2005 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a reviewA distinctive large dual-plane rear spoiler and enormous hood scoop announce the race-oriented nature of the 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX STi even before you realize just how fast this sport sedan can go. 2005 is the second year for this rally car modified for the everyday consumer, so little has changed.
The 2005 WRX STi is propelled by a turbocharged 2.5-liter, 300-hp DOHC flat-4 engine and six-speed manual transmission. It comes standard with all-wheel drive, ABS, Brembo brakes, dual front side airbags, and DCCD -- Driver Control Center Differential, which allows the driver to distribute torque according to the driving conditions. Changes in 2005 mostly involve performance enhancements, and include a retuned suspension and a new helical limited slip differential. 17-inch alloy wheels come in either gold or silver this year. Inside, automatic climate control and a 6-CD changer have been added. The center console is also updated to hold more items. Options add on a short throw shifter and turbo boost gauge, for the enjoyment of the driver.
It's hard to find disappointed owners of the 2005 Impreza WRX STi. It was designed for racing fans, and it seems to accomplish its mission quite well. Drivers love its speed, power, and expert handling. There is limited body roll as it hugs curves. All-wheel drive adds extra confidence and versatility. Acceleration is top-notch. Complaints center on its over-the-top looks, and in fact, rear visibility is hampered by the huge spoiler. Backseat legroom is compromised, the ride can be rough, and the seats are not very comfortable. And for some reason, there is no clock.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX STI
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Anonymous
Feb 19, 2015
The car is very cool and very fun to drive. It has plenty of power and doen't lack on performance at all. The tinted windows are very nice not just so no one can look in but for the sun also. This car never let me down.Feb 19, 2015
by Anonymous
Jan 19, 2015
A WRB STI was my boyhood dream car and it hasn't disappointed me! It's an absolute weapon in the snow and a blast to drive in all conditions. The engine has a good amount of power and the transmission is perfect. Smooth engagement, short throw and bomb-proof build quality. Engine has the performance of a supercar but the reliability of an econobox. Highly recommend to anyone looking for powerful all-year-round car.Jan 19, 2015
by Donovan K
Jul 09, 2014
Loved this car. Bought it as our first family car. Put a smile on everyone's face every time we walked up to it. Only problem, as family grew, we needed a bigger car/van. And to be fair, I didn't like some of the standard features (brakes) and upgraded to the STi/SPT parts. I would recommend this to almost everyone.Jul 09, 2014
User rating:
by Anonymous
Feb 19, 2015
The car is very cool and very fun to drive. It has plenty of power and doen't lack on performance at all. The tinted windows are very nice not just so no one can look in but for the sun also. This car never let me down.Feb 19, 2015
by Anonymous
Jan 19, 2015
A WRB STI was my boyhood dream car and it hasn't disappointed me! It's an absolute weapon in the snow and a blast to drive in all conditions. The engine has a good amount of power and the transmission is perfect. Smooth engagement, short throw and bomb-proof build quality. Engine has the performance of a supercar but the reliability of an econobox. Highly recommend to anyone looking for powerful all-year-round car.Jan 19, 2015
by Donovan K
Jul 09, 2014
Loved this car. Bought it as our first family car. Put a smile on everyone's face every time we walked up to it. Only problem, as family grew, we needed a bigger car/van. And to be fair, I didn't like some of the standard features (brakes) and upgraded to the STi/SPT parts. I would recommend this to almost everyone.Jul 09, 2014
by Anonymous
Apr 14, 2013
I would buy this car again and again. However there is always a time to pass the torch on and allow someone else to embrace pure thrill. The car handles the road exceptionally well. When I initially was purchasing this car it was between this and an S2000. I am happy I went with the STi. AWD, 4 door, more power, better body style.Apr 14, 2013
by Anonymous
Jan 11, 2013
I have owned his car from new and can not see ever parting with her. Very dependable and runs great. My last addition was the exterior flares suspension and wheels tire set up. After some consideration I decided to go with the flares you see with a rubber strip to protect the flares. Rather than doing the wide body kits available that in my opinion just made the car look modded i liked the flares more for the aggressive stance it gives the car. My main goal was to not have it look butchered and i hope most will agree.Jan 11, 2013
by Chris W
Feb 09, 2012
Well to start off its all wheel drive which kicks ass. it handles like a dream in the corners at high speeds. its not the best riding car but you know that when you buy it lol i mean its not a cadi. the boxer 2.5 turbo has plenty of power stock with tons of room to add more. if your going to buy the car new its not cheap, but the price is worth the rewards. the cars looks great too. i like the hood scoop and rear spoiler plus they are slammed to the ground. all in all the car has a huge fun factor i love the car.Feb 09, 2012
by Hamish M
Nov 29, 2011
Performance- acceleration,braking,handling,comfort,its really fun to drive this
car, its a car that should mainly be used for sports purposes(sprinted
driving,track racing,off roading,Rally) but it can as well be used for family
purposesNov 29, 2011
by Brian H
Jul 27, 2011
The 2.5 flat 4 is great. Good low and mid-range power, falls a bit at
the top end, but to be expected because it is the non-turbo model.
