Faults:

Two transmissions, the first repaired due to failure of the synchos from 1st to 2nd. This took a month to get parts, as there were a number of failures of this nature in Canada, and the parts were back ordered. The dealer provided a loaner at no cost, and was very helpful. The second time the transmission was replaced (as opposed to repaired) due to whine in the 3rd gear bearings, heard on deceleration.

There was a chronic problem with gas smell due to a problem with the fuel rail, and needed the whole intake manifold off to replace. It was in the shop three time to get it right...

The paint chips very easily, although having the clear 3M plastic "bra" really helps the front hood.

The metal is very thin on the body, I bent the rear trunk in closing it firmly.

My wife finds the transmission hard to shift when cold, but that's normal for most manuals. Shifted to synthetic tranny fluid and may have hastened the synchro failure, although the dealer didn't think so.

General Comments:

This car is a blast!!! Although there have been some problems (it's not a first year car as some have said, it's been on the market elsewhere for years) they have been handled fabulously by my dealer (they also handle BMW and it shows!) They have been helpful, and willing to listen whenever I've had an issue.

The seats are comfortable (I'm a chiro and this is a critical issue for me) and the seat heaters are terrific. Stereo is OK, and the 6 cd capacity is great. Fuel economy on premium sucks, but I didn't buy this car for it's fuel mileage.

It puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. I love the round headlights and since it was only two years on the market in this style, I think it will be worth something in a decade? First of the Japanese Muscle cars...

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.