Exciting drive

The 2.5-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged engine may also play a role in injecting "go-fast" into your blood. The engine creates 265 horsepower and 244 pound-feet of torque, which for a car that weighs 3,200 pounds is more than enough juice. The WRX loves to be flogged and pushed through decreasing radius turns.

Rarely do work commutes leave a little sweat streaming down your back, but the WRX lets you hop out of the car a little more excited than when you got into it.

Even the five-speed manual offers quick throws and makes you drive with a little more enthusiasm. Drivers use manuals. A six-speed may have helped the car's mileage, though, which at 19 miles per gallon city and 25 mpg highway are middle of the road at best.

But that's just one of the give and takes with any car. Want great performance? What are you willing to give up?

    See also:

    Scan tuning (SCAN)
    Type A and B audio Type C audio If you press the “SCAN” button, the radio will switch to the scan mode. In this mode, the radio scans through the radio band until a station is found. The radio will ...

    Windshield washer fluid
    CAUTION Never use engine coolant as washer fluid because it could cause paint damage. If you spray washer fluid on the windshield but the windshield washer fluid warning light illuminates or the ...

    Engine exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)
    • Never inhale engine exhaust gas. Engine exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which is dangerous, or even lethal, if inhaled. • Always properly maintain the engine e ...