I love the look of the Forester. However I do not own one.

Has anyone considered the Scion XB? Yes, that would be the "cereal box on wheels" but the newer one is a lot smoother and round. I bought an '08 and I love it. These cars are packed with goodies and style. The interiors are very modern having plastic on the doors. Cup holders everywhere! The back seats do not completely come out but they do come down in a push of a button. It also comes with a built in iPod outlet (and iPod extras), so naturally it has an mp3 player. Underneath the backseat theres a slim space all along the bottom so you don't trash your car. I haven't tried to fit 2 bikes but it definitely fits one (not in total standing up position). The gas tank is small and it's great on gas! The engine for all '08 Scions are now Toyota CAMRY engines! We all know that Toyota's run forever. That's what sold me. I would have gone the Hybrid route but it was a tiny bit out of my price range considering that I'm still in college Also considered a wagon, the XB has got great perks and style. I love mine.

Oh yeah. You save a lot of money when you go the Scion route. Toyota (Scion) designs are meant to appeal to the modern person (ie: modern dash, mp3 outlet, overall interior). They pack as much as they can into the car and then sell it for a reasonable price.