2008 Subaru Impreza WRX

As a former owner of a 2002 WRX, photographer Julia LaPalme isn't especially impressed with this 2008 model: "Everything feels softened on this Subie. The clutch engagement is squishy (sometimes I let it out too soon, other times too late). The engine is so quiet and smooth at 3000 rpm that I find myself speeding a bit too easily (me+WRX=trouble). And I hope trouble doesn't require quick braking-the binders feel soft and slow to bite, making me dig in my foot much deeper to get the stopping action I expect, a disappointing trait for a rally-bred car."

Alas, LaPalme continues venting: "I'm rowing through this slushy gearbox, half the time bumping my elbow on the center armrest latch, causing it to pop up unexpectedly. What's with that? Overall it feels like Subaru is dumbing down what used to be an award-winning vehicle. I, for one, will be nursing a broken heart because of it."