This, with the all wheel drive and the independent suspension make it a
fantastic handling car, good for all around use. I happen to have a
particular liking for the wagon version, due to the fact that you don't
really expect it to be quick, fun and overall great. The insurance is
cheaper too, compared to the sedan. I love the look of the 04-05
Impreza. It is incredibly racy and aggressive, like if you look at it they
wrong way, it will bite your head off. The best thing about the Subaru,
is that its a Subaru! fantastically reliable, relatively cheap to run, fun to
drive, and plenty of aftermarket support for modifying.Jul 27, 2011
by Mike F
Feb 21, 2011
all you can ask from a car and more, room, power, handling, looks, sound...
the over all feel of the vehicle is exquisite, when looking for a fun to drive car with
both power and practicality, this surpasses those standards by far.Feb 21, 2011
by Brandon L
Dec 21, 2010
fun, true awd. rear wheel driver with front wheel assist. turbo, 6 speed, 4 door.
safety, easy to mod. great car following. it's great for winter driving also. such a
fun car to drive . I would pick this over the mitsu evo any day. more class to a
subaru sti.Dec 21, 2010
by Lee R
Aug 16, 2010
The STI is a monster in the dirt, accelerating ferociously and providing the kind of unfiltered feedback you need to go fast. Its ability to accelerate around a turn is just plain scary. Handles like it is on rails and low maintenance costs.Aug 16, 2010
by Mitzi V
Apr 19, 2010
I love everything about this car expecially for our climate here in North Idaho...great in the snow. Not the best car for smooth ride due to the amazing suspension but that's why I like it. If you can only have one car and want something versitile the STI is it.Apr 19, 2010
by Johan L
Apr 02, 2010
Great car, great fun! Uses a lot of gas, but that is probably known to the car freaks who want to buy this car. Awesome performace, handling, quality, and the shortshifted gearbox is similar to a rally car. A bit noisy, a bit typical japanese"plastic" interior, but definately recommended to any car performance freak out there!!Apr 02, 2010
by Chad S
Feb 22, 2010
Excellent power. Turbo spools quickly with almost no lag. My first all wheel drive, take a little getting used to. Not as nimble as an M3 or a Miata but I really enjoyed this car. If I could get another 2005 I would in a heartbeat.Feb 22, 2010
by Martin O
Dec 18, 2009
is great in the snow... the turbo gives it that extra kick when needed... its a nice looking car the wing and the scoop make the car.... its lots of fun to drive, specially in the winter... parts are expensive but u can easy get 400 hp out it with out touching internals on the motor...Dec 18, 2009
by Sonia C
Dec 03, 2009
The brakes could be a little bit better, but other than that, it's perfect! I love the kick it has when you accelerate. I love the sound of the turbo and when its dumping. Its amazing. I recommend it to everyone! Once you drive an STi, you won't want another car!Dec 03, 2009
by Jason L
Oct 20, 2009
Just amazing go on a back country road or mountain pass and know where you point this car it goes, downshift to third at 55 mph and be at 80 mph in about 2 secs. She will turn heads wherever she is. Oct 20, 2009
by Jeremi L
Sep 28, 2009
Most beautiful package ever!
