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 71 through 80 of 97.00-
Nicks Baja - 2003 Subaru Baja
By Nickb - May 25 - 2:00 amExcellent traction on wet roads. Cant wait to test in Winter. Could use more power. But once moving feels spirited when need to passing.
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No one seems to worry about it but me - 2003 Subaru Baja
By painshot - March 26 - 10:00 amI own a 03 Baja. I have an engine knock that just wont go away. I have reported, with every trip to the dealer, and I get the same response, "We know about but there is anything to do about it. It is the way the engine is mounted." Sounds like a lot of BS to me. I also have complained about a damp musty smell, like wet towels left in the sun, and again they cannot find the problem. I plan to sell my Baja ASAP
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Take a chance! - 2003 Subaru Baja
By Peter Troost - January 29 - 10:00 amI have been very happy with my Baja, but fair warning -- people either love it or hate it. The pickup bed is great for hauling garbage to the dump or throwing in the hockey bag. One drawback, however, is that you cant really drive with the passthrough open in the winter because its cold! The only way to carry long items such as skis in the winter is on the roof. The stereo is garbage. Finally, mine has had a squeak in the back seat somewhere that has been very hard for the dealer to locate and is very annoying. Be sure to test drive the actual car you are going to buy.
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Weird to look at...but Im on the inside - 2003 Subaru Baja
By GlennH - January 29 - 10:00 amI have to admit that I havent quite decided whether this car/truck is attractive or just goofy looking. But driving it is a kick! Sure it could use a little more power (but I hear Subaru is addressing that in 04 by adding turbo.) But this vehicle drives well...handling is good, interior comfort great and otherwise a well thought out, very versatile car/truck thing. I dont REALLY need a pickup - I learned this lesson from owning a Ranger and a Toyota Pickup previously, but I cant quite come to terms with owning a "family car." The Baja walks the line. So, if youre anything like me, this may be the vehicle for you (and god bless you!)
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4th time around - 2003 Subaru Baja
By UrABus - January 22 - 7:23 pmThis is my 4th Subaru, my 1st was a GL- 10 loaded 5 speed w/4wh pneumatic air lift shocks 22 mpg. I bought one for each of my kids for safety and dependability, and wanted this vehicle since the BRAT hit the street. Im glad I waited, this is better. 22 mpg. 6 mile commute. 98,000 miles runs like a top. My GL-10 could air lift 3 inches for more ground clearance. A great feature for this one. Air noise, yep, its a truck not a limo. Shift slock between 15 and 20, yep, but it makes up it own mind. AWD yep, but Im not so sure about reverse. Maybe that why it has the hooks on the back. Michigan snow,no problem. Gawkers, yep,its a guy thing. Not a babe magnet. I would buy another one in a minute.
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Great concept, lacking execution - 2003 Subaru Baja
By Dave - January 12 - 7:26 pmWith 40k high speed and around town (yes, Home Depot!) driving, I have fallen out of love with the Baja, but still respect it. Love the versatility and carrying capacity (quite amazing really, with some creativity). Handling at higher speeds is very good after replacement of the awful OEM tires. Fold down seats, bed extension, poke through door into bed, all great with signature AWD. With the base 2.5l, acceleration is by appointment only. Tranny seems confused and gets in its own way. Wind noise has been a consistent problem, even after service that helped, some. And at 40k this has had more "little" failures and issues than seems characteristic of Subaru.
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Subaru reliability? - 2003 Subaru Baja
By bratissimo - December 17 - 10:00 amThe first time it rained the sunroof leaked and had to be replaced. I had it in 3 times for running rough and dying on start up. The dealer said "Subarus are quirky" After 5 months of running poorly check engine light came on, and it was towed to the nearest dealership who found a defective MAP sensor and fouled plug wire. 7 days later it was back on a tow truck in a different state wit the same problem. I spent my vacation getting my car fixed and NOT skiing. I have a 23 year old subaru that is a better car than this. What happened to Subarus legendary quality?
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Excellent Vehicle! - 2003 Subaru Baja
By jdaniel - November 25 - 6:16 amWanted a crew cab truck. After much research I decided on the Baja because EVERYTHING about it is better than a truck other than the smaller bed. Like the majority of people who own a truck, the bed is not used for work but rather for weekend purchases, garage sales, and trips to the home improvement stores. The Baja does just fine, gets better gas mileage, and as a used vehicle, it is a superb value. This vehicle handles like a sports car, came standard with leather, auto, power everything including sunroof; and it comes with an AWD system and engine that have been time tested and proved reliable.
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I love my Baja - 2003 Subaru Baja
By stooks - September 5 - 2:00 amthis car truck is great the handling and the cars many uses from hauling the trash off to getting a load of lumber its great Ill never owne anything eles and it goes great in the snow and rain the all wheel drive makes it stick to the road thanks subaru for a great car
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Baja is Brava! - 2003 Subaru Baja
By OnlineJimK - August 11 - 2:00 amA great car/truck! Very good mileage + utility + car comfort. If you need more truck than car, try the Nissan Frontier, but if you need some truck, but more car, than this is the vehicle for you! Also, the Baja rules on New Englands ice and snow covered roads. 5 stars!
