Tech guide · Identification
Impreza chassis and model codes explained
Subaru gives every Impreza a short code that tells you exactly what it is: GC8, GDB, GRB, VAB and so on. Knowing your code saves a lot of grief when ordering parts, buying a car or asking for help in the forum, because the name on the boot (“WRX”, “STI”, “Turbo”) covers many different cars.
At a glance
GC8 to VAB
Four generations of turbo Impreza, each with its own code.
Check the plate
The full model code is on the plate in the engine bay.
Revision letters
The letter after the code tells you when the car was built.
Where to find your code
- The model plate in the engine bay, usually on the bulkhead or a strut tower. On JDM cars this shows the full “applied model” code, such as GDBF4EH.
- The VIN / chassis number on the plate and on your logbook: it starts with the chassis code (for example GC8-123456 on a Japanese car).
- If in doubt, post a photo of the plate in the forum, with the serial number covered.
The generations
| Generation | Years | Codes | Nicknames |
|---|---|---|---|
| First (classic) | 1992–2000 | GC (saloon and 2-door coupé in Japan), GF (wagon), GM (US coupé) | Classic, GC8 |
| Second (New Age) | 2000–2007 | GD (saloon), GG (wagon) | Bugeye (2000–02), Blobeye (2002–05), Hawkeye (2005–07) |
| Third | 2007–2014 | GE / GH (standard saloon / hatch), GR / GV (widebody STI hatch / saloon) | Hatch STI, GRB |
| WRX STI (VA) | 2014–2021 | VA (saloon): VAB for the STI | VA STI |
Reading the code
Take GDBF4EH as an example:
| Characters | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | GD | Body: G = Impreza, D = New Age saloon |
| 3 | B | Engine family. On the turbo cars: 8 = classic 2.0 turbo (GC8, GF8), A = New Age 2.0 WRX (GDA, GGA), B = 2.0 STI (GDB, GGB, GRB, GVB), G = New Age 2.5 turbo (GDG, GGG: UK and European WRX and STI from 2005), F = 2.5 STI (GRF, GVF) |
| 4 | F | Series (revision) letter: when the car was built (see below) |
| 5 | 4 | Doors: 2 or 4 |
| 6–7 | EH | Grade and equipment package (for example a specific STI or Spec C build) |
So GDBF4EH is a New Age STI saloon from series F (2005–06). The 22B is GC8E2SD: a classic 2.0 turbo, series E (1997–98), 2-door.
Classic revision letters (GC8 / GF8)
| Letter | Built | STI version |
|---|---|---|
| A | 11/1992 – 09/1993 | – |
| B | 10/1993 – 08/1994 | Version I |
| C | 09/1994 – 08/1996 | Version II |
| D | 09/1996 – 08/1997 | Version III |
| E | 09/1997 – 08/1998 | Version IV |
| F | 09/1998 – 08/1999 | Version V |
| G | 09/1999 – 2000 | Version VI |
New Age revision letters (GDA / GDB)
| Letters | Face | Key changes |
|---|---|---|
| A–B | Bugeye | Launch in October 2000; 6-speed STI; Spec C from December 2001 |
| C–D | Blobeye | Facelift in November 2002; twin-scroll turbo on JDM STI |
| E | Blobeye | From June 2004: STI moves from 5×100 to 5×114.3 wheel studs, with bigger hubs |
| F–G | Hawkeye | Facelift in June 2005; more torque; DCCD gains a mechanical LSD |
Later cars follow the same idea: GRB and GVB STIs and the VAB STI also carry a series letter (A, B, C and so on) for each model-year update. When you order parts, give the full code and the build date where you can, because changes often happen mid-generation.
More guides
Subaru Impreza special editions
Buying a used WRX or STI
Importing a Subaru to Ireland
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