i have to agree... i thought the interior was better than any other car in our price range, as well as cars a bit more expensive. and it seems fairly durable. i liked the fact that nearly every driver can find a steering wheel and seat setting that is comfortable. it's nice that they took tall drivers into account. it's a well thought out package. i wish it was easier to add a regular aftermarket radio. seems obvious given this car's target audience.
the STi seems to be a neat choice. i for sure considered it.... i didn't care for the mileage, and AWD doesn't blow my skirt up as much as everyone else. plus it was a bit more money. and ugly (IMO)... plus wifey is a subie hater for some reason.
other than that annoying dash buzz/rattle, and having to replace one of the side strips (it was put on a bit short and caught on the front door)... we have had 20k trouble free miles. had a MAJOR fun run to rockport yesterday (about 170 miles) to meet a buddy for a fly fishing trip. he brought his boat, all i needed were the rods, and lunch.... miles and miles of smooth, deserted texas blacktop. what a cool little car.
TOTALLY covered with bugs...