Best Tires for the Subaru 2006 impreza wrx STI

I did a lot of research (thanks, Jonathan, for the great videos!) to decide which tire would be the best fit. The car is a modified Subaru Impreza WRX STI running on coilovers. The tires being replaced were Yokohama Advan Neova AD08Rs — stable and grippy, but with very stiff sidewalls that made the ride feel fidgety until they warmed up (virtually impossible in the winter), from a comfort perspective, they just weren’t ideal.

Yes, the car is meant to feel firm and sporty, but given the current state of the roads, I wanted something that still offered good grip and driving enjoyment, but with a significant improvement in comfort. Previously, the suspension couldn’t do its job properly because the tires were transmitting every bump and imperfection straight into it, compromising the ride quality and ultimately grip and handling.

These new Goodyears have hit the mark perfectly — they’ve completely transformed how the car rides and drives. While they may not feel quite as sharp as the Advans at higher speeds, I’m now getting traction and compliance without sacrificing the fun of driving.

I've even recommended them to friends with other cars, like the Octavia vRS, and the feedback has been great — good wear, improved comfort, and happy drivers.

Thanks to Tire Reviews, and thanks to Goodyear!

Used 3 sets of these over 6 events on a small track. Grip is insane but so is tire wear. Cheaper than the RS4 in my country by almost 20%

I’ve read heaps of reviews. My background is rally driving. I always take the squiggly backroads over the highway. I’ve lost my license 11 times because, in Australia, the law doesn’t allow for my talent. Enough about me- these tires are f*****g brilliant. Average 500km a week for work & 250 for fun. Drive in all conditions and these are the first tires that give enough confidence to not lift under wet conditions because the progressive feel allows you to catch it, every time, even surprisingly- like; I should be dead. On my third set in 18 months. MC6 4lyf!

This is my wet conditions review, extremely heavy rain / sitting water, on country lanes and dual carriageway, and will return with a dry review at a later date : Having used Bridgestone Potenza RE070 for many years, I recently discovered that Bridgestone had decided to discontinue them. However, I have now had fitted 4 x Bridgestone Potenza Sport, and they seem fantastic. I have only wet tested them today, and not a hint of tramlining (something RE070 was renowned for) country lanes, negative cambers, deep standing water, no issues whatsoever from the new Potenza Sport breed which seems to get on harmoniously with the rugged yet symmetrical Subaru AWD system on my 2007 Impreza WRX STi. For the record I am running standard suspension and springs all round. I feel the tire is extremely sturdy, brilliant traction, sticky compound, and with a decently stiff wall, yet not uncomfortable by any means, and a very deep (approx.10mm) rim protector built into the bead to protect my standard 17" Enkei rims. I did a lot of research into which tire would work for me, I do mixed driving in mixed conditions usually, and Potenza Sport is a cracking contender for the job. These tires were an absolute bargain at £75 GBP each (not fitted) but delivered to my door, and looking at the DOT code, were only a month old when I received them - fresh! Zero aquaplaning to report, but there again I was being half sensible around the rain soaked twisties of Surrey in the UK, but equally no aquaplaning on a dual carriageway which was virtually flooded. The response and feedback was very good indeed, and the car was very compliant to my commands, and confidence inspiring from the offset. Braking also seemed to be fine without issue. These 4 new tires got a good all round wet test today, and did extremely well. I have no doubt whatsoever that these tires will be awesome in the dry. They seem quieter than RE070 - which I welcome. Would I recommend? Yes, 100%, would I buy them again? yes 100% I was very concerned as to what tires I could try to supersede the old faithful RE070's, and I know I have made the best possible choice. The research does pay off, as does trust in a brand you know and like. RE070 was designed and created in 2004, but in those 17 years the tire construction technology, compounds, and tread patterns have moved on in leaps and bounds as I discovered today (15th May 2021) Well played Bridgestone, you've created a very decent tire to match / beat your rivals, and priced it spot on. Thank you. I am more than happy to submit my review as, on the scale of things, there isn't yet many reviews out there on the Potenza Sport - the new kid on the block who doesn't have many friends yet, but who means serious business that's for sure. I cannot offer feedback on wear at this stage so have rated N/A for now and N/A for dry grip.....but I will return soon!

Very nice tires, mounted on my Subaru STI, and I was positively surprised. Before I have mounted Bridgestone S001 and Dunlop SportMaxx, and I have to say that Falken tires are definitively better. Very good on the dry, superlative on wet. Sidewall has good consistency, not to hard and not to weak. Considering also the good price, I think that there isn't anything better. Strongly reccomended!

These really are the worst branded tires I've ever driven on. They came on my Impreza STI and I can only describe them as lethal. The dry grip was really poor but the slightest bit of damp is like driving in icy conditions. Seriously, I don't know how these things can even be sold! I took them straight off and swapped them for some Goodyear Asymmetrics which transformed the car.

Bought these tires years ago as were fairly cheap n was really surprised at how well they performed, dry grip is brilliant and also wet grip is really good n I'm a very spirited driver, had a 550hp bmw n these were on the front, also a few other BMW's I've had, on a mk4 golf n these were awesome now about to try on my Impreza as love these tires

Had to replace all my tires at each MOT test on yearly basis.

Potenza re070 . IMO these tires are brilliant for the money supplied and fitted was 175 for 2 from black circles . recently went to wales with a few of the lads an really tested them . I think although there a quality tire I don't think they are the best for any roads with layers of dust dirt or gravel but on clean roads there one of the best . wet weather is where the tire falls a little short . tends to slide at 65 to 70% of the limit so you may want to drive more leisurely if its teaming . I drive a 2006 sti so constant 4 WD helps . everyone always comments on the look of the tire which doesn't help with grip but nice to know I spose lol

After reading lots of good reviews about this tire I replaced my Re070 for the Goodyear eagle f1 as2.

Massive mistake!

First impression were good the car felt more comfortable over bumps and there was less road noise.

Handling was terrible the car felt like it had flat tires. Fast direction changes made the rear tires squirm. Hard cornering also pushed the tire over on to its side wall.

Even after playing around with tire pressures and upping them to silly pressures the handling was still soft and unresponsive.

After a few thousand miles they had to come off the car. When we removed them the side walls are so thin you can fold the tire flat with one hand.

After talking to the tire fitter he mentioned there a very light weight tire construction designed to reduce rotating mass to help reduce fuel consumption and not what he would recommend for a performance car.

Personally I think this tire is more suited to a family car or a daily commuter.