I would be in a SUV if the prius was not a hatchback, so it makes about a 25 MPG difference. Not sure how necessary you think that is.
To me the impreza is on the low end of the Subaru line, this reviewer says it's slow! I would go for a Prius II or III and put blizzaks on it for winter. Good luck,Enjoy!
OP- if you are going to reopen the search take a look at the Fit. While it is small, they make the most of the space with an amazing layout and it is a fun car to drive. Add in Honda reliability and resale to the fact that $15k or so should buy you a well equiped one and it is at least worth a look.
Mind you she mentions that she is an off road racer, so her concept of 'slow' is not the same as Prius owners. (The Prius is actually one of the quickest cars I have owned) I also suspect that the CVT Impreza is faster than the manual, so do several reviewers.
A few posts are mentioning resale value. Here you go: Subaru and Lexus top ALG 2012 Residual Value Awards Subaru of America won the Mainstream Brand Residual Value Award, landing at the top of the segment for the third year in a row. Two Subaru models also received individual segment awards: the Legacy (in the Midsize Car category) and the Outback (Midsize Utility Vehicle category). "The consistently high quality of Subaru products, and the brand's ability to remain progressive and practical in their redesigns, continue to draw fiercely loyal customers," said Mr. Sundaram. "With high sales, Subaru consistently has low incentives and fleet sales, which have enhanced the brand's used value and helped it hold on to the top spot among mainstream brands again this year."
wow, did you see the aero corners on the Impreza? the sides of the bumpers are flat/straight as can be.
You must drive a bit faster than me since you're in Norcal also. ---------------------- btw, when the lady in video starts talking about 1st geat, 2nd, 3rd, I start rolling eyes. Eeek, don't like gears anymore. My old manual shift truck is ok like old pair of jeans, but automatic transmissions annoy me these days. I just don't like conventional, old fashioned cars anymore. They start talking about 35 MPG highway. I know what that means .... about 29 at the pump if you do mixed driving. Engine will not warm up to 35 MPG for probably 15 minutes on the highway.
I don't know if the OP got his car yet nor have I been following this thread closely, but there's this now: Subaru Halts Sales Of 2012 Impreza, Legacy, Outback For Brake Problem 2012 Subaru Impreza, Legacy and Outback models recalled over excessive brake pedal travel
