Honda Civic continues to be the car to beat with a wide range of bodystyles, engines, and equipment. Civic is a solid car that has good performance, a nice ride, and a high degree of civility. Also a Best Buy, Ford Focus doesn't offer the refinement of the Civic, but doesn't cost as much either.

Topping the crowded Recommended list are Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. They easily could be Best Buys. However, they are among the most expensive cars in this segment. Other Recommended choices include the redesigned but still reliable Toyota Corolla, the sporty Nissan Sentra, and the roomy Mazda Protege. Each of these is a valid alternative to a Best Buy if price is your major concern.

The rally-inspired WRX has been a big boost for Subaru's image. It's also likely been a boost for overall Impreza sales, which rose 17 percent year-to-year in the first nine months of 2002. Interestingly, the redesigned '02s arrived too late to figure much in calendar '01, yet Impreza demand jumped a startling 85.3-percent jump for those 12 months.

As noted, Subaru should soon offer an even hotter WRX called STi, named for and developed by Subaru Technica International, the company's Japan-based in-house performance division. Late word says the U.S. STi closely hews to Euro-model specs, which should mean 261 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque. The increases reflect extensive engine modifications. Among them are a driver-activated water-spray jet for the turbocharger's intercooler, this to keep temperature down and efficiency up. Sources say the STi will also come with 6-speed manual transmission, bigger brakes, even firmer suspension, quicker-ratio steering, 17-inch gold-color alloy wheels, 225/45 performance tires, and limited-slip differentials front and rear, plus blue "suede-effect" upholstery. Also on tap is a new face with more conventional headlamps. Other 2004 Imprezas may get this too.

The STi is intended to trump Mitsubishi's upcoming 265-hp Lancer Evo VIII in the budding battle of roadgoing rally cars aimed at the young "sport compact" crowd. There's also talk of an even wilder STi devised by Britain's Prodrive, which vets the actual competition WRXs. Though not a done deal yet, this one would look even more like the racing versions, sporting a high-flying rear wing, bigger hood scoop, and a more massive front bumper and spoiler. Keep checking back with us for further details.