Are Subaru Owners Liberal?

Key Takeaways:

• While owning a Subaru does not necessarily determine one’s political beliefs, data suggest that Subaru owners tend to be more liberal and environmentally conscious.
• Subaru’s marketing campaigns have targeted progressive, outdoorsy, and environmentally-conscious consumers, which may contribute to the brand’s association with liberal values.
• Factors such as education level, income, and geographic location may also play a role in shaping Subaru owners’ political beliefs.

Subaru has become an increasingly popular car brand in recent years, known for its reliable and versatile vehicles. However, the brand has also gained a reputation for being favored by a particular demographic – those who identify as liberal or left-leaning. In this article, we will explore whether there is any truth to this perception and what factors may contribute to it.

Demographics of Subaru Owners

To understand whether Subaru owners are more likely to be liberal, we first need to examine the demographics of Subaru owners. According to a report by Experian Automotive, Subaru owners tend to be more educated and affluent than the average car owner. The report found that 43% of Subaru owners had a college degree, compared to the national average of 27%. Additionally, the median income for Subaru owners was $71,000, compared to the national average of $62,000.

Subaru owners also tend to be more urban and live in states with a higher cost of living, such as California, Colorado, and Washington. This demographic profile may be indicative of a higher likelihood of liberal political beliefs, as urban areas and coastal states are often associated with progressive values.

Subaru’s Marketing Campaigns

Another factor that may contribute to the perception of Subaru owners as liberal is the brand’s marketing campaigns. Subaru has long targeted consumers who are environmentally conscious and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and skiing. The brand’s advertising often features images of nature and emphasizes the importance of sustainability.

One notable example of Subaru’s marketing strategy is the "Share the Love" campaign, which began in 2008. The campaign allows customers to choose a charity to receive a donation from Subaru for every car purchased or leased during the holiday season. The selected charities typically focus on issues such as the environment, education, and health.

Subaru’s marketing campaigns may appeal more to consumers who identify as liberal or left-leaning, as these individuals may be more likely to prioritize environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

Correlation between Subaru Ownership and Political Beliefs

While owning a Subaru does not necessarily determine one’s political beliefs, several studies have suggested a correlation between the two.

A 2008 study by Scarborough Research found that Subaru owners were more likely to identify as liberal than owners of other car brands. The study found that 20% of Subaru owners identified as liberal, compared to 12% of non-Subaru owners. Additionally, 17% of Subaru owners identified as environmentalists, compared to 11% of non-Subaru owners.

A more recent study by Strategic Vision found that Subaru owners were more likely to hold progressive political beliefs than owners of other car brands. The study found that 45% of Subaru owners identified as progressive, compared to 34% of non-Subaru owners. Additionally, 47% of Subaru owners believed in the importance of protecting the environment, compared to 32% of non-Subaru owners.

However, it’s important to note that correlation does not equal causation. While Subaru ownership may be associated with liberal political beliefs, it’s possible that other factors are at play.

Possible Explanations for Correlation

There are a few possible explanations for why Subaru ownership may be associated with liberal political beliefs.

One factor may be education level. As previously mentioned, Subaru owners tend to be more educated than the national average. Higher levels of education have been linked to more liberal political beliefs, particularly on social issues such as same-sex marriage and abortion.

Another possible explanation is income. Subaru owners have a higher median income than the national average, and higher income levels have also been linked to more liberal political beliefs. This may be due to a greater awareness of social inequality and the need for government intervention to address it.

Finally, geographic location may also play a role. Subaru owners are more likely to live in urban areas and coastal states, which are often associated with liberal political beliefs. These areas tend to have more diverse populations and a greater emphasis on environmental sustainability and social justice.

Conclusion

While owning a Subaru does not determine one’s political beliefs, data suggest that Subaru owners tend to be more liberal and environmentally conscious than owners of other car brands. Factors such as education level, income, and geographic location may play a role in shaping Subaru owners’ political beliefs, but the brand’s marketing campaigns may also contribute to the association with liberal values. Ultimately, it’s up to individual consumers to decide whether Subaru’s values align with their own.

FAQs

Is Subaru a liberal brand?

Subaru is not necessarily a liberal brand, but the brand’s marketing campaigns have targeted progressive, outdoorsy, and environmentally-conscious consumers, which may contribute to the association with liberal values.

Do all Subaru owners identify as liberal?

No, not all Subaru owners identify as liberal. While data suggests that Subaru owners may be more likely to hold progressive political beliefs, individual political beliefs are influenced by a variety of factors and can vary widely.

Why do Subaru owners tend to be more educated and affluent?

Subaru’s reputation for reliability and versatility has made it a popular choice among individuals who prioritize long-term value in their vehicles. Additionally, the brand’s marketing campaigns may appeal more to consumers who are environmentally conscious and enjoy outdoor activities, which may be more common among individuals with higher levels of education and income.

Are there any other car brands associated with specific political beliefs?

While there is no definitive answer to this question, certain car brands may be more popular among individuals with particular political beliefs. For example, pickup trucks are often associated with conservative political beliefs, while electric vehicles are often associated with liberal political beliefs. However, it’s important to remember that individual political beliefs are shaped by a variety of factors and cannot be accurately predicted based on car ownership alone.