Word of the Day: STI

David S.
By David S. Wallens
Feb 18, 2020 | Subaru, Word of the Day, Subaru Impreza WRX STI

Let’s go back–all the way back to 2004. Facebook had just opened its eyes. The last Oldsmobile left the line. And Subaru gave shoppers its first U.S.-market Impreza WRX STI. It took everything that made the WRX so good and simply added more. More power. More scoop. More grip. 

Future classic? Yes. Current classic, in fact, we’d say, as good, stock examples are already hard to find.

 

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Comments
Appleseed
Appleseed MegaDork
2/18/20 12:49 p.m.

STI?

That's  STi. Please. wink

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
2/18/20 12:53 p.m.
Appleseed said:

STI?

That's  STi. Please. wink

Since Subaru has changed from STi to STI, and seems to have retroactively applied that change as well, I followed their lead here for continuity. Believe me, there was some internal discussion. 

Appleseed
Appleseed MegaDork
2/18/20 12:58 p.m.

But, but...the purity!!!

NickD
NickD PowerDork
2/18/20 1:03 p.m.

Love how these cars drive, but the Subaru quirks have made me decide to never own another one, turbo or otherwise.

Brett_Murphy
Brett_Murphy GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
2/18/20 1:15 p.m.
David S. Wallens said:
Appleseed said:

STI?

That's  STi. Please. wink

Since Subaru has changed from STi to STI, and seems to have retroactively applied that change as well, I followed their lead here for continuity. Believe me, there was some internal discussion. 

Mazda tried calling the NC Miata the MX-5.

They were WRONG.  It was too late in the narrative to try that crap.

Ditto STI. The badge on the car still has STi. Unless they want to provide free STI badges for everybody, they just have to suck it up.

 

Datsun310Guy
Datsun310Guy UltimaDork
2/18/20 1:29 p.m.

Back in the late 70's early 80's it was a fantasy to get a car like this with name brand parts on it   

300hp from a 4-cylinder?  Yup.  Recaro seats? Momo steering wheel? Momo shift knob? Brembo brakes?   BBS wheels?  From the factory?   Yup.  

My buddy bought an ACR Neon and split his gut because it came FROM THE FACTORY with Koni shocks.   

Feedyurhed
Feedyurhed UltraDork
2/18/20 7:48 p.m.

I ordered an 04 STi 6 months before they were even available in the states. Put a deposit down, sight unseen and waited it out. It came with out a radio or floor mats to "save weight" according to Subaru.  The dealer told me I had the third one in the state.  It had a legit 0-60 time of 4.5 which was smoking fast back then.   It rode hard and banged over expansion joints. It had gear whine at highway speed and the diffs clunked a lot. It was glorious.  So mechanical.  So basic. Nothing extra, only what was needed to go fast.......  it's giant wing  right in the middle of the back window.   To break it in I took my girl friend on a weekend trip across the state.  We went to a little place right on the  beach.   She bitched the entire time during the 4 hour ride. No radio and and rough roads were apparently not her thing. She complained as the STi sang it's song to me.  I have had many wonderful automotive memories but none better than that weekend.  Thanks Subaru for helping to provide the sound track to my life. You will always be special to me.

Datsun310Guy
Datsun310Guy UltimaDork
2/18/20 7:51 p.m.

In reply to Feedyurhed :

What is the rest of the story? 

You know; kept the car and dumped the lady?

Or we got married, dumped the car and got a Camry?    

LanEvo
LanEvo GRM+ Memberand Dork
2/19/20 5:39 a.m.

In reply to Feedyurhed :

Was 2004 really the first year for the STI? I bought my '03 Evo VIII brand new and I remember test-driving an STI the same day. 

Feedyurhed
Feedyurhed UltraDork
2/19/20 6:09 a.m.

In reply to LanEvo :

Yep, 04 was the first year in the States.. They might have come over in 03, I don't recall,  but were officially listed as an 04. By the way I miss the Sti/Evo wars. What happened to Mitsu?

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