Awesome in all aspects. Not cheap, but you get what you pay for. 4 secs 0 to 60. huge brakes and beautiful suspension. about 300kms per 50 dollars of fuel.
burns fuel like a truck but with return on your money... all smiles
Sep 28, 2009
by Evan O
Jul 27, 2009
I hate nuthin. Love everything. It's a subaru what's there to hate? It's fast off the line. Braking and handling are a dream. The gas mileage is pretty damn good. It's probably the most fun car I have ever driven.Jul 27, 2009
by Gary C
Jul 04, 2009
Love the current ride, wanted one for years, got it, now just waiting on the motor to blow so I can build a 550 whp version of it and really get the groceries in a hurry. The thing rides a little rough and does not get quite as good of gas mileage as the previous car but it is the most fun in a daily driver I have ever had.Jul 04, 2009
by Ryan D
Nov 23, 2008
One of my best bud's cars. I've yet to "drive" it, just drive around town and on the freeway, so no track or mountain driving time yet. That said, it's fast enough to make me laugh demonically, and it handles very well. it's very well made, and I've yet to find a category in which I'd rather have a Mitsubishi Evo over a WRX STi.
The flat four sounds awesome. For practicality and "fun", I rate this as one of the top cars I've ever worked with.Nov 23, 2008
by Ryan U
Aug 29, 2008
I love my car. Having AWD and a turbo is nice. The performance is what I mainly got the car for but it is very dependable. The only issue is the gas because I HAVE to fill with Super Unleaded. 91 or above octane. But the gas mileage isn't so bad.Aug 29, 2008
by Matt C
Aug 18, 2008
Its the best!! Its amazing in performance and looks! I
can go out and drive it everyday take it to the track
and whoop up on most cars that pull up next to me.
There are many performance upgrades for the car and
it really has a great car community supporting the
brand!Aug 18, 2008
by Nicholas W
Jul 30, 2008
This car is quick for the engine it has
very nice handling and goes around turns without a problem
the all wheel drive system keeps the car on the ground and i havent had any problem slipping out in the rain or snow
pretty expensive to maintain, needs high grade oil and tires are big 225/45-17 stocksJul 30, 2008
by Chad R
Jul 29, 2008
It is by far the most amazing rally bread car ever. Combined with Cobb Tunning and a new turbo back exhaust the car is great. There is no car you can buy for the price of the this car that can match it out of the door. I love this car.Jul 29, 2008
by Erich O
Jul 21, 2008
I got this car for graduation. I did a turbo upgrade and full suspension upgrade. Now i have a built stage 3 motor, just under 600hp. I love my car and I would never get rid of it. It is by far my favorite car I have ever had. It gets horrible gas mileage but it isn't built to have good gas mileage. It is a BLAST to drive.Jul 21, 2008
by Kevin B
Jun 28, 2008
Accelerates, Brakes, and handles like no other on the
track stock. Looks very aggressive so you have to be
aware of cops at all times for even going 5 over. Gas
mileage is about 19 city/ havent done any highway
driving. It is the best vehicle I have ever driven and its
known for its safety.
Jun 28, 2008
by Lee L
Jun 19, 2008
I absolutely love this car. I started off driving my boyfriends '06 Impreza 2.5i and got used to that. About a year later I ended up driving the '05 seen in this photograph. It handled great, but then again it was off the lot so...Jun 19, 2008
by David Y
Jun 19, 2008
Great overall car for the money, performance, looks, and good baseJun 19, 2008
by Ryan S
Jun 15, 2008
Very quick turbo response, loads of torque, and handles great!Jun 15, 2008
by Jonathan N
Jun 09, 2008
Great handling, stops from 60mph in 108 ft,stock makes 300hp/300tq, now makes 365hp/380tq, I love this car.Jun 09, 2008
by Jimmy K
May 15, 2008
it has enough power out of the box for an awesome daily driver, handles
like a dream and stops on a dime. for those who enjoy pushing their
vehicles to the limits, you can definately add aftermarket modifications
to make this car rediculously fast and torquey.May 15, 2008
by Joe C
May 14, 2008
2.5 literboxer engine pumps out 300hp.
