Recommended Free Tools
Bugeye, Blobeye, and Hawkeye are enthusiast nicknames for the three front-end designs of the second-generation Subaru Impreza WRX era. The quickest way to tell them apart is the shape of the headlights and nose; the nicknames do not identify a specific engine, trim, or universal set of model years. Those details vary by market and by whether the car is a WRX or WRX STI.
What Bugeye, Blobeye, and Hawkeye mean
The names describe styling eras, not official Subaru trim levels. They refer to the front-end design of second-generation GD/GG Imprezas: the Bugeye has round headlamps, the Blobeye uses a softer, more conventional-looking nose, and the Hawkeye has a sharper later design. These are useful visual labels, but not precise specifications for every car.
Subaru’s Japanese Applied Model codes provide a more specific way to identify revisions. For the Japanese-market STI lineage, a reference groups Bugeye with Applied Models A–B (2000–2002), Blobeye with C–E (2002–2005), and Hawkeye with F–G (2005–2007). These ranges describe that Japanese-market classification; they are not a global model-year chart. Subaru STI reference
How to tell them apart visually
| Nickname | Fastest visual clue | What the nickname does not establish |
|---|---|---|
| Bugeye | Round headlamps and the original face of this generation. | Exact model year, market, trim, engine, or factory equipment. |
| Blobeye | A softer, more conventional nose and headlamp treatment than the Bugeye. | Whether the car is a WRX or STI, or its mechanical specification. |
| Hawkeye | Sharper-looking headlamps and front fascia; the later major look before the next Impreza generation. | Whether it has specific engine, wheel-hub, or differential equipment. |
For a quick comparison, look at the headlamp shape and position, then the grille, bumper profile, and overall fascia. A modified car may have replacement lamps or bumpers, so appearance alone is not proof of its original identity.
#1 Best Overall
- The position of the engine mounting bracket is fixed on a specific position of the vehicle chassis or body.
- Reduce the transmission of engine vibration and noise to the body.
- Engine mounting brackets are designed Compatible With easy installation and removal.
- The bracket is usually made of metal materials, such as cast steel or aluminum alloy.
- Easy to remove from the vehicle or install back.
What years are Bugeye, Blobeye, and Hawkeye?
There is no single year chart that applies to every market. The Japanese Applied Model ranges above are one useful reference, but North American model years and other markets’ calendar-year or sales-year labels do not map neatly onto them.
The United States introduced the WRX for model year 2002 and the STI for model year 2004. Those U.S. launch dates do not define when the Japanese or UK-market facelift eras began. If you are identifying a particular car, establish its original market and confirm its VIN or chassis and vehicle-plate information rather than relying on a nickname or a registration year. Subaru
Rank #2
- The IAG Competition Series Pitch Stop Mount significantly reduces engine and transmission movement under hard acceleration. The CNC machined billet aluminum mount includes (x2) 90A durometer bushings,(x2) 75A durometer bushings and a black anodized finish for corrosion protection. The competition series 90A durometer bushings are significantly stiffer than the Group N mounts and due to the higher durometer used in the bushings, NVH (Noise Vibration Harshness) is perceivable through the interior.
- IAG's pitch mounts are specifically designed with the ability to swap bushings. The Competition Series pitch mount can be easily changed to a "Street" version by adding our Street Series 75A durometer bushings that slightly increase stiffness over the stock and GROUP N mount.
- The optional Race Series solid steel bushing set is significantly stiffer than the Competition Series bushings and will transmit more NVH as well.
- Includes: (x1) Competition Series Pitch Stop with 90A Red Competition Series Bushings
- Options: (x2) Street Series 75A Black Bushing Set, (x1 2-Piece) Race Series Solid Steel Bushing Set
WRX and WRX STI are separate specification branches
WRX and WRX STI share the broad styling sequence, but they are not interchangeable specifications. The cited Japanese reference identifies GDA as the WRX saloon family and GDB as the STI family. It describes the STI as having its own engine, six-speed transmission, and more specialized drivetrain and chassis hardware. Badges and visual accessories can be swapped, so they are not reliable proof of factory identity.
