I had the opportunity to test drive a WRX sedan this afternoon and thought I would chip in my .02. I'll provide further details but let me first say that this car is a big step down in many ways from the IS300 and others in it's class.
The overall refinement or lack thereof if evident everywhere whether you it's the interior, suspension, or general build quality. Yes, the car is fast; much faster than the IS300, but everything else is pretty much a let-down.
Styling: those large headlights dominate your perception, but the rest of the car is mundane econobox.
Interior: really cheap and if you thought the IS300's interior was tight then don't get in this car.
Engine: fast and somewhat unrefined.
Handling: the all-wheel drive is fun and the car sticks to the road, but road noise and especially tire roar is high. I wouldn't want to take this car on a trip over about 20 minutes.
Other: the car comes in one trim level which lacks the availability of a sunroof and I believe the only options are a trunk spoiler and 17 inch wheels and tires. This package according to the salesman adds a whopping $3,500 dollars (they better be damn good looking wheels for that price).
Summary: I'm reminded of the Corvette vs. Porsche debates. Yes, the Corvette was/is fast but which one would you rather own. The Subaru WRX is a fast car, but I wouldn't want to own one. Period.
For something fun from the past check out:
Ashford's Triumph TR6 site
The overall refinement or lack thereof if evident everywhere whether you it's the interior, suspension, or general build quality. Yes, the car is fast; much faster than the IS300, but everything else is pretty much a let-down.
Styling: those large headlights dominate your perception, but the rest of the car is mundane econobox.
Interior: really cheap and if you thought the IS300's interior was tight then don't get in this car.
Engine: fast and somewhat unrefined.
Handling: the all-wheel drive is fun and the car sticks to the road, but road noise and especially tire roar is high. I wouldn't want to take this car on a trip over about 20 minutes.
Other: the car comes in one trim level which lacks the availability of a sunroof and I believe the only options are a trunk spoiler and 17 inch wheels and tires. This package according to the salesman adds a whopping $3,500 dollars (they better be damn good looking wheels for that price).
Summary: I'm reminded of the Corvette vs. Porsche debates. Yes, the Corvette was/is fast but which one would you rather own. The Subaru WRX is a fast car, but I wouldn't want to own one. Period.
For something fun from the past check out:
Ashford's Triumph TR6 site