That's not really fair either... Subaru straight up says that they are a small auto manufacturer as a division of Fuji Heavy Industries. They never have been particularly agressive about the US market until their recent popularity. Just basically a niche car maker. ALTHOUGH, if they had the sales HOnda does in the US, they'd probably kick Honda's ass down the list. With their planned expansions to their lineup... we'll see how the chips far over the next 5-10 years.

Honda without US sales would be in the bucket. That's just it. Nissan way out sells them domestically and if things continue to improve... Let's also not forget the kei (light) car class... Suzuki is kicking ass there.

just as an addition- you notice the power steering lag yet?:)

if you haven't, do a quick switch back/scandinavian flick type maneuver. Like going through a fast slalom. You'll notice that there is some "lag"

I actually think that the wagon is more fun:)

as for Subaru becoming a major player- wasn't really until the WRX came out that they started to really beef up here in the states. Before that, they had the RS- sold as a test for the WRX, but those are a lot more rare than you think. Before that, the XT-6. They had other "sporty" models, but it wasn't until the popularity of the wrx that this whole thing started. imo