Did I hear someone say WRX??

I loved mine, but I agree, the new Imprezas are ugly.

And the Impreza chassis was designed to be beat on, if it has been driven hard, it can definately take it. Weak spots are the transmission (on non-STI models), and the rear differential (on STIs). I've been out of the community for a year, so a few other things might have popped up.

As for reliability, the stock '02 WRX dynos @165whp, mine laid down 362whp, through the stock clutch and tranny for over 40k miles without a hiccup (until the day I sold it). I thank Shiv at Vishnu Tuning for that.

Handling is outstanding, once you have enough power to negate the understeer. I've tailed a buddy in his Superformance S1 through the Hocking Hills region (where C&D does its roadtests) without too much difficulty.
Bad roads are a non-issue with decent tires. 8 inches of wheel travel on a 99" wheel base = jumping machine. On icy roads you can generally boost with impunity, if you get sideways, a tap on the gas will straighten you right out.

Heck, I'm suddenly thinking about going back. At least the VX has the ground clearance that I need up here- in Maryland that may not be a requirement.

The older (Ver. 6) Imprezas were noticeably flexier than the V.7 and up Imprezas. The 4-door is stiffer and lighter, but the 2-door 2.5 RS looks better. I've seen half-a-dozen EJ20Ts (WRX motors) retrofitted into the older body Imprezas. Very hot, and semi-legal in most places.

The Subaru Impreza WRX is quite simply one of the greatest sports cars of our time. I'm sure that not everyone thinks so, but if they really look into it, their minds will change.