Faults:

The radiator spontaneously sprang a leak. The dealer replaced it immediately under warranty.

Plastic carpet fasteners in the cargo area were sheared off when loading heavy boxes.

Generally, fragile interior and body. Performance is achieved, in large part, by weight savings.

General Comments:

The WRX wagon is a great combination of affordable performance and utility. The engine and drivetrain are first-rate and solid. The ride is compfortable for the level of peroformance. Front seats provide good support and are comfortable even for several hours.

With it's light weight, strong engine and turbo and all wheel drive traction, it has excellent acceleration and secure handling on wet pavement and loose gravel.

The steering is a bit heavy and imprecise compared to my BMW, but not objectionable. The turning radius is a bit too large for the size of the vehicle.

Cornering is impressive at normal speeds. The suspension allows a bit too much body roll for high speed cornering.

Brakes have good stopping ability but are not as easy to modulate as my Bimmer. I still have 40% pads after 36k miles, a great improvement over the Bimmer.

Best of all, you can easily modify the car to suit your own preferences and increase the performance to truly astounding with aftermarket high performance parts available everywhere.

Although it is small, the interior space is useable for cargo. The rear seats fold flat and the front seats almost fold flat. I have used to to carry large cargo items including a 7 foot high relay rack and roll-around tool boxes.

I get between 22 and 24 miles per gallon in combination city and freeway driving. Maintenance costs have been normal. It's the only vehicle I know that provides so much fun for so little money.

Faults:

Brake trouble at 1300 Miles - defective pads from factory. (Warranty repair) Power window trouble at 1700 Miles. (Warranty Repair factory defect)

General Comments:

Car has good power, but is very uncomfortable for anyone over six (6) feet tall. Seats are very uncomfortable with only a limited range of adjustment. Cargo carrying capacity of trunk is very limited.

Faults:

No real problems as of yet.

Transmission shudders a bit when clutch is released when cold. Subaru says it is common. Personal mechanic says it could be a clutch problem.

General Comments:

I am very pleased with this car. The handling is superb, albeit with a swarm of oh-so-hated understeer when it is pushed hard. Car is an absolute dream in rain or ice.

Acceleration is quick and crisp and smooth, but the turbo stumbles until the car is warm (typical of turbocharged cars). The stock shifter is nice, but I prefer my short-throw much more.

An excellent value for the money, with a host of possible upgrades and modifications. Done a few myself...

Faults:

Paint chips away fairly easily.

Part's are expensive. Glass for windshield is $1500 cdn.

Problems with fuel sensor, replaced under warranty.

Taking in for clutch shudder when cold, technical service bulletin available.

Digital air sensor not that accurate, no way to calibrate according to dealership.

ABS oversensitive, adjusted driving by downshifting more instead of relying heavily on brakes.

General Comments:

Great fun to drive, handles curves well.

Full size spare will almost completely fit in well (1/4 inch difference)

Average on fuel economy, 9.96l/100kms.

Fun to drive in the snow, especially with a good set of winter tires.