Countless jokes — some good, some bad — are made each day about Coloradans and their Subarus. It’s not often that a specific car manufacturer comes to be inextricably associated with one particular state, so much so that it passes into the realm of national stereotype. As is the case with many stereotypes, however, this one is anchored to a kernel of truth. If you’ve ever wondered why Colorado appears to be obsessed with Subaru, you’re not alone. But the answers, surprisingly enough, make a plenty of sense.

1. Quirkiness – Sleek exteriors combine with pragmatic-yet-plain interiors to make for a car that’s not only goodlooking but fully functional. And the fact that Subaru isn’t Ford or Chevrolet lends its cars a slightly exotic feel to match the Front Range’s extraordinary landscape.

2. Flat Engines – Subarus come with what’s known as a flat, or horizontally-opposed, engine. Distinction: the pistons of a standard engine are diagonally positioned, giving them a V-shape, while the pistons of a flat engine lie parallel to the ground. This makes for a lower center of gravity and more equal weight distribution, two key factors in keeping a car grounded and avoiding drifts or fishtails. In other words, flat engines are ideal for snowy, mountainous terrain common to Colorado.

3. A.W.D. – With the exception of one model, all Subaru cars come with all-wheel drive as a standard feature. I own a 1994 Nameless Toyata pickup truck with front-wheel drive, and trust me, you do not want to find out what it’s like to drive such a jalopy to Summit County, or, God forbid, Vail. Standard AWD is like an insurance policy against getting blown off I-70 by various truckers and semis. Not to mention the benefits it provides during winter months and in other poor weather conditions.

4. Liberal Marketing – One of the first major car companies to market its products to the LGBT community, Subaru has come to represent social quality and unconventional lifestyles in the world of automotive consumerism. They probably provide their employees an entirely organic, GMO-free lunch menu, too. Either way, it’s clear that Coloradans enjoy making social and political statements via their material purchases more than most.