One specific example shows why market and model identity matter: Subaru’s November 2002 Japanese-market GDA WRX catalog entry lists a four-door sedan, a 1,994 cc turbocharged EJ20 flat-four, 250 PS, full-time 4WD, and a five-speed manual. That is one Japanese WRX specification—not a specification for all WRXs, STIs, or export-market cars. Subaru SUGDAS catalog
Rank #3
- Made of ABS plastic (not FRP), material thickness is 2.5 mm.
- Surface finish: unpainted, glossy black.
- "Bolt-on" tuning item. It fits perfectly!
- This spoiler can be fastened with black windscreen glue or 3M tape.
- Ducktail trunk spoiler - 1 pc.
JDM STI revisions went beyond styling
For the Japanese GDB STI lineage, the documented updates include engineering changes that cannot be inferred from the facelift nickname alone:
- The November 2002 update introduced twin-scroll turbocharging, an equal-length exhaust, and DCCD Auto Mode.
- The June 2004 Applied Model E update changed to 5×114.3 hubs, wider wheels and tires, and revised rear bodywork.
- A Hawkeye-era revision added a torque-sensitive mechanical limited-slip differential alongside electronic center-differential control, with a stated basic front/rear split of 41:59.
These details are for the Japanese STI revisions cited here. Do not assume an export-market car has the same equipment based on its appearance or nickname.
Rank #4
- Made of ABS plastic (not FRP), material thickness is 3 mm.
- Surface finish: unpainted, glossy black.
- "Bolt-on" tuning item. It fits perfectly!
- This spoiler can be fastened with black windscreen glue or 3M tape.
- For sedans only.
Which one should you choose?
There is no evidence-based universal winner among the three facelift eras. The best choice depends on the exact car, its market and specification, its condition, and what you want to use it for. A well-documented example in the right configuration is a more useful starting point than choosing by nickname alone.
- Identify the market and exact model year. Distinguish calendar year from model year where relevant.
- Confirm the model and body style. Establish whether it is a WRX or STI and whether it is a sedan or another body style.
- Verify the mechanical specification. Check the engine, transmission, and drivetrain against the car’s identity records rather than inferring them from the front end.
- Assess condition and history. Review service records and modifications; a facelift conversion or drivetrain swap can make appearance misleading.
- Check parts against the specific vehicle. For replacement headlights or other front-end parts, confirm market, year, body style, and VIN/chassis fitment before ordering.
How to identify a car or order the right parts
Use the nickname as a first visual clue, then verify the car’s identity. Replacement lights, bumpers, badges, and drivetrain components may have been swapped, and facelift conversions exist. For a purchase or restoration, match the VIN/chassis and vehicle-plate or catalog information to the exact car. For headlights, confirm fitment for the market, year, and body style as well as the facelift appearance; do not buy solely from a seller’s “Bugeye,” “Blobeye,” or “Hawkeye” label.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- THE IAG SILICONE UPPER & LOWER RADIATOR HOSE KIT - When it’s time to replace the factory radiator hoses on your 2002-2007 WRX or 2004-2007 STI, the IAG Silicone Upper & Lower Radiator Hose Kit provides a dependable, long-lasting upgrade over OEM rubber hoses. As rubber hoses age, they can deteriorate—leading to cracks, bulges, and potential leaks that compromise your cooling system. Built with premium materials and precision-engineered design, the IAG hose kit withstands extreme temperatures and wear, offering durability your factory components just can’t match.
- HEAVY DUTY CONSTRUCTION FITS - Constructed from 4-ply reinforced silicone and measuring 5mm thick, the IAG Silicone Upper & Lower Radiator Hose Kit is built to handle extreme heat, resist chemical breakdown, and outlast standard rubber hoses. Available in black, red, or blue, each hose features a pre-formed shape for a perfect fit that won’t pinch or collapse under pressure. Tough enough for competition use, these hoses provide reliable cooling performance on the street or at the track—even in the most demanding conditions.
- FACTORY FIT - The IAG Silicone Upper & Lower Radiator Hose Kit is a direct replacement for the upper and lower OEM radiator hoses on the 2002-2007 WRX or 2004-2007 STI (GD chassis), with pre-formed bends that fit just like factory. Designed for a precise fit at the radiator inlet, outlet, and engine ports, these hoses install easily with no modifications required. The kit also comes with stainless steel clamps for a strong, reliable seal.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