it's science. Supercar handling, durable. nice interior
easy to modify. easy incrase 45hp just by working with exhaust. May 14, 2008
by Chris K
Apr 21, 2008
loved it everybit as much as the evo
great pickup awesome handling
acceleration is amazing
all wheel drive
can be easily modded to 500 plus hpApr 21, 2008
by Daniel T
Apr 03, 2008
This car is extremely fun but it's definitely built for speed and handling first and comfort second. the seats aren't particularly comfortable or supportive, which is too bad, and the ride is stiff, which i actually like, but that's not something that everyone can live with. the styling is also extremely aggressive, with that big ole boy-racer wing. it's not particularly useful up until about 80 mph, but it does serve a purpose. all things equal, the car does what it's designed to do very, very well. the awd performs flawlessly, offsetting the somewhat unbalanced nature of the car. think of it as an 800 pound tiger clawing it's way through a china shop instead of gracefully Pirouetting. a definite drive if you are in the market for an awd performance machine.Apr 03, 2008
by Shane M
Mar 29, 2008
Great car, all wheel drive is nice. Under steer can be a pain, but that comes with all wheel drive. My car has a custom built motor, fully catless, thus I get the nice loud boxer sound, but I also get the boxer smell. Great track car, but thats it. Mar 29, 2008
by Radovan M
Feb 13, 2008
If you´re looking for comfortable car, try somewhere else... It also cannot be described as luxurious, it´s sportscar equipped with necessary basic , but that´s it, nothing extra...
- great sports car, but with high fuel consumption - if you´re driving only weekends or don´t care about it - get one
- superb acceleration, great handling, very good brakes
- high consumption, not very good for everyday useFeb 13, 2008
by Stacy W
Feb 13, 2008
This is the best car in the world. It handles great, it looks great, and it's one of the safest vehicles on the road.Feb 13, 2008
by Ben C
Jan 20, 2008
Loved every aspect of this car other than the attention from law enforcement it recieved and the DCCD. Jan 20, 2008
by Justin W
Jan 15, 2008
This was the best car I drove while valeting. I would get one of these in a heartbeat if I could afford it.Jan 15, 2008
by Mikael N
Dec 28, 2007
Coming from a 2WD world to a 4WD world is something everyone should experience. The STi is probably the greatest car I've ever driven! I love the way the drive can be manually controlled with the DCCD (Driver Controlled Center Diff) and the automatic setting does good work on wet and dry tarmac. In the winter this car is just amazing! Four-wheel slides are easy to control and the ABS system coupled with Brembo brakes and Hakkapeliitta 5 205/50R17 rubber makes stopping and braking in general easy and controlled.
The only things I've come to miss so far are the added comforts you get on some cars. This includes parking assists, rain sensors, cruise control and so on, but you really only miss them during long trips.Dec 28, 2007
by Neil M
Nov 20, 2007
Literally UNBELIEVABLE grip in the dry and the wet, great sound from that flat-four boxer engine, solid buid although plastics used for interior are cheap. Great performance. High servicing costs and fuel costsNov 20, 2007
What users have asked
Is getting a 2005 subaru with over high mileage worth it?
Is a 2005 subaru with over 200 thousand miles on it for 2,500 worth it?
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I have a 2005 subaru inpreza wrx sti with the 2.5l turbo 6 speed manual. i just bought this car and when i got it the car had the mass air flow sensor unhooked and it idles up and down. but when i plu
I have a 2005 subaru inpreza wrx sti with the 2.5l turbo 6 speed manual. i just bought this car and when i got it the car had the mass air flow sensor unhooked and it idles up and down. but when i plug the sensor in it falls on its face. it dont want to go. so i bougtht a new mass air sensor and it didnt change a thing. any ideas on what it could be.
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Have you driven a 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX STI?Compare this car
2005 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Pricing
Original MSRP
$33,020 to $33,020Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: rear
Lights
Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent