Let me start by saying that I am biased towards the Subaru WRX. I have owned a 2002 WRX 5-speed sport wagon since late summer of 2001. Hands down the WRX is one of the best cars for the money on the planet. It is fast, fun to drive, and practical, especially if you live in an area that receives some snow.

The WRX is the best car I have ever owned... until now. We are now a two-car family, a 2002 Subaru WRX wagon and a 2005 Saab 92x Aero. At first I dismissed the 92x as an overpriced rebadge of a WRX and had actually intended to buy a new WRX wagon. That was before actually driving the Saab 92x. It is unbelievable the improvement Saab has made over the original Subaru product.

The most noticeable changes are to the exterior of the car. I've always found the WRX to be a good-looking car in a funky sort of way. The Saab 92x is a great looking car period. I've seen many variations, but find the blue with 17" wheels to be the best looking of the lot. The 17" wheels are part of an upgrade package that includes a power moon roof that is not even an option on the WRX. Automatic climate control is also standard on the Aero.

The interior has minor upgrades, but to me still looks all WRX. The seat fabrics are a bit nicer and leather is an option. We chose to ignore the leather since it is not as grippy as cloth and added big dollars to the price.

The biggest changes are those you do not see. To start with, the steering rack from the standard WRX has been replaced with the rack from the WRX STi. Steering feel is greatly improved and a new ratio makes the steering quicker. Saab also made some other minor changes to the suspension that make it feel more befitting the upscale Saab nameplate. Saab has also made major advancements in noise/vibration dampening. Overall, 92x feels like the best WRX in the world.

Now what about the biggest complaint? Clearly, the Saab 92x is more expensive than the Subaru when comparing list price. Saab has apparently become aware that this is a big issue to many people and has taken steps to address it. I received a $3,000 rebate from Saab and a $1,000 rebate from GM due to owning a non-GM vehicle, a Dodge Neon I traded in. The dealer also dropped some money off the price and gave very good trade in value to my old vehicle, much better than the Subaru dealership offered. After discounts, I paid slightly LESS than the best price I could get on a comparably equipped Subaru WRX wagon and got a power moon roof as a free bonus. Did I mention that all scheduled service is free for the first two years? That is about a $400 value. The warranty is also standard 4 year/50,000 miles versus the Subaru standard 3 year/36,000 miles.

Are there other negatives? Sure. All the sound deadening and extra options add weight that translates to a slight impact in acceleration. The only place you will notice this is if you plan to race other cars.

Another big negative for Saab loyalists is that Subaru, not Saab, makes this car. As long as you can accept that this is a Subaru that has been "tuned" by Saab, you will be happy. If not, buy a Saab 93 and spend more money or a Subaru WRX and get less refinement and fewer options. It's not a matter of one car being perfect for everyone. Get what makes you happy. Our family has enough love for both the Subaru WRX and the Saab 92x Aero. Come on folks... group hug?

I fear that this car is destined to be disliked by both Saab and Subaru loyalists. That's a shame because it is a great car and a good value. Most people who don't like it have not really taken the time to drive and objectively compare it to the WRX. I did and I bought one.

Amount Paid (US$): 24,000
Condition: New
Model and Options: 2005 92x Aero Automatic Trans