Overview & Reviews

Consider the platypus. Being semi-aquatic, this bizarre mammal looks like a cross between a beaver and a duck. But thanks to its quirky features, it's agile on land, is a fair swimmer and is adept at rooting for food on stream bottoms.

So what's that National Geographic sound bite got to do with the Subaru Baja? Well, the somewhat visually similar Subaru was also designed to adapt to changing needs, albeit ones dictated by its owner, not its survivability. Thanks to its unorthodox architecture, the Baja promised the nimble nature and passenger comfort of a midsize sedan along with the hauling capability of a small pickup truck.

Alas, just like many of Mother Nature's past experiments, the Subaru Baja didn't quite take. The car's odd styling turned off a lot of potential buyers, as did the fact that there just weren't that many people who desired a car-based pickup. Chevy El Camino enthusiasts excepted, of course. Production ended for the Baja after just four years on the market.

Most Recent Subaru Baja

Based on the Legacy/Outback platform, the Subaru Baja was produced from 2003-'06. In terms of its exterior design, calling the Baja "distinctive" would be the nice thing to say. We're certain that the heavy cladding along the lower body was supposed to look rugged, but instead it seemed as if a Pontiac stylist from the late '80s had infiltrated Subaru's design studio.

Rather than a sedan's trunk or a wagon's enclosed cargo area, the Baja featured a small, open cargo box like a pickup truck. To improve versatility, Subaru fitted a "Switchback," otherwise known as a midgate. The midgate allowed the front wall of the bed and the rear seatback to fold down and into the passenger area. This increased bed length from 41 to 60 inches. The rear window was fixed in place, however, which placed limitations on the size and shape of items that would fit.

The Subaru Baja was initially available in standard and Sport trims. The standard Baja came with air-conditioning, leather seating, full power accessories, a CD player, 16-inch alloy wheels and a power sunroof. The Sport was more of a base trim, as it substituted cloth upholstery for the leather and had a manual, not power, driver seat. Options included a bed extender, a bed-mounted bike rack and a premium sound system with a six-CD changer. The cabin design was essentially the same as the Legacy's, which meant high-quality materials, a user-friendly control layout and comfortable seats.

Power was provided by a 2.5-liter flat-4 that made a respectable 165 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission was standard, with a four-speed automatic optional. Although the 2.5 had decent output, there's only so much thrust it could furnish while saddled with nearly 3,700 pounds of all-wheel-drive Subie. Our testing netted a 0-60 time of 9.9 seconds (with the manual gearbox) -- about equal to a compact V6 pickup of the day.

The following year, the Baja Turbo debuted. Fitted with a turbocharged version of the 2.5, it sported 210 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque. The Baja Turbo was more than 2 seconds quicker to 60 mph and a lot more fun to drive. An Edmunds road test quote sums it up nicely: "It's not quite a performance car, but it's a lot more fun to drive than most other pickups or SUVs."

In theory, the Subaru Baja seemed to make perfect sense, offering the best attributes of a family sedan with the utility of a compact pickup. But it fell a bit short in a few areas. Passenger capacity was limited to just four rather than the regular Legacy's five. And towing capacity was rated at just 2,000 pounds with the automatic and 2,400 pounds with the manual.

Still, with its all-wheel drive, generous ground clearance and versatile cargo bed, a used Subaru Baja could be the ideal choice for outdoor sports enthusiasts involved with mountain biking, kayaking and camping. Add in Subaru's solid reputation for reliability, the Baja's easy-to-handle size and superior fuel economy (compared to a V6 pickup truck) and this odd duck of a car may make more sense than most people initially thought.

User Reviews:

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  fun to cruise - 2006 Subaru Baja
  By Paul - November 4 - 12:16 am

  The Baja picks up and zings with the turbo engine. The power seats are most impressive of any vehicle I have driven. Quick to accelerate, Fun to look at, and great handling makes the Baja a must have for outdoor enthusiasts who like the versatility, but want to avoid the motion-sickness of a bumpy ride of a pickup.

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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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  Great Fun and works great - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By CJoffe - June 20 - 2:53 pm

  The Turbo Baja is the all time sleeper. This car is fast as well as being tough. After a year we still love every minute of driving this vehicle. What people never realize until AFTER they own it is just how great the handling and ride are. With the exception of front legroom, the interior cabin size is great, with plenty of passenger space. The folding rear seats are very handy.

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  Subaru Baja 2005 - 2006 Subaru Baja
  By Manny - February 16 - 5:43 pm

  Enough power for a stock drivetrain. Good on gas (hwy). About 400 miles to the tank. Could be a little more comfortable, but the car is equipped nicely.

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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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  Super Subaru - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By RDC913 - December 17 - 7:40 am

  I just got my BAJA Turbo and I love it. All my friends and even my wife have been against the BAJA because of its looks. Personally I love the way it looks. I have never been one to let anyone influence my decisions. Thats why its parked in my driveway now. So far I am very pleased with it and Im very glad I got the Turbo. Its very powerful and the functional hood scoop looks awesome!! The interior is simple but I sold my BMW 325 convertible to get one of these so its a slight adjustment. I snowboard and wanted a vehicle that would do well in the snow. The reviews from other BAJA owners sold me. I cant wait to use it this coming winter. I wish these would come back into production.