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Subaru WRX STI Makes "10 Cars You Should Avoid Buying” List

According to Forbes, the 2019 Subaru WRX STI performance car is one of 10 cars you don't want to buy.
2019 Subaru WRX STI, WRX, reliability, best performance cars, car to avoid buying

Forbes says there are 10 cars in 2019 that you do not want to buy and should avoid at all costs. The sport-tuned 2019 Subaru WRX and performance tuned WRX STI make the top cars to avoid list 2019 at number 10. Forbes says they wouldn’t recommend these cars to their friends or relatives so that means you don’t want them either.

Forbes based most of its ranking on the most-recent new-vehicle reports from Consumer Reports and dependability and initial quality scores from J.D. Power’s owner surveys. They also put weight on a number of other reviews and their own test drives.

What’s wrong with the WRX/STI?

According to Forbes, the WRX and WRX STI is basically a rally car version of the Impreza compact and you need to be a “certain disposition” to enjoy it. They say it has a “skittish demeanor” that feels underdeveloped when held up against “more sophisticated performance-minded models.”

They also say the WRX ($27,195) and WRX STI ($36,595) are too pricey compared with other models. They cite Consumer Reports giving it a low overall rating among sports cars, and poor ratings for reliability from CR and J.D. Power, ranking it below average for initial quality. Forbes says you are better off buying a Subaru BRZ, Toyota 86, or a Honda Civic Si or Type R.

Forbes top ten cars to avoid

Forbes says the new cars, trucks, and SUVs to avoid for 2019 are as follows in order of ranking from one to ten. Number one is the Alfa Romeo Giulia, followed by the Dodge Journey, Fiat 500L, Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Mitsubishi Mirage, Nissan Titan XD, Smart EQ ForTwo, and number 10, the Subaru WRX and WRX STI.

We do agree Subaru needs to get a handle on the reliability factor and quality issues the WRX STI has had. We couldn’t disagree more with Forbes on the WRX and WRX STI performance handling and overall driving dynamics. The car is for those who want a dynamic driving experience, not a refined ride. Its rally-inspired all-wheel-drive technology and Subaru turbo Boxer engine that sits low in the chassis is what sets the car apart. The 2019 Subaru WRX/STI does have some issues, but they are still the most affordable fun sports cars in the world.

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Photo credit: Subaru USA

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Comments

Marcb (not verified)    May 23, 2019 - 8:32AM

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Yeah...Vw/audi..Thats a reliable brand! Interior and ride "quality" much nicer than subaru but they are overengineered nightmares...Impossible to diagnose what would be an easy fix on most other vehicles, shit resale value....Should I continue? Ask me how I know...My b5 s4 stage "3+" was so much fun but was the most unreliable pos I ever owned, even when it was bone stock with low miles...Every time I race a modded VW or audi at the track, they lose because something goes wrong with the car...Raced a 500whp built block GLI which should have destroyed me, but it had boost issues and honked like a dogs sqeak toy

Marc b (not verified)    August 17, 2020 - 12:53PM

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The stinger gt will beat a stock sti in the 1/4, the base stinger is not even close...my fa20 wrx on ethanol destroyed a full bolt on stage 2 stinger gt, with 6 k in mods..and it gets 30mpg hey...A Kia is still a Kia, and the engine will not last as they are all poorly made

Thoma4 (not verified)    May 5, 2019 - 12:28PM

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I have the 2019 sti. It is not as fast as golf r in straight line. It doesn't have that crazy handling compared to ctr. It has the worst gas mileage, out dated interior and ring land faliure problem, but I don't care at all because I have so much smile in this car.

Steve Walters (not verified)    May 5, 2019 - 3:04PM

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Subau was rated #1 overall brand by Consumer Reports.. #1. As a Senior Master and ASE Master technician for a Subaru dealer I can tell you that it is one of if not the most reliable well built models Subaru offers. The only issues we have with them are, for the most part, self inflicted by owners. Where else can you buy a 300+hp all wheel drive rally bred sports car that is not over burdened by useless technology and fluff. I agree its not for everyone but if your a driving purest what a car for the price.

