Safety wise, Subaru has front airbags; front seat front and side-impact airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, and the best brakes you are ever going to find on a streetcar. You also get, and this is what I love about this Subbie, child rear safety locks, tether anchors for a baby seat, child safe rear door locks, and five mile per hour safety bumpers. Even in a car that could easily be used for rallying, Subaru makes sure that a family can feel secure.
Dad's view: This is a wow-mobile. I didn't waste any time notifying the 2.5-liter, turbocharged and intercooled "boxer" engine that it's was time to play because that is what this Subaru is all about. With up to 14.5 psi of maximum boost this four-cylinder engine gives a power to weight and displacement ratios that are remarkable even for some racecars. The result is 0 to 60 times in the low, very low, five-second range. Yes, folks, this is an all wheel drive sedan with a nice sized trunk that is as fast as the much more expensive Corvette.
It is important to get your order in early for this car because it is listed as a 2004 model so if you buy one now you get a free year before depreciation begins. But, I doubt you are going to lose much on this model because there is always someone who is going to want to know the feeling of owning a car that can claim to be king of the hill, especially if that hill is Pike's Peak.
The acceleration is extreme, but what is better is the driving because the steering ratio is fast, the independent suspension is firm, and the 12.7-inch front and 12.3-inch rear Brembo brakes with ABS and electronic brake-force distribution are awesome.
Cornering has to be experienced. Not since we drove a BMW Z3 did we have as much confidence in a car and the Subaru is clearly superior even in dry conditions. The tires are 225/45R17 and we believe most buyers are going to change those quickly for whatever use they have in mind for this mighty might of a car. There is a vague understeer when you first enter a corner, but just a touch of the throttle tucks the front in nicely. Beware, that the very large front scoop blocks your view of the apex, which is risky with the very expensive rims the Sti carries. We recommend you don't practice on the streets with this car because despite its cute looks, it is a true performance vehicle.