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 1 through 10 of 97.00

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  New Owner - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By cirerrek - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Had a pickup and hated how it handled. The Baja Classic has the pickup bed and handles well. An excellent compromise, IMO. The bed is on the small size, true, but I actually like that because it means items are within easy reach. I test drove both a stick and auto, liked the auto better, very smooth and it doesnt transfer engine vibration through the steering wheel and shifter like the manual. Gas mileage is a bit on the low side, but it has a big tank and uses regular gas. The cruise stalk behind the steering wheel takes a bit of getting used to. After a couple of weeks of ownership, I am quite pleased with the vehicle.

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  Awsome - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By Dr Car - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Best Truck as far as fun goes

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  Excellent vehicle - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By BajaMan - July 20 - 11:03 am

  I bought this vehicle as a replacement for my 1994 Jeep Wrangler in December 2002. I was attracted by the fact it was a car and a truck and its all wheel drive. So far the only major problem was the battery went flat about a year ago for no apparent reason.

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  Alaska Baja - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By ObiJuanAK - February 13 - 9:56 am

  The Baja has everything I expected from this vehicle. As long as you dont expect a pickups hauling ability and volume, it meets my requirements (hauling, commuting and all weather capability) to a T. The frigid Interior Alaska winters have not uncovered any shortcomings, other than the silly thermometer that only records down to -22 ºF. Fuel economy could be better, but not bad for an AWD vehicle. Good long distance comfort, not so fun on tight and twisty roads. The precision of the gearbox leave a lot to be desired. A little tight for two people in full winter gear, but in the summer it is just right. Shame Subaru decided to discontinue the Baja.

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  Baja - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By Baja Turbo - December 9 - 2:00 am

  You wont see one at every intresection.I get alot of stares and what is it.The best time behind the wheel is when it rains.You can take off faster than any one else,take corners and turns faster.The AWD system works well with the limited slip rear end.I dont know why sales are slow.I think subaru should have come out with the baja sooner,better late than never.I cant wait til the turbo model hits the ground.

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  great car - truck - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By sweet p - August 10 - 10:00 am

  its the perfect vehicle for families on the go . great style, great performance, great interior , used to own a jeep but i now love my baja .

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  GREAT all purpose car - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By dailydrivernj - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Owning this vehicle now for one year has been a terrific experience. Good fuel economy, NO reliability issues at all. Fun to drive and gets a lot of looks. Interior storage is a bit tight at times. Comfortable seating in all 4 places. Dealer replaced front brakes under warranty at 22000 miles. The 30000 mile service at the dealer is a bit pricey for a 4cyl car. Cold a/c in summer and decent heat in winter. Easy to maintain and keep clean

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  Japanese made had better quality - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By illanrob - December 20 - 2:00 am

  My third Subaru a Baja auto has atrocious piston slap after 2kmi. Serviced twice to resolve the loud engine tapping noise during the first 7 min of driving: the timing belt tensioner was replaced 1st, adjusted a 2nd visit. Neither repair worked. Another Subaru dealer mechanic says engine is not normal it needs further investigation. Area Rep Ed Luksic (Georgia Alabama), came drove it and says that it is normal, not a problem, they all have the same condition, his own Baja does the same thing, should last 130kmi or so. The area Rep would have some concern if I can prove that only ONE cyl is causing the problem. Otherwise NO!

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  poor seats - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By john burton - September 27 - 10:36 am

  Overall I am pleased with my recent purchase. Seats are my biggest complaint. Poor support, and no padding for the tush. The car I purchased is having some transmission slippage. Have brought it back, and they said to keep an eye on it.

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  New baja owner - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By dhart - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I have had the Baja base model for about a week now. I sold an Explorer Sport Trac. I wanted something a bit smaller, better mileage and quieter on the road. The Baja is all of this. I think it is great. It is very quiet and smooth at highway speeds. It is much less work to drive than the Sport Trac. It is not a powerhouse, but I did not want one. I will drive this till it drops.