As an STi owner and enthusiast, I can see why the STi would come across so abrasive in normal street driving. However, that's not what an STi is for. Firstly, it's a rally-derived AWD car that will go through any environment it's tall enough to clear. This is not a car to test on a country road. You test it hooning through the woods sideways or an a racetrack. You're paying for the amazing mechanical grip. There's no torque-vectoring, brake-grabbing, clutch pack pseudo electronic crap. The STi has a rear Torsen 2 diff, front Torsen diff, variable magneto servo center diff, and from ZF one of the sweetest manual tranny's around. My biggest gripe, is that Subaru has used the same freaking power-train in the US since the 2004 USDM model, which is unacceptable. They need to step the power up to 400 or close. Fortunately, I own a totally customized STi for my needs, which is what owning an STi is all about - getting creative and going anywhere, be it snow, rain, mud, woods, beaches, etc.
I just wanted to see the new Hyper Blue and interior. STi's have sold out every year in the US since 2004 when they started here. STi buyers don't give a crap about this review - no offense as it's a good review for non-owners. I specifically said the STi is abrasive in street driving, because it is. However, few cars can do what an STi can in all weather conditions and surfaces. No newly sold cars under ~$100K match its mechanical grip, esp now that the Evo is emasculated in the US. An STi is not meant to be a daily driver. It's a homologation car. STi's rally all the time, all of which begin like this car. Google Rally America and check out why this platform does in reality.
Good review but who cares if the ride is rough. It's a no compromise performance car so requires the driver to be equally dedicated, not pansy drivers that whinge about a harsh ride.
+TestDrivenTV Haha thanks for the on-air reply. Fair point. But as I love my 2006 STi so much, which definitely rattles more than the current model, I can look past its glaring faults. But thats something an objective review should rightly highlight for those not so infatuated with the car.
Come on, the steering rated a 2/5!??? I owned a '16 STI for 15 months...the steering is amazing! That's the main thing that I miss about that car. The transmission a 4/5? It's a bulletproof transmission that works holds up incredibly well. I liked the ride quality a lot. It would be nice if you did some research first. They do make an extended arm rest. By the way, it's alcantAra, not alacantra.
thanks for reviewing this car subjectively. Im still shocked why this car is put so high up on a pedestal when its performance to dollar ratio hasnt been impressive in over 12 years
Are they ever going to upgrade the engine? It has been the same engine for a very long time. I think if they come out with a new engine they will get more people buying this car.
+Richard's World I'm sure they will - but Subaru felt that they needed to upgrade the chassis before they could throw in more power. Having said that, the STI is still faster in a straight line than a $70k Porche Cayman 6 cylinder (really - see the TH-cam video), so I don't think the STI is really a slouch yet. Especially when paired with a good Stage 2 power package - it's plenty quick. the gas mileage does suck though, and so does low-end torque.
I'd buy a Golf R. before I would a STI. Yeah it's more money. But unlike the STI it's grown up to a great everyday driver. STI needs a major upgrade maybe the next gen.
WRX (non-STI) has a MUCH smoother and damp ride. The STI is was purposely made to drive and handle purely with performance in mind, not comfort or refinement. It's a pretty clear statement. Very few people would hop into a STI looking for a smooth ride... from the way you describe the car and what you liked and not, you should have been on a WRX.
How are the leather seats in limited I am debating between base Sti and limited just cause I am not sure if getting leather seats in a quick car like this one is a good idea please suggest , thanks , also are those wheels suppesed to be better performance wise then base black ones ? Thanks
+Lawton Long Really? I will say that the WRX's steering is lazy. But the STI has a completely different steering rack. The old STI would flex. But the new one is very rigid. I can easily understand why many people don't see its appeal. But I have this car, so clearly it appeals to me as well as many others. Record sales numbers overwhelmingly back that up. A four door turbocharged 3,300lbs (ish) car with features like a nonsense six speed, hydraulic steering, Front rear and center mechanical differentials. 5 star crash test rating even and the head on three-quarter category. Subaru is also currently holding the #1 spot in the Kelley Blue Book resell value category. But clearly people are not seeing what I see. Personally I don't think they can get over the bumpy ride and that wing. And I can't deal with paddle shifting and electric steering.
