2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
Bought a used 2008 with high miles to replace an aging Mazda B truck. I also compared a few 2006-2007 models, but no WRX's in the same price range. The 06-07's were much more fun to drive- more connected to the road. The 08 is much quieter and smoother like a "grown-up" car as my wife put it ( she drives an Outback, which we LOVE) I'm a sporty driver with a heavy foot, and the gas mileage is OK- about 23 for urban- suburban commuting, quite often in bumper to bumper. If you want a gas sipper, look elsewhere. If you want AWD security, your're in the right place. 35 MPG is useless if you can't get out of the driveway.
AWD is great- this is our 3rd Subaru. The standard features are fine for an inexpensive car. In regular drive mode, it just putters along. BUT, when you want to play, the Sport mode unleashes the Subie beast. This car runs great!
It needs another gear in the automatic. RPM are a little high at 60-65 mph.. Better yet it needs a completely redesigned auto tranny that can decide what gear it wants to be in.