A couple of you guys are much too tough on the 2.5RS . It's really a pretty good little car . The later ones don't have the same "effect" (for lack of a better word) as the earlier 2.5RS's , as they seem to be just another trim package of the Impreza since the WRX was introduced . The early ones were more like what the WRX's are now , the "hot" version . My brother's '99 2.5RS is a sweet little unit (his is an MTX 2-door) . It's got more than enough grunt & runs out very well up top too . With the CAI & Remus exhaust it sounds really tastey too . It's certainly on par , performance-wise , with a non-SVT Contour , plus has AWD for instant acceleration ! I could certainly see having one . I'd have one over an Outback & whatnot , since you get the 2.5 engine instead of the 2.2 & a bit more performance (don't know about the later ones) . The later ones seem much more washed-out & plain jane than the early ones , but I'm sure still almost as much of a hoot to drive .

There are some pics of his 2.5RS HERE .

~~~~~~~ Phil Black & Tan 2000 SVT Contour #2137 of 2150 35,000 miles & counting !