If you pay $39K for this car, you have lost your fucking mind! Get a WRX spend $4k get mods stage 2 and pro tune and still under $35K and smoke this car.
There you have it, Internet Police has reviewed my financials and has come upon the answer that has been haunting me since my last auto purchase. I could not afford an STI so i purchased a Cadillac CTS-V spec. I hope to overcome my grief sometime after I pull out of my driveway in the morning.
Jack Hammer I am the internet police and have access to all your online finances. If you spent less money on cake fart porn and put more money into savings you would be able to afford a slightly better car then your 2000 pre-owned Ford Focus with 220,000 miles with 3 out of 4 hubcaps missing.
At the end of the day , if you have a wrx and spend 5-10 grand in mods on it , it's STILL not an STi bro . I would take a stock STi over a modded Rex all day long .
It takes a good deal of talent to talk about a vehicle in person without distracting from it. Nice review Sam!
"This car has a nice ass" at 2:00 hilarious
Honest straightforward review as always. My favorite car channel.
Hey Sam I love your reviews of performance cars much better than those of other "run of the mill" cars! Well done!
This was a really an informative and entertaining review to watch.
+Dan Ricciardo Yeah, I like his reviews as well. I could have choked on my food when he said "This car has a nice ass!" lol.
@Nova Jaylen Yup, I have been watching on instaflixxer for months myself :)
@Nova Jaylen Yup, been using instaflixxer for since december myself :)
305hp from a 4 banger is still pretty impressive. Please, Subaru, put this engine in the BRZ.
+dreamwhileyousleep and faster than the Porche Cayman.
Try the WRX,, it has been updated and the ride seems to be better.
I have a 2006 wrx wagon, I agree with you that Subaru really has neglected the STI and it needs a major overhaul to stay competitive.
As an STi owner and enthusiast, I can see why the STi would come across so abrasive in normal street driving. However, that's not what an STi is for. Firstly, it's a rally-derived AWD car that will go through any environment it's tall enough to clear. This is not a car to test on a country road. You test it hooning through the woods sideways or an a racetrack. You're paying for the amazing mechanical grip. There's no torque-vectoring, brake-grabbing, clutch pack pseudo electronic crap. The STi has a rear Torsen 2 diff, front Torsen diff, variable magneto servo center diff, and from ZF one of the sweetest manual tranny's around. My biggest gripe, is that Subaru has used the same freaking power-train in the US since the 2004 USDM model, which is unacceptable. They need to step the power up to 400 or close. Fortunately, I own a totally customized STi for my needs, which is what owning an STi is all about - getting creative and going anywhere, be it snow, rain, mud, woods, beaches, etc.
I just wanted to see the new Hyper Blue and interior. STi's have sold out every year in the US since 2004 when they started here. STi buyers don't give a crap about this review - no offense as it's a good review for non-owners. I specifically said the STi is abrasive in street driving, because it is. However, few cars can do what an STi can in all weather conditions and surfaces. No newly sold cars under ~$100K match its mechanical grip, esp now that the Evo is emasculated in the US. An STi is not meant to be a daily driver. It's a homologation car. STi's rally all the time, all of which begin like this car. Google Rally America and check out why this platform does in reality.
I'll "truthfully" have fun on track with my STi every week, sliding around and going sideways trough turns.
Good review but who cares if the ride is rough. It's a no compromise performance car so requires the driver to be equally dedicated, not pansy drivers that whinge about a harsh ride.
Your comment made The Mow Down: th-cam.com/video/dFqjkctIyKM/w-d-xo.html
+TestDrivenTV Haha thanks for the on-air reply. Fair point. But as I love my 2006 STi so much, which definitely rattles more than the current model, I can look past its glaring faults. But thats something an objective review should rightly highlight for those not so infatuated with the car.
Come on, the steering rated a 2/5!??? I owned a '16 STI for 15 months...the steering is amazing! That's the main thing that I miss about that car. The transmission a 4/5? It's a bulletproof transmission that works holds up incredibly well. I liked the ride quality a lot. It would be nice if you did some research first. They do make an extended arm rest. By the way, it's alcantAra, not alacantra.
