2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Consumer Reviews

3 years now and still loving it

Written by: Christine on 08/01/2006

Vehicle

2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi AWD 4dr Sedan w/Gold-Painted Wheels (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

My husband convinced me to get this car because he knew that I would not need to replace it anytime in the foreseeable future. It works as a 'family' car and a daily driver. My husband and I were window shopping for something better and you can't find it for less than $60k. At least not with 4 doors and AWD, which is a must.

Favorite Features

Exterior design, handling, power, interior color scheme, the 'size' (I'm petite).

Suggested Improvements

The plastic on the interior feels cheep, and the paint does chip pretty bad. While I like the placement (for the most part) of the upper drink cup holder, it is cheep plastic and doesn't hold very large cups. Oh yeah, and 60/40 rear folding seats.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Fun to drive

Written by: sriegg on 07/27/2006

Vehicle

2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi AWD 4dr Sedan w/Gold-Painted Wheels (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

This has to be the most fun I've ever had driving. It's quick, sharp and loves to go.

Favorite Features

Large trunk, with 4 doors that makes it easy to get in and out of. Love the rear view mirror, really makes a difference when someone comes up behind with bright lights.

Suggested Improvements

Wouldn't want to make a road trip in it, the seats need a shock system, you can feel the paint on the roads. So you can imagine what a bumpy road might feel like.

1 out 3 people found this review helpful

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2004 car of the year

Written by: Josh on 04/14/2006

Vehicle

2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi AWD 4dr Sedan w/Gold-Painted Wheels (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

This car is the funnest thing I have ever driven. I have wanted an STi since they came out in 1994 in every other country except the US. Everyone asked me what my favorite car was and I told them 'a Subaru Impreza WRX STi version 4 Type R'. They were like 'huh' and 'what the heck is that?' Then in 2003 I found out they were coming to the US as a 2004 model WITH 300HP AND 300 FT.LB'S!. Well, needless to say, I started saving my money up, but I got impatient and bought a nearly immaculate used 2004 with ridiculously low miles for a very good price. Why someone traded it in is beyond my comprehension.

Favorite Features

0-60 IN FOUR POINT WHAT? My 84 Subaru got it done in more like four minutes. A 6 speed stick? Stick=needle in a haystack. Corners like no other. gets almost 30 mpg. You can drive it in ice and snow. you wouldn't do that with your Porsche or your Viper, now would you?

Suggested Improvements

Well, it does have about the same ride quality as my 1990 Dodge 1 ton 4x4 diesel truck. Though I like it like that, some don't. A little less turbo lag. prettier wheels, those are the ugliest BBS wheels I've ever seen. A smaller spoiler would keep me from getting pulled over as often, thats about it.

12 out 12 people found this review helpful

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STill the best sports car for the money!

Written by: Steve Gunn on 04/02/2006

Vehicle

2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi AWD 4dr Sedan w/Gold-Painted Wheels (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I absolutely love this car. I bought it looking for a new car to travel with overseas in the military due to its size and I really wanted a sports car. Greatest feature to convince a wife to buy it, 4 doors and seats. It handles great and has all the power you need to get past slow drivers on backwoods roads or into the fast lane on the highway. Only drawback was that Subaru did not offer all-season tire options on this car as it comes standard with RE070 Summer Radials. The day after I bought my STi, it snowed over 2 feet the next few days. I got snow tires and for it and had a blast with the AWD! Everyday driver, ask any STi owner, best car for the buck.

Favorite Features

Powerful engine, great handling, awesome look. Love the driver central controlled differential so I can shift power to the rear or put in auto AWD 50/50. Best brake system on stock sold car. Gets the attention of people who ride with me and makes Corvette owners mad (plead 5th). Easily upgraded.

Suggested Improvements

Offer all season/weather tires as an option. Use ceramic brakes (almost all STi owners I know now use Hawk APS brakes due to the 75-80% brake dust reduction). Most owners I talk to complain about excessive brake dust on OEM brakes. Upgrade stock turbo to 20g bolt-on and bigger intercooler.

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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BUY ONE NOW!

Written by: WRX STi on 03/02/2006

Vehicle

2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi AWD 4dr Sedan w/Gold-Painted Wheels (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I have had many so-called sports cars and this is by far and away the best car for the money. The price performance ratio is solidly in this car's favor as it is as fast as many cars that are twice the price. Peerless handling in all weather conditions inspires complete confidence. If you are a new driver, however, this is NOT the car for you. It would be for someone who is experienced enough to use it to it's full potential. I have had no problems with the car at all, and it is just a rocket sled. Don't look for big MPG numbers, especially if driven in anger. My only other advice: Buy one NOW!

Favorite Features

Performance, looks, comfort, amenities, balance, handling, the list could go on and on.

