Used 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Consumer Reviews
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The Ultimate Car For Mountain Residents
I live in the mountains of Southern California and I couldn't imagine that there is a car better suited for me. I've had this car for a year now and have had absolutely no problems with it. The car has insane power. Very comfortable and smooth on the freeway. The biggest bonus for me though, is that you can drive this car in snow! I've driven up to Big Bear with literally 3.5 ft. of snow on the ground without a single slip, no chains needed! This is the ultimate car to have if you live in the mountains.
Wow. Just wow.
I traded up from a VW GTi VR6, and I am just stunned at how powerful a machine the STi is. The VR6 was no slouch, but the STi is a sports car, not a "sporty car". The acceleration is brutal (in a good way), and can keep up with a BMW M3 and most Porsches. While people get caught up in the acceleration numbers (Car and Driver drove a stock STi from 0-60 in 4.6 seconds), it's the handling that sold me. Tight, responsive, you always feel in control of the car. It's true the ride is a bit noisy and stiff, with minimal comforts (the GTi felt more luxurious), but one test drive sold me. I thought the expression "it puts a smile on my face" was a cliche until I drove an STi.
- WRX SedanMSRP: $14,50029 mi away
- 2.5 i SedanMSRP: $2,97774 mi away
- 2.5 i WagonMSRP: $8,99782 mi away
06 Sti
i bought this car heavily modified knowing it had issues for the price. i bought it for 18,000 with bad piston rings but it was what i was looking for since i wanted to do my own motor build. this car is very user friendly, parts are cheap, and you can get a ridiculous amount of horsepower for the everyday reliability. i drive this car more often than i do anything else and i don't think i could be happier with an all around everyday/ race car.
A great performer
I have owned two STi's in the past 3 years. They are great cars. Both of mine are highly modified and can handle immense amounts of stress. The car is a great daily driver, comfortable, good mpg, amazing handling, and much more. This is a great car if you want to go play in the mud and then go beat up on some Corvettes. The next car with as great bang for the buck as the STi is the $70,000 Corvette Z06.
Happy Owner
When I first purchased my STi it was perfect. Now 6 months later I can't get enough. This is the first vehicle I ever owned which made me not want to go home and park it. It's very satisfying, very addicting and is better than a drink at the end of a hard work day. Not a dull moment. Believe it or not, I am a family man whose family enjoys going everywhere in it.
Best Car Under 40k
I bought this car as a "fun to drive commuter"...what a choice i made, This car is so fun that no matter where you are you just want to go over 100MPH. I have had other nice cars but I will never trade this car EVER!
Monster
Wow ... this is a monster. The performance is just out of this world. This car sells for $49,000 Canadian, but performance-wise goes toe to toe with such supercars as Ferrari, Porsche, etc. that are 3 to 4 times more expensive. The look on their faces is priceless when they just can't believe that their toys can't beat a Subaru, and a lot of times my STi actually leaves them in the dust (talking here especially about all the Audis, BMWs, Boxters, Mustangs, Firebirds, Camaros, previous generation Corvettes, some models of Ferraris, and the list goes on...). Can you believe that? I wouldn't if I didn't drive an STi. Considering the price this is a toy for a grown up boy, young at heart.
BEST CAR EVER
I had a chance to test drive the Evo MR a day before I bought my STi and let me say that there was nothing to compare. The STi was in a class of its own. From start-up to shutdown it's all I ever wanted in a car. I have never smiled so much as do when I drive the STi, especially when a Mustang pulls next to me.
Fun Car
I chose this over the EVO MR, because of the interior and the cruise control. I do have to admit that the EVO MR looked better from the outside; then again, I cant see the outside when I am driving. STi is definitely built for the fun/excitement factor, not for comfort. It took a few days for me get use to that much hp and turbo and control, but now, it puts a smile on my face every time I step into the car. This or the EVO probably are the best performance machines (ignoring the comfort) for a sub $40k purchase. Definitely a car to consider before having kids. Other cars I considered were G35, 330i, TL, IS350, GTO, Cobra, 350Z.
