I need a vehicle that can take me up snowy mountain roads to my favorite ski areas on a daily basis. My Subaru not only takes me up the mountain safely, but also downhill with AWD and a 5 spd MT. I find it has power to spare with the 4 cyl engine.
I feel extremly safe and secure with the predictable handling, ABS, AWD, air-bags all around, and great windshild wiper de-icing in snowy weather.
I have not towed with it (no hitch yet) but I have brought home rather large and bulky furniture items that fit nicely into the cargo area.
I take care of my own vehicle maintenance, and I like the reputation for longevity that the drive-train, engine components, and suspensions have. I do regular oil changes with Mobil 1 synthetic, and get 200K miles out of my cars.
Considering the passenger and cargo capacity I am pleased to get 25.8 mpg mixed local and mountain driving. I am amazed to get 31 - 33 mpg cruising on the interstate at 70 - 80 mph.
