You should also check out the VW GTI then. Surprisingly useful trunk space. Get the 1.8T and chip it (~$500), will give you ~210HP. If you're looking to autocross it then I guess you're going to consider suspension changes to any car that you buy.
I haven't looked at the reliability ratings, but there has been only 2 major reliability issues that I can think of. 2000-2001 models had window regulators that could fail, and the window would drop into the door. They've since changed the regulator design, and I haven't seen any reports of the new one failing.
2001 - early 2003 models had (third party manufactured) coilpacks that didn't like cold weather and died mysteriously. This issue has since been addressed.
It might be an idea to look at 2000 for reliability ratings - the coilpack issue would have skewed 2001-2002 numbers.