I've only had 3 cars. First one at 17, kept it for 3 years, changed and kept that for 3 and a half, and then the Impreza.
98-01 Honda Civic 1.4i - great fun, handled like a go-kart and wasn't too slow. Would have loved a 1.6 vtec though. Fantastic first car.
01-04 Vauxhall Vectra 1.8 Club - got loads of money off it through GM credit card points, so it was dead cheap. Very comfortable, great base for a good stereo install, cruise control was magic on the motorways. Front end was useless, tyres lasted 8-10K. Did the job when I needed it really.
04-current - Impreza. Got first full time job after uni after being a contractor whore and ploughed my ill gotten gains into this. 5 years at uni all to buy a car. Worth it? Damn straight.