Suggested Improvements

Maybe a little more upscale interior wise, but nothing that is a deal breaker.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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All weather street-legal racecar

Written by: Amahl2442 on 01/12/2006

Vehicle

2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi AWD 4dr Sedan w/Gold-Painted Wheels (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I wanted an STI long before they came to US shores. The amount of power Subaru was able to extract from a four-cylinder, 2.5 liter engine is nearly obscene. I paid $27K for a 375hp (after a few mods) monster that's as much fun on the racetrack or an autocross course as it is running errands around town. The guttural roar of the boxer, accentuated by an aftermarket turboback exhaust, makes you want to turn off the radio and roll down the windows. I am forced to drive like a complete jerk by this car, and still manage to get 25 mpg around town. Test drove the Evo, the VW R32, the S2000, and while this isn't as comfortable as the VW or as go-kart light as the Evo, it is by far the most fun.

Favorite Features

Aggressive styling (you can keep the Alpha Romeo-looking 06 front end), V8- crushing torque, rumble, spartan-yet-comfortable interior, dazzlingly-bright & adjustable HID lights, bulletproof transmission, incredible Brembo brakes, stock iridium plugs, DCCD, and last but not least, Subaru reliability.

Suggested Improvements

All minor gripes can be cleared up with aftermarket parts. Paint troubles? Rockblocker and several coats of wax. Vague shifter? Try TIC short throw + bushings. Steering slop? Polyurethane rack bushings. Not enough power? TBE + engine management. Scary on snow? Dedicated snow tires. Understeer? Sway bars!

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Subaru is a Total Disappointment

Written by: David Zimlin on 12/30/2005

Vehicle

2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi AWD 4dr Sedan w/Gold-Painted Wheels (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

Although I love this car, the biggest problem has been with the dealer and Subaru. I had a synchronizer problem develop, and took it in for repair. I was told that the transmission needed to be rebuilt due to "driver abuse", and that it would cost $2,900. After going back & forth, including talk of legal action, Subaru repaired the transmission free of charge, but said it was only a "gesture of good will", and not a warranty repair. Now, after only 25,000 miles, the clutch is slipping. I am not an abusive driver, I have never raced the car. I am 60 years old, and I have never had a problem with any manufacturer until Subaru.

Favorite Features

Performance, braking and handling. Very easy car to drive. Very safe due to the performance characteristics.

Suggested Improvements

Strengthen the gearbox, and put in a stronger clutch. Subaru and its dealers, need to either honor its warranty, or sell the car without one. Their treatment of me, and others, is reprehensible!

0 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Turbocharged Monster!

Written by: Sgt Prem on 12/20/2005

Vehicle

2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi AWD 4dr Sedan w/Gold-Painted Wheels (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

This car is a true drivers car. Acceleration, handling and brakes are racecar like. A few basic mods will turn this car into a beast. Will get you in trouble with the law if not careful. You will want to stab the throttle every time you step on the gas. I test drove the 04 M3, 06 Vette and was not impressed. I wanted to jump back in my Suby! No need to spend $50k. DCCD is a plus. Behaves like a RWD when you want it to. You HAVE to launch this car! It takes off like a rocket!

Favorite Features

Engine responsiveness, handling, brakes (stops on a dime and looks good), sound, roominess, and muscular look.

Suggested Improvements

Shifter can use some tweaking (3rd&5th tends to grind during at the limit driving,but not that bad. Spoiler can be toned down a bit. Change the factory exhaust, add a boost controller, blow off valve and you have a awesome sounding rocket!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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I'm in love with my car

Written by: Quad on 12/18/2005

Vehicle

2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi AWD 4dr Sedan w/Gold-Painted Wheels (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I love it when I start it, when I drive it, and when I lock it up. I love it in the middle of the night just knowing it's in the garage. The power. The brakes. The handling. The roar. The POWER! And the looks I get -- driving into the parking garage at work ... dropping my kid off at school (from the other parents) ... pulling into the 7-11. You can take your 350Z, your Evo, your (cough) S2000 and keep them. Keep them out of my way, that is.

Favorite Features

Tires stick like flypaper to the road -- brakes make you happy for that seat belt -- acceleration makes you grin like a madman.

Suggested Improvements

Seriously, Subaru, the paint needs help. It chips if you look at it funny. I put a serious scratch in the door with my FINGERNAIL. However, you know it's a pretty good car if all you can complain about is the paint.

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PERFECT 10

Written by: KEITH on 12/08/2005

Vehicle

2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi AWD 4dr Sedan w/Gold-Painted Wheels (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I love this car. It's got gobs of power in every gear, handles like it's on rails, has great fitting seats (for the average size guy at least), nice visible gauge cluster, and gets good gas mileage considering what it is. It's a factory made race car, that is totally street drivable. I can even haul the kids around town with no discomfort what so ever. The best car for under $30k and even beats some higher prices exotics.

Favorite Features

The styling, it's like no other car on the street. Not many cars other than higher priced sports cars like the Z06 can beat it in the straight line, and nothing can compare in the twisties (other than it's rival the EVO8).

Suggested Improvements

None. The car rocks as it is.

18 out 20 people found this review helpful

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