Aug 1, 2025

What Makes Subaru Unique in America? Exploring the Distinctive Features and Benefits of Subaru Vehicles

When it comes to choosing a vehicle that combines reliability, safety, and performance, Subaru has carved out a special place in the American automotive market. From the foothills of Chesterfield to the suburban roads of Glendale and the scenic routes near Valley Park, drivers throughout Missouri and beyond appreciate Subaru’s unique blend of engineering excellence and innovative features. Whether you’re in Webster Groves facing winter’s snow or cruising through the hills of Crestwood, Subaru’s capabilities shine through. If you want to explore Subaru’s impressive lineup or have questions about servicing your vehicle, feel free to contact us at (314) 476-9638 or visit us at 10100 Watson Rd, Sunset Hills, MO 63127.

Table of Contents
Subaru’s Affordability and Value: Why Subaru models offer cost-effective options without sacrificing quality or features.
Interesting Facts About Subaru: Discover Subaru’s rich heritage and unique brand symbolism.
Why Subaru Engines Stand Out: Technical insights into Subaru’s signature boxer engine and its benefits.
Subaru’s Popularity in the U.S. and Beyond: Sales trends and regional preferences highlighting Subaru’s strong market presence.
Subaru vs. Honda: A Reliability and Value Comparison: Detailed analysis to help you make an informed choice.
What Makes Subaru Special?: Core technologies and safety philosophies that differentiate Subaru vehicles.
Longevity and Reliability of Subaru Vehicles: Why most Subaru models remain on the road for years and the benefits of owning one.
Service and Trade-In Resources at Sunset Hills Subaru: How to maintain your Subaru and get the best value on your trade.

Subaru’s Affordability and Value

One of the standout reasons Subaru has captured the hearts of drivers across Missouri cities like Fenton, Maplewood, and Richmond Heights is its exceptional affordability combined with value-packed features. Models such as the Subaru Impreza and Subaru Legacy offer an accessible entry point into the Subaru family, with many trims priced below $20,000. This affordability is not at the expense of quality or performance.

Subaru’s vehicles boast a robust build, advanced safety features, and impressive fuel efficiency, making them economical for long-term ownership. For families in Creve Coeur or professionals commuting from Maryland Heights, this means a reliable vehicle that fits budget considerations without compromising on safety or comfort. For example, the Subaru Crosstrek and Forester provide all-wheel drive and superior ground clearance, ideal for the varied Missouri terrains and weather conditions.

If you’re interested in exploring our available options, check out our New Subaru Inventory or browse pre-owned selections in our Used Vehicle Inventory. Don’t miss our latest deals listed under Current New Car Specials to find the best value offers.

Interesting Facts About Subaru

Subaru stands out not only for its engineering but also for its rich history and unique brand identity. Did you know that the name “Subaru” is the Japanese word for the Pleiades star cluster, which is part of the Taurus constellation? This symbolism is reflected in Subaru’s logo featuring six stars, representing the five companies that merged to form the Fuji Heavy Industries conglomerate in 1953, the parent company of Subaru.

This celestial connection is just one example of Subaru’s deep cultural roots and commitment to unity and innovation. For residents in Sappington or Twin Oaks, knowing the heritage behind Subaru adds a layer of appreciation for the brand’s legacy. Subaru also has a strong reputation for environmental responsibility, with manufacturing plants dedicated to zero-landfill status, underscoring their commitment to sustainability.

Why Subaru Engines Stand Out

At the heart of every Subaru vehicle lies the distinctive boxer engine, a horizontally opposed engine design that offers several technical advantages. Unlike conventional inline or V-shaped engines, the boxer engine’s pistons move in a horizontally opposed motion, resembling a boxer’s fists.

This design lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity, improving balance, handling, and stability—especially beneficial for navigating the hilly and sometimes snowy roads of places like Chesterfield and Lakeshire. Drivers will notice a smoother ride and reduced vibrations, contributing to comfort on long drives.

