[Montanan]

I've said in the past that a Mazda is like the pretty but shallow blonde girl in high school ... you'll want to go to the prom with her, but you'd end up hating it if you actually settled down with her permanently.

Even if you don't go off-road, I think there are valid reasons for wanting the Subaru AWD system ... better stability all around, and especially if you are in snow country.

I drove a Crosstrek with the 2.0 for seven years, and it was fine, but after I upgraded to the 2.5 I found it to be quite a bit better, and I'd never go back. I can actually pass cars on two-lane roads without breaking out in a sweat now!

 

[Montanan]

Honestly, it kind of amazes me how many people happily drop $35k on a new vehicle without researching or thinking at all.