For many that compromise (FWD) is a necessity. I second your nomination! Also, Vs. the GTI, the Speed has an actual mechanical limited slip-big difference.

gotta disagree. Until the 24v version, it was nothing but a secretary's car. New version is pretty fast and great as an econo muscle car, but fails at everything else.

Great choice, but many of us are in locations that preclude RWD for the perfect compromise. Also, gas mileage is pretty bad - mechanical superchargers tend to have that effect. I'd rather have a turbo DI V6!

HOT DAMN! A Legacy STI Wagon has been on my dream least for nearly 2 decades. I'd even take the mileage penalty that comes with sub 9:1 compression!

I already dye my hair, I don't want to drive a car that makes me look like a geezer. That includes ALL Japanese Buicks (7G Celica/Supra/Mk1+2 MR2 excluded). Also, no 3rd pedal in a 2 door is a killer for many(hopefully most) without a 3 pointed star on the hood.

IMO, MUCH better build quality than anything in its class. Actually, if you compare specs, the 3 is so far ahead of the competition, it's almost laughable (spare tire was an option for Chevy!). Then drive one...EASY choice.

I can get on board with your choice. Pretty good mileage too. If you don't have a lot of hauling (where a wagon type would be necessary)to do, it's great. I was bummed by the weight when it came out though- almost 200# gain- and struts, but what can you do? I almost bought one.

sucks to be US

You are so right. Pretty sure there is no Legacy Wagon anymore. Got a pretty straightforward response from Subaru marketing about why- they just didn't sell enough, but I think it has to do with extra profits from basically the same vehicle when sold as a quasi-SUV.

Mazdaspeed3- damn fast (100mph trap in the 1/4 mile), lots of versatility with 5 door layout, great assembly quality in its price range, great mileage if you control your foot and keep the R's down(way better than EPA sticker-30+hwy, 25mixed), great handling for FWD, and pretty good in the white stuff with winter…

Yeah, I have to give it to you as a fail, considering the '99s were basically recalled voluntarily.

and food contents in the stomach that have absorbed ingested alcohol can delay that much longer.

AMERICA...F-yeah!

Before clicking the link I ASSUMED this had an EVO or Galant VR-4/DSM turbo conversion. Wow, not even a half assed turbo kit. Definitely CP

I'd add a 2nd or 3rd gen Integra (non v-tec) to the list. Can't be any harder to find unmolested than a CRX, but you get about 25% MORE POWER (vs. SI), and a lot of real car behind the driver. Weight only creeps up by about 2 heavy set passengers.

I still remember the s13 being the laughing stock of any comparo test it was involved in (U.S. media). Both versions of the KA24 were reviled by the mags, but mainly for NVH issues! If they only knew back then.

Not a Ford offering, so not sure it qualifies. But this car and anything Shelby has produced after his Chrysler days get the thumbs down.

don't remember any performance "5.0" models until the Cobra for 1993 model. They all had the same ratings for a given model year.

In fairness, it wasn't down an insane amount (it was off by 15-20hp), but Mustang guys and mags hit the dyno with more frequency than most (any) car owners. Ford admitted the problem, researched the cause (outside vendors' intake manifiold and exhaust), and fixed all '99 cars. The result was the first Stang in years…

I thought it was also acknowledged that those pushrod Cobra engines were making a few ponies (20+?) more than advertised. GT40 heads and intake net you more than 25 hp.