Additionally, the boxer engine’s compact layout allows for better weight distribution, which enhances Subaru’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. This synergy between engine design and drivetrain not only boosts performance but also contributes to fuel efficiency and engine longevity. The boxer engine’s simplicity reduces friction points, increasing reliability and ease of maintenance.

Subaru’s Popularity in the U.S. and Beyond

Subaru’s presence in the United States is substantial, with the U.S. being Subaru’s largest global market, surpassing even Japan. In recent years, Subaru has reported steady sales growth, with over 630,000 vehicles sold nationwide in 2023 alone. Popular models include the Outback, Crosstrek, and Forester—vehicles well-suited to the active lifestyles prevalent in Missouri neighborhoods from Oakland to Concord.

The brand’s appeal is also notable in states with varied weather and terrain, similar to Missouri, where Subaru’s all-wheel-drive capability shines. The robust sales figures are a testament to Subaru’s reputation for reliability, safety, and versatility in American driving conditions.

Subaru vs. Honda: A Reliability and Value Comparison

Choosing between Subaru and Honda often comes down to specific lifestyle needs. Both brands enjoy strong reputations, but Subaru holds advantages in all-weather performance and safety, thanks to features like the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and EyeSight Driver Assist Technology.

Honda, on the other hand, is often praised for its fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs. For example, while Honda models may average better miles per gallon, Subaru owners benefit from higher resale values and exceptional vehicle longevity—with many Subarus lasting well beyond 200,000 miles.

For residents of Webster Groves and Ladue, where winters can be harsh and roads slick, Subaru’s AWD system offers peace of mind unmatched by competitors. Meanwhile, the decision also depends on priorities such as fuel economy versus rugged performance.

What Makes Subaru Special?

Subaru’s standout feature is its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, standard on nearly every model. Unlike other AWD systems that are add-ons or optional, Subaru’s system is built into the vehicle’s design from the ground up, offering superior balance and traction.

Alongside this, the Subaru Global Platform enhances vehicle rigidity and lowers the center of gravity, improving handling and safety. Subaru’s All-Around Safety philosophy encompasses primary safety (visibility and ergonomics), driving safety (control and avoidance), preventive safety (features like pre-collision braking), and passive safety (protection during accidents).

Examples like the Subaru Outback and Legacy have earned top safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, making Subaru a trusted choice for families in Richmond Heights, Lakeshire, and throughout the St. Louis area.

Longevity and Reliability of Subaru Vehicles

One of the most compelling reasons to consider Subaru is the remarkable longevity of its vehicles. Approximately 96% of Subarus sold in the last decade remain on the road today, outperforming many competitors such as Honda and Toyota.

This durability is supported by Subaru’s engineering, including the boxer engine and durable AWD system, as well as rigorous manufacturing standards in plants located in Indiana and Japan. For example, the Subaru Forester and Crosstrek boast some of the lowest ownership costs in their classes, with awards recognizing their excellent resale value and reliability.

To keep your Subaru running like new, schedule regular maintenance with our expert team. You can Schedule Service and Diagnostics conveniently online. If you need replacement parts, visit our Find Subaru Parts page to ensure genuine quality components.

Service and Trade-In Resources at Sunset Hills Subaru

Maintaining your Subaru’s performance and value is easy at Sunset Hills Subaru. Our certified technicians specialize in Subaru vehicles, using genuine OEM parts to keep your car in peak condition.

Ready to explore your trade-in options? Use our tool to Get your value trade and see how much your current vehicle is worth toward a new Subaru.

Whether you’re interested in a new model like the Subaru BRZ, Legacy, WRX, or Solterra, or a reliable used car, visit our New Subaru Inventory or Used Vehicle Inventory pages to find your perfect match. Take advantage of current offers listed under Current New Car Specials and Current Service and Parts Specials.


Sunset Hills Subaru invites drivers from all across the St. Louis metro area—including Crestwood, Twin Oaks, and Sappington—to experience the unique benefits of Subaru vehicles. Visit us at 10100 Watson Rd, Sunset Hills, MO 63127 or call us at (314) 476-9638 today to discover the Subaru difference for yourself.

© 2025 Sunset Hills Subaru