[knaffie]

I am going to be graduating college in May and I am finally going to get a new car. I already have a S10 4x4 that I am going to keep for pulling trailer / hauling loads / going in the woods etc. What I want is something that gets good mileage, yet is sporty looking and pretty fast. I always had my eye on Grand Prix GTP or Grand Am GT, but I was checking out the WRX after I saw it on a TV commercial. Pretty decent HP out of a 4 cylinder motor. Not to mention AWD would be nice in the winter up here.

I would just like to hear any general information or factual opinions people have about the car - anything at all. Specifically, I was wondering:

What kind of milage does the car consistently get?

How does the car hold up (with only 36,000 mile / 3 year warrnaty, I wouldn't want things to start going to hell soon after it is up)?

How does the car ride (smooth and nice or rock hard like a sports car)?

How is the premium sound system (other manufacturer's premium sound systems are a joke).

What are some of the good performance upgrades that work well (exhaust, air filtration, looks, etc.)?

How does the car work in snow? I am concerned with the functional air scoop ingesting snow, as well as the low stance of the car working like more of a snowplow in more than about 2" of snow.

Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.