It's AlcAntara; it's a Spanish word.
thanks for reviewing this car subjectively. Im still shocked why this car is put so high up on a pedestal when its performance to dollar ratio hasnt been impressive in over 12 years
Great video and great driving
subaru needs a 400hp sti base model
sti the best
Are they ever going to upgrade the engine? It has been the same engine for a very long time. I think if they come out with a new engine they will get more people buying this car.
+Richard's World
I'm sure they will - but Subaru felt that they needed to upgrade the chassis before they could throw in more power. Having said that, the STI is still faster in a straight line than a $70k Porche Cayman 6 cylinder (really - see the TH-cam video), so I don't think the STI is really a slouch yet. Especially when paired with a good Stage 2 power package - it's plenty quick. the gas mileage does suck though, and so does low-end torque.
what road is that? is that the 168 or 266 by nevada/california?
I'd buy a Golf R. before I would a STI. Yeah it's more money. But unlike the STI it's grown up to a great everyday driver. STI needs a major upgrade maybe the next gen.
It's a fun car to drive to say the least. Follow my channel for more Subaru STi content! 👍🏻
Stiff suspension because racecar...don't be beech
WRX (non-STI) has a MUCH smoother and damp ride. The STI is was purposely made to drive and handle purely with performance in mind, not comfort or refinement. It's a pretty clear statement. Very few people would hop into a STI looking for a smooth ride... from the way you describe the car and what you liked and not, you should have been on a WRX.
How are the leather seats in limited I am debating between base Sti and limited just cause I am not sure if getting leather seats in a quick car like this one is a good idea please suggest , thanks , also are those wheels suppesed to be better performance wise then base black ones ? Thanks
If you like leather they are good. We didn't find them slippery.
well semi you are in trouble three and a half ✨ what are you thinking I will unsubcribe you right now. This is One of my favourite car man.
you gave steering a 2/5? bruh...
You made it to the Mow Down this month: th-cam.com/video/vgEdHyP7lAI/w-d-xo.html
+Lawton Long Really? I will say that the WRX's steering is lazy. But the STI has a completely different steering rack. The old STI would flex. But the new one is very rigid. I can easily understand why many people don't see its appeal. But I have this car, so clearly it appeals to me as well as many others. Record sales numbers overwhelmingly back that up. A four door turbocharged 3,300lbs (ish) car with features like a nonsense six speed, hydraulic steering, Front rear and center mechanical differentials. 5 star crash test rating even and the head on three-quarter category. Subaru is also currently holding the #1 spot in the Kelley Blue Book resell value category. But clearly people are not seeing what I see. Personally I don't think they can get over the bumpy ride and that wing. And I can't deal with paddle shifting and electric steering.
Subraru. RAR!
If you pay $39K for this car, you have lost your fucking mind! Get a WRX spend $4k get mods stage 2 and pro tune and still under $35K and smoke this car.
You sound like someone with a WRX who couldn't afford the STi.
There you have it, Internet Police has reviewed my financials and has come upon the answer that has been haunting me since my last auto purchase. I could not afford an STI so i purchased a Cadillac CTS-V spec. I hope to overcome my grief sometime after I pull out of my driveway in the morning.
Jack Hammer
I am the internet police and have access to all your online finances. If you spent less money on cake fart porn and put more money into savings you would be able to afford a slightly better car then your 2000 pre-owned Ford Focus with 220,000 miles with 3 out of 4 hubcaps missing.
At the end of the day , if you have a wrx and spend 5-10 grand in mods on it , it's STILL not an STi bro . I would take a stock STi over a modded Rex all day long .
+TestDrivenTV you spelled subaru wrong dummy
and for the uncomfortable bumpy ride complaint, dude its a rally racing car......... get real
Perhaps you didn't pay attention. It's not the rough ride that was the problem, it was the fact it makes the car rattle and feel like a P.O.S.
Yeah our intern is so getting fired again.
TestDrivenTV yeah definitely
My god it is fucking ugly!! . Still no good looking model since the 06-07
Love everything about the sti except it's outdated engine that has horrible mpg and hay ugly ass wing. Hope they bring back the hatchback ASAP
worst sti review ever. please never go near a subaru again..
This guy is so cringy