Lee Taplinger (not verified)    May 6, 2019 - 10:03AM

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Seems like a whole lot of head gasket, oil consumption, and now CVT problems to be called "most reliable." It didn't help that Subaru said oil consumption is normal until a class action suit and judge convinced them it isn't. Every manufacturer makes mistakes at times, the good ones own up, pay, retain customer loyalty.

Geoff Long (not verified)    May 6, 2019 - 3:17PM

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Publicity stunt by Forbes. I couldn’t agree more with you Steve, and I own an STI, it’s an absolute brilliant piece of machinery. A four cylinder “weapon”!

Rick (not verified)    May 5, 2019 - 4:49PM

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My last 3 cars have been Subarus. Still own my Legacy GT and also have a STI Limited. The article above is so off base. These people are out of touch with reality. Cost of ownership is low in comparison to other vehicles in the same category, and resale value remains very high. When I read this article all I did was laugh.

Robert Arutunian (not verified)    October 31, 2019 - 3:06PM

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I think ringland failure is less likely with the slightly more robust pistons that are now in the 2019(same as in the 2018 RA). I also have a 2019 STI and will keep it stock so not worried. If there is problem at least with warranty.

Jack Curry (not verified)    February 10, 2020 - 10:25PM

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I have had all different types of sports cars , shelby’s, corvettes and I currently had an S6 Audi v8 twin turbo very fast car.. And I have WRX STI I love this car , this Is my third STI . I love how the car handles ,it’s performance and the interior this one has the Recaro seats. It may not the most refined sport car that I had it’s just plan fun to drive
Thanks Mr Subrau !!!

makruger (not verified)    May 5, 2019 - 12:48PM

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I'm a 52 year old driver of a 2018 WRX premium. While I'll agree the car is a bit unrefined and more raw than say a Golf GTI, it's also a lot more reliable and has full time all wheel drive too. Further, the longer I own it, the more I appreciate it's capabilities and enjoy driving it. Currently the odometer reads 9000 miles and there have been no problems with it yet.

Thrawlbrauna (not verified)    May 5, 2019 - 3:41PM

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I currently own two WRX's both bought new... a late 2003 (wider trans gears) and a 2013 Hatch. Other than a cracked radiator in the old one (after 10 years or so). And an improperly cast transmission case in the 2013 (replaced under warranty within the first 2 years). I've been running Cobb stg 1 OTS in my 2003 for the past 13 years......... What's funny is how many new cars still can't keep up. Never race but I do tend to drive fast. The 2013 has the same setup and so far so good... going on 5 years now. Other than jealous haters I have no complaints about either.

Sahil (not verified)    May 5, 2019 - 4:19PM

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Would like to know what other performance cars were compared to the WRX... And how did they perform on the test parameters and how much do they cost... ??? And didn't Subaru recently get some award for making Safe Vehicles.. or something like that... ???
Wtf is this article ... Without any proof u can't just say don't buy this don't buy that... !!!

Pam M Libby (not verified)    May 5, 2019 - 4:35PM

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Get it right. The car is built like an M1 Abrams tank to start with. I've been hit from behind by someone in the rain on the highway, not paying attention. Pound for pound. Dollar for dollar the car does everything with steadfast reliability. I have a 2015 Sti limited. Previously owned the original WRX circa 2002. Bullit proof car. At least my experience.

Gary (not verified)    May 5, 2019 - 6:39PM

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I have had my my15 Subaru WRX Auto once I learnt to drive with Auto would not have anything else sick of all these wannabees think they know everything and I drive it like it should be and as for the auto while you're changing gears I'm going through the cornercorner

Marcb (not verified)    May 23, 2019 - 8:48AM

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You must be racing people with 100 hp hondas, or they cant drive a stick. Like you can't, more than likely.The cvt is junk and can barely handle a stage 1 ots tune. And nobody "shifts gears while going through corners." You shift before and on exit. If you want to drive an automatic which ruins the entire sports car experience, thats your problem. But don't try and pretend a cvt wrx is better.