Incredible Car!
I have only had the car for about 1500 miles, but already I am absolutely in love. The car handles incredibly well and accelerates like, like well it's got 300hp! Big brakes, driving it is similar to flying a F-16 with license plates. I am now 100% sure that I will always own a Subaru, great build quality, AWD, reliability, this is the car company that is truly a diamond in the rough. Nothing holds a candle to this car company. I would recommend a test drive of at least the WRX, just to get a taste of what comes when you decide that the extra $9000 is worth it.
Lovin' it
This has been a great car. It is so much fun to drive, too bad the law doesn't let me experience this car to its fullest extend. Everything is well thought out. Can't get used to the new model so I'll stick with this one.
Subaru WRX STi
I bought the WRX STi a few weeks ago and I can tell you that this car certainly lives up to its name. I have had absolutely no problems with it. I live in the mountains of southern California where there are a lot of windy and hilly roads, which make this car all the more fun to have. It never has a problem climbing any hill. It accelerates from 0-60 in about 5 seconds and the handling ability is unbelievable. The hood scoop and spoiler never rattle around as I had read in some reviews, and also the turbo lag isn't that bad; in fact the low end torque on the STi is better than my dad's Porsche 911 Turbo which has 355hp. The 6 disc in-dash CD changer is of excellent quality.
Is there anything this car can't do?
Before this car I had a 2004 Subaru WRX. The car was modded to 340whp. I got tired of the suspension, brakes, and tranny so I decided to upgrade to an STI. Stock, I know this thing isn't as fast as my WRX, but it feels so much quicker, so much smoother, so much more nimble. The transmission is built like a tank and so smooth, especially with a short throw shifter. Power delivery is linear and there is little to no turbo lag. The brakes are insane and have an amazing bite to them. Buying this car was the best decision I've ever made.
AWD supercar!
This car is awesome. The handling and acceleration blows cars away at 2-3 times the price. The build quality is great and I love the way it looks. I really enjoy driving this car!
Great Machine!
I have to highly recommend this car to anyone thinking of buying one. I never drove the WRX, but I love this STI! If you live in a cold weather climate with snow, this is the ultimate performance car for you. Plus you can pass it off as being "practical". 300 HP & Torque is awesome. Shake off all the Fast and Furious wannabees with ease. One of the fastest cars I have driven ... drive one, you will buy one!
GREAT car overall
Awesome power and handling. Very nice interior features with QUALITY build. Consumes a lot of gas but what do you expect out of a turbo car. I love the rumble of the boxer engine. Low beam lights are good for nothing since I can hardly see 20ft in front of me at night. High beams are wonderful though. It pulls nicely, but with more exhaust flow I can only imagine what this beast can do. I would buy this car over and over again.
Simply Amazing
This is simply an amazing car. The base line performance of it is enough to take to the track alone. Adding a few light mods such as a turbo-back exhaust and a BOV increase the performance surprisingly well. It's a car for someone who wants a rocket, and can handle it. Not for consumer influenced drivers who want a comfortable quiet ride. It pulls hard, and it sacrifices sound protection to lighten the car with a thin roof. Sound system is good in my opinion, yet it's hard to hear over the exhaust, I take pride in that. VERY fun to drive, handles well, accelerates hard, stops in no time. It generally makes me happy.
Little beast with Old Skool feel
Jump into the driver's seat & that hood scoop catches your eye, look into the rear view mirror & that rear wing is just sooo good. Picked my MY06 STi up a year ago & what do you know? They've doubled in value. Performance and handling is astronomical for a 15yo car. Corners almost don't exist, this car handles amazingly. Interior is cheap, but it has that no-frills Old Skool feel. Since taking ownership, I've really only driven the car on a handful of occasions, yet it's surprising just how much attention the car draws. From people yelling out as I drive by, to others just interested in the older model STi's wanting to chat, I am very surprised at the level of interest the car receieves. Ride comfort is not great, but when a car looks & drives this good, who cares, right?
