A lot of people these days, guys especially, feel that once they begin to start a family, they also have to get rid of their "fun" vehicles and start driving the quintessential minivan/SUV/Etc. This, thankfully, is not entirely the case. While there are certainly situations where only a large vehicle will suffice, there are several sporty, enthusiast models available that actually double as a family transport quite well. One of these vehicles is the Subaru WRX STi.
The STi is, all things considered, a serious, no-holds-barred car in terms of street-going vehicles. It comes from a long line of rally-bred performance cars, and the road version applies some very impressive hardware considering the price point.
For starters, the STi comes equipped with four doors - something rarely seen on any vehicle faster than a golf cart driven by a septuagenarian. When children are involved, four doors is absolutely a necessity, and the Subaru delivers. If you go with an 08+ model, you also get a rear hatch instead of a standard trunk, which makes storing things like strollers, bags, etc. a breeze. The STi rear seats are also "car seat ready," which really just means they have the little plastic clips pre-installed, but is a welcome addition.
On top of this, the STi can be just as economical to drive as the most common child-movers. At 24mpg, the Subaru hangs right in there, and even bests, the commonly chosen Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, and Dodge Durango. You can also enjoy easier parking, and better highway mileage in the smaller, lighter, more aerodynamic sedan.
