Ask anyone who works at the track about which five or so cars have left an indelible mark and it's possible that the Subaru WRX might make everyone's list. We've tested several iterations over the years: 2002 WRX, 2004 WRX STi, and 2006 WRX TR. And since the WRX is redesigned for 2008, well, naturally we MUST test one. Our Blue Mica sedan set us back $25,169, and it has been on the road several months already. This new model has drawn lots of comments - both pro and con - on what Subaru has done to one of our favorite cars.

Below are our testers raw, initial impressions as the WRX continues through the testing process:

"Still love the powertrain - awesome midrange punch pulls really hard."

"Feels like a pared-down Legacy GT now rather than a WRX."

"Good shifter feel, and the clutch seems just about right."

"Although a little softer [than the last model], it does ride better and quieter - still fun to drive, still very agile."

"Very good snow traction. ESC kicks in quickly and works well - unlike the Outback 3.0RVDC we tested in '06."

"Rides a bit better, but much less confident when pushed."

"Steering is linear but could be quicker."

"This WRX simply isn't as edgy as the last one...and I'm not sold on the new styling."

"Meager 200-plus mile fuel range."

"Interior has been upgraded, but seats still aren't very nice."

"Fun, fun, fun: A joy to drive, just not to sit in...I can't find a comfortable seat position."

"Seat bolsters are way too wide and the seats don't have enough lower-back support."

"Steering wheel doesn't go high enough - blocks some gauges."

"Complaints include a still too cramped rear seat and buried LATCH anchors."

"Automatic climate control calibration is either 'freeze' or 'roast.'"

"[The trunk] has no place to lift the lid; consequently, the chrome trim is loose from people using it as a handle."

"More refined than previous WRX, and now has drivability for normal use around town."

So, as you can see, the new WRX is a mixed bag. It's still powerful and fun to drive. However, it might have lost some of its appeal in a cautious step toward the mainstream (a term I never imagined using when describing a WRX). This line about sums it up for us: "Lost some of its raw character, but still fun to drive."

—Mike Quincy