Just got back from a test drive of a new OBW with my family. The car seems to have plenty of power and the manual shift mode on the auto tranny was fun. My wife kept remembering our 83 GL Wagon and how noisy, slow, etc. it was. The difference is night and day. Ride was a little bumpy over rough asphalt patches where potholes were filled, but I guess that is due to the OBW suspension stiffness. The wagon was well finished with what looked like some real wood in the console; I liked everything about it, but the price. Have to really load it up to get sunroof or leather. The Legacy GT turbo sedan was wonderful. Gauges were entertaining and the thing is fast; 5 speed tranny was nice except first gear seemed a little too high for smooth take offs (though haven't driven a stick in years. Nice perforated leather seats (black interior on black ext). Its no problem to put your head back into the headrest with a little throttle. Salesman said the turbo was borrowed from Izuzu! The family didn't ride with me in the GT; just the salesman. When I got back and we had our critiquing period on the ride home, I told my wife that if my vehicle went belly up soon, I'd be in the market for a GT Legacy Wagon with manual! But, she gets to pick first. I don't have much experience with Subarus to be saying this, but I believe Subaru got it right-real right (great looks, great safety, plenty of power, nice fit and finish). I hope the reliabilty is good(especially the turbo)with few recalls. Now, I hope they'll negotiate on the prices.
Gregg