Well- since I just bought the wife an '06 Legacy 2.5i (so she wont get in trouble), and with so many idiots on the road today I wanted her in a very safe vehicle. I strongly suggest looking at the turbo models of these 5: Of course the STI, LegacyGT, Forester XT, Outback XT, or Baja Turbo. all are wonderfully fun to drive with room in them. The Legacys just received a gold rating (only 2 sedans even got this award 1 is the legacy not sure of the other), Of course the Impreza is annually the safest smaller car. I also enjoy Subaru build quality, AWD, high resale, EASY EASY maintenance, etc. Of course the outback XT is the ultimate sleeper. If you have never driven an Outback- much less a turbo- you should. My neighbor has an '02 LL Bean, and I will put it up against anything for comfort, quietness, driver input, and the H6 motor is the smoothest I have EVER felt. Its the best in inclement weather, and you would be surprised that its clearance is higher than most people think. All the turbos with minor mods they can be 300 hp beasts because they already have essentially STI motors with less boost. If you go this route let me know- Not only was my first car a 1983 Subaru GL wagon 4x4, and my second a 1988 Isuzu Trooper II LS, but I sold the scoobies for a short period between real jobs, and got my legacy at a steal due to being a colleague and former employee here where I live. I dont think I could help you in AK unless you wanted a long road trip! I just wish Isuzu and Subaru would have teamed up more so I could continue to enjoy both. 3 scoobies and 4 zoozoos later, I havent found anything better. Maybe thats why my barn has 6 cars in it! LOL

Let me know if I can help with any technical info or driving impressions of any. Good Luck!