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
My car went boom
I buy cars to race and to tune them. I have worked on Lambo's to Kia's. My brother owns a shop in Delaware where I do all of my work and dyno tuning. I was very surprised when then engine practically blew up with minor tuning (nothing internal and factory turbo). After talking with other people who have tried this seems to be a common occurrence. My suggestion... buy the car if you want a fairly quick car that is going to be left stock. You want to tune your car and make it special to you...buy something else.
Best car I have ever had
The STi is the perfect car for Idaho, its fun to drive in the summer and can go anywhere in the winter.
Awesome
I have had the car for a a month and a half and it has been everything it is advertised as being. Awesome acceleration and handling. I have just over 2000 miles on it because I can't stop driving it. I highly recommend this vehicle ... can't wait for the summer.
Head Turner
I love the AWD driving experience, coupled with the performance the STi delivers. It is a ball to drive. It's a fair weather car for me. I still have a lot of money in my pocket with a car that can dust off BMW's and the like with ease.
2006 STi review
Overall a great car under the hood. Performs great, drives good, handles sweet, but mind you, I have only 1000K on it. I have few gripes on the initial quality; front speaker vibrates, wiper wash jet doesn't work, driver side door latch doesn't open. I have to basically roll down the window and let myself out. I think Subaru took the racing pedigree bit too far :- ). I have not taken it past 3000 RPM, will let you know after the engine break in period.
IT ROCKS!
I previously owned a 2002 WRX and so I was very aware of the ability of the boxer engine and performance. But it still floored me! This car has the power to take on cars twice the price and more. And all wheel drive allows me to drive anytime a year and just about anywhere. The handling is greatly improved. ITS ALL GOOD!
WOW! Never Fails to Impress...
This car is amazing. From twisty back roads to highway cruising, it carves through miles and traffic like a hot knife through butter. Suspension is soft enough to not kill your back, but firm when it needs to be. Grip is good, but can be improved with 235/40 tires replacing the stock 225's. Power is fine, even low-end grunt is adequate, but the real treat happens after a very brief turbo spool-up...then holy cats! Basically, find the biggest, toughest guy you know and stick him in the passenger seat. Accelerate from a stop to 70mph getting on the highway and watch his face go white with terror and then start giggling like a schoolgirl...works every time.
Finally
I moved to the US 2 years ago and have bought 7 cars since. A Porsche 911 was impressive, a 2006 GTi lasted 3 months, various other boring stuff. An '05 Legacy gave me a hint of what I really needed. The STi is a average motorwar car, it uses more fuel than I expected. It's also everything a sports car should be, effective, fun, fast and makes you want to get in and drive just for the joy of it. Unlike the 911 you don't need to worry all the time, SUVs don't cut you off for fun, you just sit in your blue and pink world and smile at the sheer joy of a sorted chassis and engine that sounds like its CD would go platinum. As for when the snow comes. LOVE IT.
BOXER GOES WILD
I was looking for an 05 used but #1, I couldn't find one locally and #2, was concerned with previous treatment such a car might receive. So I had pretty much given up the idea. Then I test drove a used 06. WOW I just could not believe what I was doing with this car. My family has owned Subes for 20 years and none of them were any thing like this. I just could not contain my enthusiasm. I drove past the dealership twice before the salesman made me turn in, it was 3 hours later though. We couldn't agree on price so I was left yearning for that smile the STi plastered on my face. Then I bought a new black STi. As my wife says "I love my car"
A better STi
As the happy owner of a 2004 STi, I was blown away with the new front end design of the 2006 model. In no time I had a 2006 Blue STi with gold wheels. This is one of the most amazing cars on the road. Power is impressive over 3000 rpm, but some slight turbo lag is evident below this range. But once the turbo is on boost, look out, you will be hitting redline before you know it. What's even more impressive about this car is its handling and braking. I regularly enter corners at speeds my mind is telling me are too fast, but the car grips without protest. This is truly one of the most forgiving performance cars I've driven. And it stops as well as it goes. Let's just say the brakes are awesome.
my 2006 STi "qwksti"
This is a great sports car, and for the money you can't do much better. Looks are great, and I love the new 06 front end. And with the 06 improved DCCD is tied in with the steering. Better suspension, lower than the 05, smaller front scoop, smaller rear wing (1/2 inch I think) a second rear wing added, liquid filled engine mounts, new ground effects body styling, rear diffuser, standard 6 CD in dash CD player, 6 speakers with amp and sub, intercooler sprayer, 17' wheels, 2.5L 300hp @ 6k rpm, 300 torque @ 4k rpm, adjustable HID head lights, keyless entry. This is an amazing sports car. Very fast, the AWD is amazing, this car is well built, sturdy, solid, tight, lots of fun.
Exhilarating Fun Drive!
I love turbocharged cars and for years was a loyal Saab owner, until GM diluted the brand. I wanted a turbocharged car that would stand out from the pack and deliver power, superb handling and excitement. The STi gives all of that and more; once I got used to the higher revving engine, this car is the most fun I've ever had. Performance off the line and handling through twisty mountain roads is tremendous; the Sube feels like it's on rails and I've yet to notice any body roll. Being European, I love the WRX's stiff suspension, which combines with the super precise steering and available power to provide very nimble handling and a real fun drive! I don't miss my Saab 9-3 Viggen at all!
Fun to drive.
This is an exceptionally well mannered car. My wife has driven V8s by preference for 6 years now. BUT, the switch has begun. After being tired of the shoddy build quality of domestic automobiles, she decided to go import. Of course the M3 was her first choice, but that will come after she gets a job. For now, the fun to drive STi is her new favorite means of taking our sons to school and to the park and groceries and shopping and just driving because it's FUN. The ride remains comfortable even though the suspension is quick to answer the call of performance, and the cabin makes you feel more comfortable than one would think when looking from outside. She still hasn't stopped drooling.
Never Been So Happy To Drive
I have been without a vehicle since 2002. I purchased the STi last month and my expectations were satisfied and were even overwhelmed. Especially by the pure power when you hit the gas pedal, and the ruggedness insures me that my purchase will go a very long ways and time.
A Fantastic Road Car
I have owed 3 Subaru WRX's. This time I got the STI. Fast, determined, predictable and so easy to drive. I could live in this car and drive it 24 hours a day. It safely takes me to and from work and the performance on the highway keeps me from harms way. All wheel drive is killer in the winter. Braking is amazing and handling superb. I am in love with my car.
Most fun to drive
The STI is the most fun to drive out of all the cars I have ever driven. Acceleration, top end speed, handling can not be beat. If they would only change the front end back to the way it was, it would be perfect!
Killer Grocery-Getter
I previously owned an 03 Mustang Cobra with over 500 HP, so I was a little concerned about taking a 200-horse beating ...however... this car is amazing. It handles like it's on rails, and the brakes will bloody your nose. I am happy I made the trade!
So much fun for so little dough
The STi's performance rivals, no, outright destroys so-called sports cars 3-4 times its price. 0-60 well under 5 seconds, with no serious performance degradation in the wet (thanks to the AWD), this car just keeps giving and going. And it has 4 doors and a usable trunk to boot...amazing!
2007 STI is a Very Nice Ride...
This is my second Subaru in 3 years, and I am sold on these cars. I had a 05 WRX wagon prior to this, and I loved it. This car however is in a whole 'nother league. Everything has been tightened up, and it handles like it's on rails. Of course with handling you give up comfort, but who cares. For a bone stock car this thing is really fast. I can see why this thing hangs with M3's. It's no slouch.. The Brembo brakes are a huge improvement over my WRX. Mileage around town stinks, but on the freeway it is not bad (around 25 @ 80). Stereo stinks, but I have a double din nav that is going in shortly. Only complaint is the wing. Not a big fan. Plus, cops and idiots seem to be drawn to it.
