Overview & Reviews

The Baja is all new for 2003. It's similar to the Subaru Outback, but it has an open cargo bed. Certainly a niche vehicle, it should appeal to people with active lifestyles, especially those who ski or surf.

• Comfortable ride, stable handling, decent fuel mileage, multiple configurations, unlikely to be lost in a parking lot.

User Reviews:

Showing 51 through 60 of 97.00

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  versatile communter - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By Fredd - April 28 - 11:14 pm

  Engine gaskets and CV boots only real issues over 12 years. I have taken it cross country (Wash to Maine), non turbo struggles up hills at higher altitudes (Idaho, Montana), gearing is great for best gas mileage @ 65 mph, drops considerably when up at 75 mph handles rain or snow with aplomb. Subaru need to update design and make a newer model within the next few years so I can buy my final BAJA

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  new baja - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By sag - April 25 - 2:00 am

  i love the versatility from going to home depot, Christmas tree,or carrying people. it is great navigating through 10 inches of snow. Subaru is a well engineered automobile.It is definately worth the money.

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  Except for the AWD a poor winter car. - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By PLP - April 4 - 10:00 pm

  As far as winter driving goes: the wells below the wipers collect some serious snow & ice that will hamper the wipers if you dont clear it completely. Opening the door in winter deposits a nice clump of snow on your drivers seat. The passenger side of the front windshield will not clear completely in extreme cold weather. There isnt much space between the tire and mudflaps - the tires rub against the collected snow in winter and you can feel/hear the rubbing when you turn the wheel. The roof is hard to clear of snow but if you dont completely clear it you get an avalanche of snow that almost rips your wipers after it warms up and you put the brakes on. The biggest problem is hesitation.

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  I wish I had your Baja :( - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By kch5 - January 27 - 9:56 am

  90k miles M/T. If only the engine reliability was as great as the ride. Consistent 1Qt oil consumed per 1k miles driven since got at 60k (and Im assured by Subaru this is normal and not to worry about it, just fill it up every third gas fill up, no problem). Both head gaskets just blew, along with failed battery and failed water thermostat. To repair all problems, were talking new battery, head gaskets, thermostat, new piston rings or short block replacement=$5500 at dealer (about equal to trade in value), which means good-bye or home rebuild. Heartbroken trying to find a non-Subaru manual AWD replacement.

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  Petruggio loves his Baja - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By Petruggio - January 3 - 6:36 pm

  The versatility of this vehicle is remarkable. One one day you can drive 1000 miles and get reasonable gas mileage. While driving you can enjoy excellent handling and very smooth highway driving. On the very next day you can haul and/or tow a reasonable amount of supplies and/or materials for various household projects. While the Baja is clearly not for everyone, the versatility this car offers is impressive. Further, the way this vehicle handles different driving conditions (e.g., snow, rain, rough terrain) is amazing.

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  Best Car Ive Owned - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By John V. - December 31 - 3:25 am

  I dislike reviews of this vehicle/truck hybrid that say it is limited in functionality. If one needs to haul drywall, then get a truck. The Baja is an amazing vehicle with no problems after 12 years and 90,000 miles. Its fun to drive and looks great. I get offers to buy my car all the time, even though it is not for sale. My wife encouraged me to treat myself to a new car. I wont trade this Subaru in for even a Mercedes. I owned a business for 10+ years and this was the perfect vehicle to take the kids back and forth while hauling boxes and landscaping equipment in the back. The Baja is a collectors car. I own the yellow, which is sporty and fun. Oh yeah, other drivers cant miss seeing it.

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  Great vehicle to own - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By Mary Colletti - June 11 - 5:50 am

  For the most part I have had a lot of fun with this vehicle. People stop me and ask if its a car or a truck. It has had a few problems lately but for the most part it has been a reliable vehicle and I would buy a Subaru definitely again. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  My Black Beauty Baja - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By DanV - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Went to the dealership to test drive, fell in love! I can take street corners at 40 mph and the car will not vear! I love it! Wish that it had more power though. I get a lot of comments wherever I go. I was a little disapointed about the soft top that covers the bed. When it rains, water pools on top and it is difficult to get in the bed area without getting the bed wet, exp important since I do a lot of traveling and need dry clothes. Disapointed that no hard cover was an option. Was also disapointed that the corners of the soft cover are tearing, but is covered under the warranty.

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  The Out-Brat is fun! - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By Joe Miya - April 25 - 10:00 am

  After wrecking my 1999 Ranger, the Baja was on my radar, but not the major focus. After driving one, I was hooked. The Baja was a fun little car to drive. After some thought, the trade- off of a smaller cargo capacity for much better fuel mileage was worth it. The Baja gets 5-7mpg more than the 4x4 compact trucks I was looking at. Even on the Sport trim, there is a long list of standard features. Seats are comfortable enough and there is decent headroom even with the moon roof. Could use a bit more in the way of power under the hood, but the Boxer-4 is more than enough for everyday driving.

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  03 Baja - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By HKF - April 11 - 8:03 pm

  Red on silver clad with graphite cloth interior. Optional bed cover and hitch. Great car, sticks to the road like velcro. Upgraded with aftermarket audio to provide handsfree bluetooth, roadnoise inerferes. Transmission has a mind of its own, upshifts are unpredictable and downshifts let the engine revs hit the red line. The soft bed cover is more work than I expected but keeps the bed clean and mostly dry. Overall, fun to drive and really unique. Defies categorizing.