Great value, fair price

I've owned a number of nice cars. Prior to this car, I had a Honda S2000. Some time ago, and BMW 3 Series. The WRX is the Japanese reincarnation of my old BMW 3 series and that is a VERY good thing.

I spend a lot of time on the highway to not do it professionally. I wanted a vehicle that would be at home on the highway, that was fun to drive, had good power, and was good in the wet. Snow performance was also a consideration. I looked at a number of small SUVs and cars. The Subaru kept bubbling to the top as soon as I took price into consideration.

As for strengths of the vehicle, it's seats 4 with ease, five in a pinch or pretty well if one or two are kids. The trunk can hold enough luggage for 4 adults. It's got enough power to pass quickly on the highway with 4 adults in the car. The suspension is well tuned. It's soft enough to not rattle you to death over frost heaves in the highway, and firm enough to allow some on-ramp fun or twisty road fun. The all-wheel drive system works as well as advertised. The seats are about as good as stock seats get. And that includes my stints in BMWs, Porsches, and my Range Rover. Legroom is plentiful for front passengers and adequate for rear seat passengers. The radio is decent, and can hold 6 CDs. A Godsend for road trips if you don't want to go aftermarket. Interior fabrics are of very good quality. It has a nice glovebox, and a decent center console. Gas mileage is quite good considering the power and all-wheel drive.

And now for the flaws. Cup holders leave a bit to be desired. I am usually alone and I'm not super picky about that stuff so this doesn't bother me personally. BMW used to not include ANY saying you need to be focusing on the ROAD when you drive, and I agree. Shifter is notchy and has a long throw. Synchros in the tranny are weak and will go out or cause grinding likely before 30k miles. Not that big a deal but you do have to mind your shifts. The vehicle could use a bit more soundproofing but it adds weight and reduces mileage. I can hold a quiet conversation at 80 so that's fine for me, but if you're coming from a Toyota, it will seem loud. A cargo net in the trunk should be standard. Non-slip material should be utilized on the truck carpeting to keep it from sliding on the spare tire cover. the rear wing "can" get in the way of looking behind you, but it's a small concession for the use and style. Paint is woefully thin, and clearcoat is far too hard. It chips easily and screams cheap. Some interior bits scream economy car.

Overall, it's clear Subaru spent it's money where it mattered. The design of the car is superb. The drivetrain is powerful and fairly frugal. The AWD system is not a gimmick, it is marvelous. It's an economy car with a serious sporting nature. If you are so inclined, for under $2k you can move the performance of this car into BMW M3 territory and knock on the door of the base 911. This is not a joke. I've driven the M3, and the 911 (996) and a WRX with $1500 in mods. It's close. Not a match, but close enough.

This is a terrific sports sedan that really has no peers anywhere near it's price range. There aren't many 4-door cars that you can drive to the track on Saturday, drive to Church on Sunday, and drive to work the other days of the week. And then take the family for a 2 week vacation in comfortably.

I highly recommend this vehicle if you are looking for value. The name plate won't impress anyone, nor will the interior. If you want that, grab the Audi S4, or BMW Xi. I prefer to keep the money in my wallet, and just enjoy the wonderful sporting nature of this car.