I don't own a Subaru, but I work as a tech in a Nissan-Subaru dealer so I see what they come into the shop for, (mostly just oil changes and brakes, lots of brakes, like every 30k) and I live in the Sierra Nevada Mtns. I've had the opportunity to drive them home and on road tests. Subarus kick butt on snow covered roads and in the rain. Just don't plan on doing any serious four wheeling as that's not what they are designed for. They have more interior space than most of your small to midsize SUVs, but don't seem to have a lot of leg room for tall drivers unless you like to lean the seat back a lot. Subarus have always had fairly good reputation for reliability and in the last several years it's gotten even better. A coworker and shooting buddy of mine is the lead Subaru tech and he says they hardly ever have major problems any more. Electrical problems are almost non existent compared to other makes I've worked on. The only reoccurring thing that Subaru cannot seem to get a handle on is oil leaks from the front crank seal and cam seals. But it usually doesn't happen until 60k plus miles and is not a major repair (couple hours to do all of them). The Legacy Outback wagon is a very good vehicle IMO. The WRX is still unproven but selling like the prverbial hotcakes. The [b]Forestor[/b] is the choice of lezzies, and we have our share even up here in conservative gun loving country. Even saw a handgun under the seat of one once [:)] Mileage is not great because the cars are heavy for their size, but they are sturdy and do not squeak and rattle the day after the warranty is over. The 6 cyl has a lot more torgue - but I would wait until the 03s come out to get one. The early ones had a slight timing chain problem. It's a single row "silent" chain, and they broke. We've replaced a few engines because of that and heard like wise from other stores. But if you don't want a regular SUV or mini van and need the room a wagon offers I would not hesitate to recommend one.