Hey Patmack18
- Er, to say I "like" it would be an understatement. I'd a joy to drive. as for handling, Well, its a really light car (~3000-3100 depending on standard/auto trans, and sedan/wagon) with a really tight sport suspension and front and rear stabilizer bars, so there's almost no body roll at all, and I am really pleased with its cornering. The full time AWD kicks ass. every time I drive in the rain I am glad I have it. It doesn't mean you dont have to be careful on wet roads, just that you don't have to be slow. Test drive it I guess. it's also got a very low C/G because of the boxer engine. Oh, yea, the engine. It's well balanced, but there is a turbo lag until about 3000rpm. But, even so its lightning fast. I really love the turbo. Its just plain cool, and will impress anyone who rides with you. Uh, what else.. The automatic is supposed to be nice for an automatic, but I have a 5-speed stick. Its kinda stiff, but not too bad. Gas mileage varies wildy on this car. I usually get about ~15mpg out of it, but I haul asphalt around town delivering pizza. My mom claims around 20-25mpg when I let her borrow it. go to the subaru website, it has more info - all the automotive press have really raved about this car, and it was Car and Driver's Car of the Year (2002 is its first year available in the US). Don't just take my word for it. I just think its a whole lot of car for the price. Plus subarus are really well-made. I've had no problems with mine so far, but I've only got 34k on it. Oh, one more thing. If you like a good sound system in your car... replace the factory one in this. Its crap!
But for the most part I think its way worth its price.
If you want a station wagon/sedan thats safe and has a nice ride, its good, if you want a really fast, turbocharged car that handles really well, Its good too. I have the wagon, and its way more dorky than the sedan, but I get alot of use out of it. Also I think it just might be the fastest station wagon EVER.