle. With competitive APR financing rates, strong trade-in values for pre-owned cars, and fresh inventory arriving weekly, buyers can secure optimal value. Check out our used vehicle inventory if you are trading in or seeking a quality certified pre-owned alternative.
4. Does Subaru make electric or hybrid vehicles?
Yes! Subaru continues to expand its electrified offerings. The flagship Subaru Solterra is a fully electric EV crossover equipped with dual electric motors and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Furthermore, Subaru offers e-BOXER hybrid variants on core models like the Forester Hybrid and Crosstrek Hybrid, combining classic Subaru capability with enhanced fuel economy.
5. Do all Subaru vehicles have Sirius Satellite Radio?
Most modern Subaru trims feature built-in SiriusXM® Satellite Radio capability through the intuitive SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia display. Standard on mid-level and premium trims, new vehicle purchases typically include a trial subscription so you can enjoy commercial-free music, sports, and news right off the lot.
6. Are Subarus good in snow?
Subaru models are arguably the gold standard for severe winter weather. Unlike traditional part-time all-wheel-drive systems, Subaru’s standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive routes power continuously to all four wheels for instant traction on slippery PA roads. Combined with impressive ground clearance (often 8.7 inches or higher) and available X-MODE® for steep snowdrifts, Subarus conquer winter conditions effortlessly.
7. Do Subarus need premium gas?
Most Subaru models—including the Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, Ascent, Impreza, and Legacy—are engineered to run on standard 87-octane regular unleaded gasoline. High-performance turbocharged models like the Subaru WRX recommend premium fuel to unleash full horsepower and efficiency performance.
8. What is EyeSight?
EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology is Subaru’s award-winning safety camera system mounted near the top of the windshield. It acts like an extra pair of eyes on the road, monitoring traffic movement, providing Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Keep Assist to drastically reduce rear-end collisions. Check out our new vehicles with Subaru Eyesight.
9. What makes Subaru so special?
Subaru sets itself apart through distinct engineering and core values:
- SUBARU BOXER® Engine: Horizontal piston layout creates a lower center of gravity for improved balance and handling stability.
- Standard Symmetrical AWD: Maximum control across all weather and terrain.
- Top Safety Ratings: Consistent IIHS Top Safety Pick honors across the entire product lineup.
- Subaru Love Promise: Ongoing commitments to environmental conservation, community outreach, and animal welfare.
10. Are Subaru vehicles expensive to maintain?
No. Routine maintenance for a Subaru is comparable to other non-luxury Japanese automakers. Standard oil changes, tire rotations, and brake servicing are straightforward and affordable. To schedule routine care with factory-certified technicians, visit our Spitzer Subaru Service Center.
11. What are some unique perks of owning a Subaru?
Subaru ownership comes with unique lifestyle benefits:
- Badge of Ownership: Free custom lifestyle badges you can attach to your vehicle’s tailgate to display your passions (hiking, camping, pets, engineering milestones).
- Resale Value: Subaru models regularly win Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards.
- Spitzer Peace of Mind: Buying locally unlocks exclusive protection through our Spitzer VIP Program.
12. How long do Subarus last?
Subarus are famous for extreme longevity. Industry statistics show that 96% of Subaru vehicles sold in the last 10 years are still on the road today. With proper routine maintenance, hitting 200,000+ miles is a regular milestone for Subaru drivers.
13. Is the Subaru Ascent a good vehicle for a family?
The Subaru Ascent is built specifically for larger families. Featuring 3 rows of seating for up to 8 passengers, up to 19 cup holders, tri-zone climate control, power liftgate options, and standard EyeSight® safety, it delivers the space and security busy families need.
14. What are some interesting facts about Subaru cars?
- Star Cluster Name: “Subaru” is the Japanese name for the Pleiades star cluster, represented by the six-star emblem on the grille.
- Zero-Landfill Manufacturing: Subaru of America’s primary manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, produces zero landfill waste.
- Pet-Friendly Brand: Subaru tests custom pet accessories with real dogs and sponsors national shelter adoption drives.
15. Is it tough to finance a Subaru?
Not at all! Financing a vehicle at Spitzer Subaru is fast and transparent. We collaborate with local banks in Pennsylvania and national lenders to secure competitive loan rates and customizable lease structures. Get pre-approved in minutes by completing our online finance application form.
16. Do Subarus have hidden Easter eggs?
Yes! Designers love dropping fun design details into newer Subaru models. Depending on your vehicle, you may find tiny Subaru windshield logos near the wiper rest area, mountain ridge patterns embedded in trunk tray rubber, or animal paw prints stamped inside interior storage compartments.
17. Which Subaru models are electric?
The Subaru Solterra is currently Subaru’s flagship 100% all-electric crossover SUV. It delivers zero tailpipe emissions alongside 8.3 inches of ground clearance and standard dual-motor all-wheel drive.
18. Which Subaru models are hybrid?
Subaru’s hybrid lineup features the Subaru Forester Hybrid and the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. Both utilize an advanced e-BOXER powertrain system that blends a standard BOXER engine with instant electric torque for improved MPG without losing AWD capability.
19. Do any Subaru models have third-row seating?
Yes, the midsize Subaru Ascent is Subaru’s primary 3-row SUV. It accommodates 7 or 8 passengers depending on whether you configure it with second-row captain’s chairs or a 60/40 split-folding bench seat.
20. Why buy my Subaru from Spitzer Subaru?
When you choose Spitzer Subaru in DuBois, PA, you are choosing a community-focused team dedicated to complete customer satisfaction. We offer a transparent, stress-free sales process, expert factory-trained service technicians, competitive trade-in valuations, and the unique protections of the Spitzer VIP Program. Stop by our dealership on Blinker Parkway in DuBois to experience the Spitzer difference today!
