I would take a hard look at the little Suzukis. I am in a similar situ, where I want a WRX, but don’t want to shell out the duckets. The little Suzis are calling me, but I’m waiting for them to “come full term” with the options and features I want. I’m sold on Suzuki quality and price, just waiting for them to catch up on goodies.
Um, I’m not sure what your point is since the OP explicitly excluded the Forester because it was too truck-like…hence the car-like suggestions.
I ended up putting a pretty good squeeze on a Subaru dealer who’s swimming in inventory right now and walked out with a new base model Outback (plus a couple of options) for $7k off MSRP.
It’s definitely a real wagon, but I’m surprised at how well it handles, and I’m impressed with the power of the base engine. Then again, I don’t drive like a demon. The rear seat looks a bit tight, but I only really haul around a couple of toddler neices and nephews on a regular basis.
They’re doing a complete redesign for 2010, so you may be able to score a totally sweet deal a bit later in the year.
Since they made such a sweet offer on the Subaru, I didn’t bother with the Matrix S. It’s basically the same weight and same mileage as the Outback, with a less powerful engine.
Thanks, black rabbit. I’m 3-ish years out from being in the market yet, but when I am, I’ll probably be looking at 3-ish-year-old cars, so now is when I need to have my eyes open. 
I just wish Toyota would bring back the Camry wagon.
My 2000 Subaru Legacy wagon is at around 143,000 miles and is running fine, although the suspension’s getting a little flabby. I liked it over the outback because it’s more like a simple small wagon type car but with AWD. I love the way it handles. The cargo space is fine for my family of four. I think the last year they made the Legacy wagon was 2007 so the only way you’re going to get one is used. Plenty of headroom, unlike my old Ford Escort, but the driver seat was uncomfortable after a couple of hours. Not so much now, though, I think I’ve gotten used to it. I drove a 2009 Forester for a weekend as a loaner, and it was nice, too, but I like my lower scoot.
If you don’t mind getting a used car…like, 25 years old vintage…go Old School with the car that started it all…The AMC Eagle!
http://www.carlustblog.com/images/2008/03/11/eagle1_2.jpg
A straight 6 similar to that in a Jeep Cherokee, full time/disengageable AWD.
Action!
