Subaru, Mazda, Honda, Great Choices For Just Over $25,000
By Mike Garcia
Subaru WRX
I’m guessing there’s a die-hard enthusiast in you. These daily drivers just want cut it. You want supreme performance, reliability, and the best chassis dynamics that money can buy.
Ever consider a Subaru WRX?
Let’s get the tough points out of the way. The Subaru WRX has a starting price of $26,595. It has the least EPA gas mileage estimate of 20 city, 27 highway.
What do you get? Loads of performance. The WRX comes with a 2.0-liter, turbocharged boxer engine capable of 268 horsepower and 258-lb.ft. of torque. Not only is that the most torque of this comparison, but peak torque starts at 2,000 rpm and sweeps all the way up to 5,200 rpm. There is plenty of mid-range punch.
More impressively, the WRX has a base curb weight of 3,269 pounds, nearly equal to an automatic Mazda 6. The Accord Sport with the automatic transmission is roughly 100 pounds more. Why is that impressive? The WRX comes with symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive.
Yes, the Mazda 6 and the Accord Sport may do a better job in terms of handling noise, vibration, and harshness, but at the same time, you want a lightweight performance car.
Something has to give.
It doesn’t have a moonroof. It doesn’t come with a navigation system. It doesn’t have a fancy Bose system, but does come with climate control and a 6-speaker system.
The WRX Premium comes in at a higher price point at $28,895 and comes with an optional navigation system and Harman Kardon amplifier and speakers for another $2,100.
While I love the optional features, the WRX is plenty of car for me, especially at a just over $25,000.