2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STi review By Scott Burgess

We all play favorites. Is that why we have elections? Or is it just for the commercials?

In the automotive world, car buyers play favorites as well ∔ weighing the pros and cons of different attributes, looking for the best combination.

It may not have the boy-racer performance of the longest-named Subaru, the Impreza WRX STI, or the more polished looks of the Outback, or the unisex blandness of the Forrester, but somehow, the WRX finds the perfect balance.

This is the car Goldilocks would drive off in because it's just right.

There are a couple of things that Subaru does really well: first and foremost is its all-wheel drive system. Known as Symmetrical All Wheel Drive, the system splits power 50:50 between the front and rear axles. It can also push torque through the axle when it detects wheel slippage. This system, which is standard on all Subarus, gives it a handling and traction advantage over just about any other all-wheel drive system. In other words, it's just better.

Combined with the sports-tuned suspension and a track that's 1.5 inches wider for this model year, the WRX becomes an absolute thrill ride if you want to push it. The summer performance tires may help a little bit too. It sticks through corners, and it's one of those cars that in a big sweeping turn you find yourself pushing the accelerator, hoping to catch that high-pitched turbo singing once again.

See also:

Checking the brake pedal reserve distance
1) More than 2.56 in (65 mm) Depress the pedal with a force of approximately 66 lbf (294 N, 30 kgf) and measure the distance between the upper surface of the pedal pad and the floor. When the me ...

Driving tips
● On a road surface where there is a risk of wheelspin (for example, a snow- or gravel-covered road), you can pull away from a standstill safely and easily by first selecting the 2nd gear of ...

Determining compatibility of tire and vehicle load capacities
The sum of four tires’ maximum load ratings must exceed the maximum loaded vehicle weight (“GVWR”). In addition, sum of the maximum load ratings of two front tires and of two rear tires must excee ...