The Subaru Impreza WRX STI represents the pinnacle of the Japanese automaker’s road-going performance. With a name and engineering directly inspired by Subaru’s motorsport and rally racing efforts, the WRX STI is a focused and fun all-wheel drive (AWD) sedan.

The WRX was first introduced in the 1990s, but the Subaru WRX STI (Subaru Tecnica International) didn’t come to the States until 2004, with the face-lifted Impreza and Impreza WRX. Models from the “Bugeye,” “Blobeye,” and “Hawkeye” generations were never sold here. In 2015, the WRX was spun off into its own model, along with the STI version, so we have one decade of the mouthful that is the Subaru Impreza WRX STI. It technically spans two generations, but there is a significant enough facelift to split it out in our overview.

Generations: Three

• Subaru Impreza WRX STI 1st Generation
• Subaru Impreza WRX STI 2nd Generation
• Subaru Impreza WRX STI 3rd Generation

Pros: Fantastic performance (on both gravel and paved roads), Standard all-wheel drive, Affordable, practical fun
Cons: Rough ride in daily driving, Cheap interior materials, Many pre-owned models are heavily used, abused, or modified

Subaru Impreza WRX STI Third Generation (2008-2014)

The 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI was now offered in a five-door hatchback body style in addition to the four-door sedan version. Both models delivered over-the-top (yet functional) styling, including a large rear wing, a hood scoop, and either silver or gold wheels. The hatchback variant’s wheelbase is roughly 1.7 inches shorter than that of the sedan.

Both models feature a turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, which makes 300 horsepower in the 2008 Impreza WRX STI. This engine is paired to a six-speed manual transmission. The WRX features a firm suspension and stiff chassis. The engine placement is low to ensure stability through cornering. The STI comes standard with all-wheel drive. It has a 35/65 rear-wheel-drive bias. The AWD system can be adjusted automatically or manually.

The STI hatchback has plenty of cargo room and seating for five. Though its AWD system is geared towards performance, it also makes it safe to drive in harsh road conditions all year long, and yet it still provides decent gas mileage. Though it has video-game styling, the WRX STI is a realistic option for a fast, fun, and family-friendly vehicle.

In 2009, the output for the turbocharged Boxer engine was 305 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 290 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. This high-strung engine requires premium-grade gas. Routing power through a six-speed manual transmission, it can sprint from zero to 60 in 4.5 seconds. This setup returns fuel economy of 17 mpg city, 23 highway, and 19 combined.

The engine has some turbo lag below 3,500 rpm, but keep the revs up and it’ll come to life. While other markets had the option of a continuously variable transmission (CVT), US versions only offered a manual gearbox—but with close ratios and terrific shift and clutch feel, there’s no reason to want any other way of shifting.

The WRX STI features Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE). This drive-mode system manages the electronic control unit (ECU) and throttle mapping. The WRX STI also comes with traction control and Vehicle Dynamics Control. These systems automatically adjust torque and brake-force to ensure optimal traction and power delivery in all settings.

The WRX STI features sport-tuned, four-wheel independent suspension. It’s certainly stiff, and if you aren’t into high-performance driving, no worries—there are plenty of crossovers on the market. But those who truly love carving up back roads will easily endure the occasional speed bump to enjoy the STI’s cornering mastery. Performance goodies on the WRX STI include Super Sport ABS and its Brembo performance brakes. One area where drivers won’t be enthused is the underwhelming sound system.

The sedan version of the WRX STI actually took a few years off during this generation, but it returned for the 2011 model year. Perhaps its most notable feature is its massive 14-inch rear wing. Both the sedan and the hatchback versions received some updates. In addition to updated exterior styling, the STI featured revised suspension tuning with an eye on cornering performance. Part of this was a 5-millimeter drop in the ride height. The springs were stiffer, and roll bars were incorporated from the 2010 Special Edition of the WRX STI.

In 2012, the Subaru Impreza was redesigned, but the WRX was not, so the STI carried over with minimal changes. An extremely limited number (300 or fewer) examples of the Orange Edition were released for 2012. These limited edition models feature bright orange paint with black trim. The 2013 and 2014 WRX STI were also carryovers. The only real change was that the navigation now featured the Aha smartphone connectivity software for the 2014 model year.

Subaru Impreza WRX STI Second Generation (2006-2007)

Though still technically the same generation, the 2006 WRX STI got enough changes to warrant note. The headlights have a more aggressive appearance to them, flanking Subaru’s short-lived (and polarizing) corporate grille design. Aside from the styling updates, most of the changes this year involve more fine-tuning to enhance performance.

The 2006 WRX STI features a turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine. It puts out 293 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. For 2006, the WRX STI features a 41/59 front-rear torque distribution. It also gains a new mechanical limited-slip differential, replacing the previous hydraulic diff. The engine is fed by a now-smaller hood scoop that improves visibility without detracting from engine performance.

Standard WRX STI features include power windows, power door locks, leather-trimmed seats, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. The cars also come equipped with power side mirrors, daytime running lights, cruise control, dual-stage front airbags, and ABS brakes.

The WRX STI has been applauded for its thrilling performance, AWD capability, and out-there styling. The cars are instantly recognizable, which is something owners of exotic performance cars pay much, much more to achieve. But the STI is an acquired taste, and for this performance, you have to live with plenty of road noise and a rough ride.

In 2007, the Impreza WRX STI gained a Limited trim. The new WRX STI Limited featured a more refined interior and a smaller rear wing, and it had no chin spoiler. The tradeoff for making this rally car more comfortable for commuters is a bit of added weight, but if you’ve grown out of the harsh ride, the Limited could be a great solution.

Those added creature comforts include upgrades such as leather upholstery, heated front seats, satellite radio, an iPhone jack, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a power sunroof.

Subaru Impreza WRX STI First Generation (2004-2005)

The Impreza WRX STI was offered in Japan and other international markets as far back as 1994, but it remained forbidden fruit to North American enthusiasts until the 2004 model year. It featured sport bucket seats, a center-mounted tachometer, and even pedals that break away in the event of a head-on collision. But the real meat of the matter is the turbocharged and intercooled 2.5-liter Boxer flat-four engine, making 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. That was almost 30 more horsepower than the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) WRX STI. Incredibly, there is a button on the steering wheel that sprays cold water into the intercooler. This further compresses the air, allowing for peak power on demand. This power plant is fed via a large, hood-mounted air scoop. The scoop on the STI is larger, and when combined with the larger rear wing, drives home the notion of the STI as a World Rally Championship (WRC) rally car for the road.

A six-speed manual transmission is the only offering for the first-generation WRX STI. It routed power to Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive, which is more than just a simple AWD system: It features front, center, and rear differentials. The center differential is adjustable, allowing for optimal control over the AWD system.

The WRX STI features 17-inch alloy wheels, Brembo brakes, and Super Sport ABS. The four-wheel independent suspension is firm and tuned with corner-carving on paved roads in mind.

Inside, the 2004 WRX STI features a leather-wrapped Momo steering wheel and shift knob, as well as an adjustable redline on the center-mounted tachometer. The seats are covered in Ecsaine, which is a type of Ultrasuede, and like a race car’s seats should, they provide solid grip in hard cornering without being uncomfortable. The STI also features a six-disc in-dash CD changer and automatic climate control.

For 2005, many changes are out of plain sight. The suspension and steering were heavily revised and there was a new under-floor panel for better aerodynamics at higher speeds.