Subaru Impreza GDB

Chassis Code Explained

Key Takeaways

• Subaru’s Japanese catalogue identifies the GDB as a four-door, 2.0-litre WRX STI with a six-speed manual — ordinary WRX and STI wagon models use different codes; for comparison, the US WRX (a different applied model) arrived for the 2002 model year as the ‘Bugeye,’ with 227hp from Subaru’s EJ20 turbo four and a five-speed manual
• The US market’s own 2.5-litre STI (Subaru’s GDF applied model) followed for the 2004 model year — a six-speed gearbox, Brembo brakes, and AWD upgrades, with Subaru selling 25,813 US STIs across 2004–07 (7,405 / 7,747 / 6,083 / 4,578 by year, per Hagerty)
• Subaru unveiled the European MY2003 facelift at Paris in September 2002; its Japanese revision followed in November 2002 — the US WRX adopted the revised styling for MY2004, when the STI joined the US lineup
• Year-to-year changes on the US GDF STI are specific and checkable: hub bolt pattern went from 5x100 (2004, shared with the US WRX) to 5x114.3 with wider BBS wheels (2005); the AWD torque split moved from 35/65 to 41/59 in 2006; 2007 got taller 2nd–4th gear ratios and ECU/wastegate tweaks
• The 800-unit 2007 US STI Limited includes leather upholstery, heated front seats and a sunroof — and replaces the standard STI’s large rear wing with a small lip spoiler

Should You Buy a Subaru Impreza GDB?

Differences between JDM & USDM

Subaru’s Japanese catalogue identifies the GDB as a four-door, 2.0-litre WRX STI with a six-speed manual; ordinary WRX and STI wagon models use different codes, and the US MY2004 2.5-litre STI uses the GDF applied model — not GDB. For comparison: Subaru’s Japanese catalogue lists the GDB WRX STI from October 2000, while the US WRX (a different applied model) didn’t arrive until the 2002 model year, badged the ‘Bugeye’ at 227hp. Subaru unveiled the European MY2003 facelift at Paris in September 2002; its Japanese revision followed in November 2002. The US WRX adopted the revised styling for MY2004, when the STI joined the US lineup. Subaru’s Japanese history dates the next revision to June 2005; Hagerty dates the US STI’s Hawkeye styling to MY2006. Hagerty UK discusses the Prodrive Performance Pack and special editions including the WR1, S203 and S204.

Generation History

Market Data

Production Numbers & Rarity

Motorsport Heritage

How It Compares

Comparable Alternatives

The Buyer's Read

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the WRX first reach the United States?

For the 2002 model year, as the ‘Bugeye,’ based on the second-generation Impreza sedan platform, with 227hp — two years before the STI followed for 2004.

How should I compare facelift dates?

Distinguish calendar-year reveals from market-specific model years: the European MY2003 facelift was unveiled in 2002, while the US WRX adopted the styling for MY2004.

How many STIs did Subaru sell in the US across model years 2004–2007?

Hagerty reports 25,813 US sales in total: 7,405 (2004), 7,747 (2005), 6,083 (2006), and 4,578 (2007).

What's different about the 2007 STI Limited?

The US 2007 STI Limited includes leather upholstery, heated front seats and a sunroof, per Hagerty — 800 were built (400 white, 400 gray), with black brake calipers instead of gold. It replaces the standard STI’s large rear wing with a small lip spoiler.

Sources & References