WRX STi still a contender
I've been driving this beast since February. The all-wheel drive both improves handling, as well as more stable footing in snow and ice...nice, if you cross the Sierras sometimes in the winter, as I do. This machine is rally-inspired, and it shows. It took a little while to get used to the rear wing -- but you know, I'm seeing other auto manufacturers adding big rectangular wings to their offerings, too...so it's suddenly "trendsetting", heh. Finally, I can't stress enough the value of having performance tires on this vehicle -- almost always, it is its tires that are the performance bottleneck. I've shod my STi with Kumho ASX, which seemed good compromise for performance and winter driving.
Gone, Sold, Amazed
I am a 40 year old man who has brought several cars/trucks back from the dead to a better than stock finish. I have enjoyed the muscle cars of the late 60's mainly and several foreign cars & trucks. I can honestly say I have never driven a bone stock car or any of my creations or creations of my friends that just flat out amazed me. BUT THIS CAR DID. For the money I still can't believe how good this car goes and handles. I sometimes go back and look at the blacktop to verify I'm not picking it up off the ground. I love this car on back roads especially, we ave plenty of them in WV. I just wish they had some type of license here that if you passed the test you could drive as fast as you want.
The drag strip will clear any doubt.
Rev it up to 7K RPM, dump the clutch and everybody will have to play catch up including some modified cars. I had my doubts of its performance, but a trip to the local drag strip took care of it. I was highly impressed (13.4) of its performance for an unmodified car. It outperformed Evo, GTO, Mustang, Firebird, mod 350z, mod cobalt SS and several others; couldn't ask for more.
What mean gas mileage??
This car is everything that I expected and much more. Sure this car is nearly 2x the HP of any previous car I've owned, also the first AWD vehicle. But it drives just like I wanted my dream car to be, after many years it's finally mine! I was and still remained so thrilled to get and own it. Acceleration, cornering, braking - all top notch for just over $30K.
Nothing ventured, everything gained.
One tends to assume that something will be forfeited when buying a high performance sedan. The only thing sacrificed when purchasing the STI is MPG, and that's only half true. In no other car can you get impeccable performance, perfect reliability, comfort, style, and the camaraderie that you get from owning an STI. Even with performance mods to put the car at >300 AWHP, gas mileage remains above 20 mpg. Consider how much higher it would be if I did not drive over 90, everywhere!! This intrepid little car has never let me down, not while sideways on dirt roads looking out the wrong window, or taking a 270^ on ramp under full acceleration. Add 5 star crash rating and the STI is hands down, #1.
Beast
Get it while they still available best car ever own never had any problems drives like champ great for winters im planning to take her to the grave when i die
Car Lover
I bought my STi in November and I love it! Where can you get a car that goes 0-60 in 4.5 secs for less than $30,000. I traded a 06' Eclipse since it wasn't fast enough and didn't have AWD. The STi is the best car I have had and I have been through 3 in the last 3 years. I think the STi has the potential to be one of the fastest cars on the road if tuned and hooked up properly. I want at least 500hp and 475lbs of torque when all sudden done. The STi is a lean mean killing machine when it comes to acceleration and performance. Would not trade it in for nothing, oh and ah the EVO rode to shift and where else can you get a 6 spoke clutch from a stock car! Sorry EVO lovers but STI rules!
Nothing else like it....
Noisy, but nothing competes for the money. I am early for work now, because driving this car is so much fun! It's as comfortable (more so actually) on gravel as it is on the highway. Wish list ... variable suspension, and a bit more sound protection (liquid filled engine mounts do help) for longer trips.