Faults:

The cars has been absolutely reliable, and a pleasure to drive in the rain. Superb handling. My only gripe was the headlights, which I replaced with Xenon units. God bless the Japanese people for creating such a driver's machine. 88000+ miles and no unscheduled dealer visits. UK Subaru dealers are superb, but pricey.

General Comments:

Very quick and sure footed.

Interior is okay once you get used to it.

Expensive 'Scoobysnacks' at petrol pump.

Performance bargain.

Faults:

The car suffered clutch judder when cold from about 18,000 miles which was replaced quibble free under warranty.

Had a rear brake shoe (for the handbrake) shear off at 23,000 miles. Dealer had never seen before and was replaced under warranty.

General Comments:

Simply the best car I have driven. It is possible to do things that you thought were not previously possible!

The interior is somewhat basic, however the seats (when you finally get the position right) are very comfortable and the driving position was spot on. I was able to drive 900 miles and get out of the car as fresh as a daisy.

The only minor glitch was that the headlights really weren't up to the job.

It was a little thirsty on the petrol, average of around 23 mpg, but this was not helped by the fact that there seemed to be a magnet under the accelerator which pulled your foot to the floor at every opportunity. In addition it sounds glorious!

Faults:

The car developed a juddering clutch on take off, and was replaced under warranty.

General Comments:

This really is a car you can fall in love with. It has looks, pace, people and luggage carrying capacity and is cheap to run to boot.

Everything you read about it is true, it will turn an average driver into a good driver, and a good driver into a God. The feeling of invincibility is worrying sometimes, but we are yet to have even the mildest scrape together.

Where else can you get a 5 door estate for this money, with this performance? As far as I can see nowhere.

The one major downside is the road noise. It all seems to be tyre related, but fortunately the whistle of the turbo can still be heard!

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Bought a 5 door because I needed the extra space, and don't regret it for a second. It's cheaper to service than a Ford, and I've had no troubles with it at all, which is surprising, seeing how much I enjoy myself in it.

Car returns 16-26 MPG, depending on the type of road, which would be an issue if I had to pay for fuel. Watch insurance costs too, as they can be on the large side.

Everything that's been written about this car is true. From the bad (dull interior and understeer) to the extraordinary (performance, grip, handling and grins per mile).

Recently sent the car to Prodrive to have the performance pack fitted. It's not cheap, but it makes the car at least 20% faster and 50% more refined (1.2 seconds off the 0-60 time and 2 seconds off the 0-100 time).

To top it off I joined the Impreza drivers club (www.sidc.co.uk), and the friendly and knowledgeable people there have made owning the car even more pleasurable.

Big downside? What in hell am I going to replace it with for the money?