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:

    If no steam is coming from the engine compartment
    NOTE For details about how to check the coolant level or how to add coolant, refer to “Engine coolant”. 1. Keep the engine running at idling speed. 2. Open the hood to ventilate the engine ...

    AT OIL TEMP warning light (AT models)
    If this light illuminates when the engine is running, it may indicate that the automatic transmission fluid temperature is too hot. If the light illuminates while driving, immediately stop ...

    Fuel gauge
    Type A 1) Low fuel warning light Type B 1) Low fuel warning light The fuel gauge shows the approximate amount of fuel remaining in the tank. When the ignition switch is in the “LOCK” ...