Gary (not verified)    May 5, 2019 - 6:40PM

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I have had my my15 Subaru WRX Auto once I learnt to drive with Auto would not have anything else sick of all these wannabees think they know everything and I drive it like it should be and as for the auto while you're changing gears I'm going through the cornercorner

Sean Maguire (not verified)    May 5, 2019 - 7:09PM

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My 2016 WRX was written off after a front end hit with a deer likely caused oil from the filter to drip onto a turbo unit directly below. Not a great design and with all the notchy gearbox issues and handling challenges, I'd agree with the Forbes article that Subaru needs to improve this car.

Raieed (not verified)    May 5, 2019 - 7:49PM

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I own a 18 wrx limited. The car is soo much fun to drive. Honestly, I wouldn’t trade it for anything else. Had a Chevy camaro previously, wasn’t happy with it. The engine parts are trash. It started to have issues at 10k miles. Not to mention their upscale cabin interior still feel like ur in a 4x4 truck. Surprised how the WRX/STI made it to not own list. They def don’t know what they are talking about. If you want a fast,fun, affordable, 365 Beast all year around get a WRX or STI. JD power and w/e has been giving Chevy soo many awards. They must be paid off for doing such commercial because they don’t come close to it and their customer service it’s Horrible. Subi3 over everything.

Bruce (not verified)    May 5, 2019 - 7:50PM

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Forbes magazine is highly overrated and misinformed.
The Subaru Wrx is extremely reliable and fun to drive. Have one 7 years with no issues ever.
I say stay away from Forbes Magazine and read articles from real car enthusiasts.

Raieed (not verified)    May 5, 2019 - 7:53PM

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I own a 18 wrx limited. The car is soo much fun to drive. Perfect for a car guy. Every time I get in I feel as O’Connor with an R34 from FF. Honestly, I wouldn’t trade it for anything else. Had a Chevy camaro previously, wasn’t happy with it. The engine parts are trash. It started to have issues at 10k miles. Not to mention their upscale cabin interior still feel like ur in a 4x4 truck. Surprised how the WRX/STI made it to not own list. They def don’t know what they are talking about. If you want a fast,fun, affordable, 365 Beast all year around get a WRX or STI. JD power and w/e has been giving Chevy soo many awards. They must be paid off for doing such commercial because they don’t come close to it and their customer service is Horrible. Subi3 over everything.

Truth about Su… (not verified)    May 5, 2019 - 8:02PM

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Forbes is totally right about the Subaru WRX being skittish.

I test drove a WRX to see what all the fuss was about and was surprised about how out of control it was upon acceleration. It drives very squirly. Needs better suspension. Not sure how this is a good thing.

For me, I've driven plenty of cars far better. A 335i BMW for one is far better. Also drive a Benz C 43. So much better.

Defending the Subaru WRX to say that it's skittish-ness is not a weakness must be a symptom of Fanboy-itis

MC (not verified)    June 18, 2019 - 7:05PM

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And I own a Maserati and WRX and while the Maserati is more powerful, smoother, nicer interior.. the WRX is more fun to drive; I love being able to feel the road, I love the roughness of the ride.

I think it just comes down to preference, just as a lot of people don't like driving stick, I prefer stick (which is a downside of the Maserati) I like a more engaging ride, I love my motorbikes too which I find a lot more engaging again; but for some it's just not as comfortable.

So I totally get your preference and maybe my preference is just weird; because I find your preference to be more common at least in my circles.

STEPHEN DEFALCIS (not verified)    May 5, 2019 - 8:35PM

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Own a Giulia 1st yr. Made BMW redesign their 3 Series to compete. Never had any problems. Some software upgrades. Have various current BMW's
Would lease another. Bad rap from paid press and those that can't see past the crowd mentality.
Try for yourself. Always buy Sport Suspension from either manufacturer.