Subaru Impreza WRX STI import guide
GC8 · GDB · turbo EJ20 boxer · rally-bred AWD
The Subaru Impreza WRX STI is the rally-bred icon — a turbocharged boxer engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive wrapped in a compact sedan. Japan-market STIs got sharper, higher-output versions than export cars. We source Imprezas direct from Japan.
- Turbo EJ20 boxer
- Symmetrical AWD
- Rally pedigree
At a glance
Subaru Impreza WRX STI quick facts
- Type
- Sports sedan / hatch
- Engine
- 2.0L EJ20 turbo boxer-4
- Drivetrain
- Symmetrical all-wheel drive
- Chassis
- GC8 (1992–2000), GD/GDB (2000–2007)
- Notable
- 22B STI, Type RA, Spec C (JDM specials)
- Import eligibility
- GC8 eligible; GDB rolling in year by year
Overview
Why import a Subaru Impreza WRX STI
Born from Subaru's dominant 1990s rally program, the Impreza WRX STI pairs a torquey turbo boxer with grippy symmetrical all-wheel drive. Japan-market STIs typically ran higher outputs, closer gearing, and sharper hardware than the WRX models sold abroad.
From the collectible 22B to the focused Type RA and Spec C, the JDM Impreza world is deep — and Japan is where the cleanest, most original cars come up.
- Turbocharged EJ20 boxer engine
- Symmetrical all-wheel-drive traction
- JDM STI hardware sharper than export WRX
- Iconic specials: 22B, Type RA, Spec C
Chassis
GC8 vs GD/GDB explained
The GC8 (1992–2000) is the classic round-headlight/'bugeye'-adjacent era and is fully or largely import-eligible — including the legendary 22B. The GD/GDB (2000–2007) STI is becoming eligible model year by model year under the 25-year rule.
- GC8 — 1992–2000, classic Impreza STI, eligible
- 22B STI — 1998 homologation special, highly collectible
- GDB — 2000–2007 STI, rolling into eligibility
- Type RA / Spec C — lightweight, focused JDM trims
Buyer notes
What to look for at auction
- EJ20 health — head gaskets, ringland, and boost history
- Quality of any prior tuning; evidence of hard rally/track use
- AWD driveline and center-diff condition
- Rust on arches and underbody; accident history (auction sheet)
- Authenticity of claimed specials (22B, Type RA, Spec C)
Importing
Importing an Impreza WRX STI to the U.S.
GC8 Imprezas are eligible now; GDB STIs become eligible on the anniversary of their build date. We verify eligibility before purchase.
Under the U.S. 25-year rule, a vehicle is exempt from FMVSS once it is at least 25 years old. Eligibility is rolling — each model year becomes importable on the anniversary of its build date.
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FAQ
Subaru Impreza WRX STI import — common questions
- What's the difference between the WRX and the STI?
- The STI is the higher-performance version — sharper suspension, stronger drivetrain, more power, and closer gearing. JDM STIs generally ran higher outputs than the WRX models exported abroad.
- Is the Subaru Impreza WRX STI legal to import?
- The GC8 generation (1992–2000) is eligible now. The GDB STI (2000–2007) becomes eligible on each car's 25th build-date anniversary — we confirm the build month before purchase.
- What is the Subaru 22B?
- A 1998 homologation special based on the GC8 — widebody, uprated engine, and built in very limited numbers. It's one of the most collectible Subarus ever made; verify authenticity carefully.
- What engine does the WRX STI use?
- A turbocharged 2.0L EJ20 boxer-four driving all four wheels through Subaru's symmetrical AWD system.
- Is a Subaru Impreza WRX STI street-legal in the U.S.?
- Once 25+ years old and federally cleared, yes. As a passenger car, registration is generally straightforward — confirm your state's emissions and titling rules.
Import eligibility and state registration rules change over time and vary by vehicle. Confirm current requirements before purchasing. This page is informational only and not legal advice.
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