2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

"For as much power as this car has, it is very easy to drive in traffic," notes associate Web editor Scott Evans. "I had expected the power to be like an on-off switch, but it was actually easy to modulate. Crisp shifter throws and a surprisingly compliant suspension made my freeway travels quite comfortable. The clutch got a healthy workout during a round trip to Irvine in bumper-to-bumper traffic, and my leg never got tired." And out of traffic? "Up in the hills, the grip was fantastic, and the power and the brakes left nothing to be desired." With 15,000 miles on the odo, the STI made its second service stop, a $260.94 oil change, inspection, tire rotation, and engine air filter replacement.