2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi - Reviews - Buying Guide
2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Buying Resources:
2004 Impreza Reviews:
2004
Subaru Impreza Sedan
2004
Subaru Impreza Wagon
2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Review:
The most powerful Subaru vehicle ever sold in America, the
all-new Impreza WRX STi sedan is a model that essentially
expands the focus of Subaru’s engineering philosophy. Having
mastered the inclusion of all-wheel drive systems in its vehicles,
manufacturers are now bent on increasing the performance.
Subaru certainly knows where to look to find inspiration.
Subaru's World Rally Championship (WRC) team has seen its
share of success, including three straight Manufacturer's
Championships in the mid-1990s. This technology and vision
are applied to the Impreza WRX STi sedan, resulting in one
of the most appealing 2004 roadsters.
Under the Hood
Performance falls in the hands of an intercooled, turbocharged
boxer engine. It is like the 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder model found
on other Imprezas, except for its specs: 300 horsepower at
6000 rpm and 300 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm.
This ultra-tough engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission
that puts the power right in your hands. All-wheel drive is
Subaru’s mainstay, and it gives the 2004 WRX STi sedan impressive
control.
However, all-wheel drive is just the starting point where
the WRX STi departs from the rest of the pack. With a new
chassis and hydroformed front subframe, the STi uses inverted
struts at all four corners to resist bending during heavy
cornering loads, as well as aluminum control arms to reduce
unsprung weight. The steering ratio on the STi is quicker
than on the WRX, the car rides 0.4 inch lower, and all STis
feature Brembo brake components and 12.7-inch front rotors.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
The people who are going to buy the new WRX STi sedan most
likely won’t be looking for extensive interior comfort such
that a luxury sedan might provide. Instead, they want functional
features and flash. For example, a large, centrally located
tachometer with adjustable rpm warning buzzer, heavily bolstered
seats and a fat three-spoke steering wheel are the exact items
an STi buyer will notice and be expecting.
The 2004 Impreza WRX STi sedan has a large rear spoiler that
will certainly get you noticed. Inside, the ride doesn’t detract
from the car’s performance, which is all you can really ask
for with this high-powered sedan.
There are a number of options to choose from as well. One
group adds an automatic day/night rearview mirror, a security-system
upgrade kit and a compass. Stand alones include a turbo boost
gauge, brushed alloy wheels and a carbon-fiber seat trim.
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