The Detroit News's view

Want to start a heated argument in our household? Start by parking the redesigned 2002 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport in the driveway. Paul likes its quirky Japanese styling. Anita thinks it’s hideous with an overload of tacky exterior details. But both agree that you’ve got to respect a vehicle that gets you into all-wheel-drive territory for under $20,000.

Only one question remains: Will the Outback Sport’s higher suspension and two-tone paint appeal to those who like the idea of an SUV but don’t like the conspicuous gas consumption?

He: I’m not sure just who Subaru is aiming at with the Impreza Outback Sport, which also has too many names. This is basically a compact station wagon that’s being marketed as a nonwagon. It’s kind of cute and fun to drive, but I’ll bet I’m not the right demographic.

She: Funny, I figured it was aimed at the type of guy who is attracted by cheap fishing lures. The Impreza Outback is just too flashy. But let me digress. I was all set to give it just two stars, largely based on its looks, but I kept driving it. Finally, on Nov. 30, I changed my mind. We had lots of rain and the streets of our subdivision were flooded. The Impreza Outback, with its standard all-wheel-drive, gave me confidence in navigating those waters. But that doesn’t mean I have to like the way it looks. I especially dislike the two-tone effect, which looks dated next to competitors like the Mazda Protege5 and the upcoming Toyota Matrix. Ditto the rear wheel arches which look painted on and not chiseled into the metal. And why are some of the exterior badges gold and some silver?

He: Why are some of my fillings gold and some silver? Gosh, what a nitpicker. Did you happen to notice that the Impreza Outback Sport comes with lots of standard equipment, including anti-lock brakes, a CD player and air conditioning?

She: And that wonderful industrial-grade interior upholstery. Matches nicely with the exterior. Not.

He: As I was saying, did you happen to notice the 165-horsepower engine or nifty accessories like the removable rubber mat in the cargo compartment? No, all you want to do is gripe about the badges.

She: I’ve only just begun. I don’t like the bulgy rear end either.

He: You know what they say – if the shoe fits. I’m not saying the Impreza Outback is perfect. While you get a lot of standard features for under $20,000, this vehicle lacks some basic amenities, including a vanity mirror on the passenger’s side. More importantly, it lacks critical safety equipment, notably side air bags. I also had difficulty squeezing my bulky carcass into the rear seat. Hope the young parents who buy this car still have small children – really small children.

She: I’m surprised that a Japanese vehicle would have such a lousy cupholder on the instrument panel. You push the bar to have it spring open and it only comes halfway out. And the plastic tie-downs in the smallish trunk look flimsy. How much would it have cost to install metal ones?

He: I thought you were giving this three stars? All you’ve done so far is grouse about the car. I think it’s a great vehicle for people who don’t need a lot of interior space or maybe don’t feel that comfortable in a larger car, and don’t want to spend more than $20,000. The Impreza Outback Sport is distinctively styled, so it stands out from the pack. You get nimble handling, a peppy engine, lots of standard features, plus what I consider the deal maker – standard all-wheel drive. It’s pretty tough to beat that package for the price.

She: Don’t oversell it. There are compromises. Like the rough ride and the engine noise, from the time you turn the key in the ignition to merging on the freeway. As for the all-wheel drive, without it, the Impreza Outback merits only two stars. And even though this is an alternative to a conventional sport-utility vehicle, the gas mileage is surprisingly mediocre for a four-cylinder compact – 20 miles per gallon in ty driving and 28 on the highway, according to the EPA. Many of its competitors are rated from 30 to 40 miles per gallon in highway driving. But to paraphrase Rodney Dangerfield in Caddyshack – it looks good on you, honey.

2002 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport

Anita’s rating: above average

Paul’s rating: above average

Likes: All-wheel drive for under $20,000. Standard antilock brakes. Standard CD player and air conditioning. Peppy engine. Pleasant styling (Paul).

Dislikes: No rear leg room. No side air bags. Rough ride. Lots of engine noise. Hate the styling (Anita).

Type: Front-engine, all-wheel drive, five-passenger wagon.

Price: Base, $18,695; as tested, $19,545 (inc. $525 destination charge).

Engine: 2.5-liter H-4; 165-hp; 166 lb-ft torque.

EPA fuel economy: 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway.

12-month insurance cost, estimated by AAA Michigan: $1,111 (Rates may be higher or lower, depending on coverage and driving record.)

Where built: Japan