We've been very happy with Subaru for the past 14 years, although I had a Brat in high school and nothing else until 2000. I had the 2000 Impreza 2.5RS and loved it. I added and after market turbo kit that my business was selling, and high power gear set, but the transmission couldn't handle 500hp. So I traded it for a 2004 WRX STi and 3 then years later traded it in for a 2006 Tribeca because of a large carpool and not enough seats. Then in 2009 we added the 2005 Impreza 2.5RS for the kids to drive. In Dec 2012 we traded in the 2006 Tribeca for a 2013 Tribeca, and so we still have two Subarus.
I really like the XV Crosstrek, but I won't get one until they have a small turbo engine or the diesel turbo that they offer overseas. We need boost up here at 6,000 feet, and I'm afraid that 148hp is enough up here to keep me happy, although I haven't tried 148hp with the CVT transmission. I won't give up a spare tire for a hybrid battery just to get some extra torque at 2,000 RPM to make up for high altitude driving.