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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  After one month... - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By Clark Savage - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Another fine vehicle from Subaru! The exterior styling is a bit "over the top" for me, but it gets plenty of looks and comments. The interior is well-designed and comfortable. A better stereo option would have been nice--guess Ill go with an aftermarket. I took it out on some Forest Service and Wildlife Refuge roads and it drove superbly! Ended the day by rescuing a stranded family of SIX on the expressway and drove them over the pass--acceleration was no problem, but it was certainly cramped.

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  Pleased - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By Zman - July 28 - 4:13 pm

  Works great in snow; 25 MPG; good to haul stuff with yet maintains comfort like a car. I call it combination- car and truck CRUCK.

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  stylish and fun - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By BuddyL - July 22 - 10:00 am

  This two-tone silver vehicle was stunning on the showroom floor. The ride is remarkably quiet and when the accelerator is punched, hang on, because she wants to go!

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  Great fun to drive - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By NoritakeDR - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Stylish good looks, great handling, and a very fast motor make this car the most fun vehicle I have ever owned. I test drove the non-turbo and found the engine to be lacking. The downside of the turbo is poorer gas milage and you must use premium fuel, but the vehicle is extraordinarily responsive, particularly on hills. I drove the car on a trip of 300 miles and it is a bit wearing over the long haul because of the light weight compared to a sedan which I previously owned, however in town the vehicle is a real blast to drive. This is a great car for weekend lovers.

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  AWD Mini El-Camino - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By Jim-Rome - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Since the 70s Ive said I wanted an AWD (or 4WD) El Camino. This is in in a mini version. Very versatiel and fun. It isnt a REAL truck... but the.. my wife would expect REAL work.

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  Just wouldnt die - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By Trent - June 9 - 5:00 pm

  I had a 2003 baja which I bought at 100,000 miles. Over the next two years, I added on 60,000 miles using it as a commuter car. I bought the car with few mechanical problems, and over the long commutes and two years on an already dated car, I was rather impressed with its reliability. Over the course of those miles, the only repairs were brake pads, rotors, muffler repair, sealing an oil leak and a lower ball joint. I finally trades it in once an O2 sensor failed at 162,000 miles. All in all, pretty respectable considering it is 13 years old in the rust belt. The bed was very useful for moving washers, dryers, beds, etcetera. I got my use out of it. I would buy another if they were still making them.

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  4 years and still my favorite - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By Maggie - June 4 - 5:20 am

  At 2 years old it crept stealthily out of a field that had become a mud bog that big 4x4s were being winched from after a substanital rainstorm. I couldnt believe it! I was the only vehicle to get out without assistance! Had minor 1st gear stalling problem that required a switch replacement this year, but no other problems in 4 years!

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  Our 5th Subaru - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By john - May 26 - 3:43 am

  Subaru has to be building the best cars in North America. We have now owned a 92 SVX, two Outbacks, and now we have two Bajas. We were very impressed with our 05 Baja Sport, and when the 99 Outback came up for major maintenance, we traded for another 05 Baja Turbo. Wow, fast, fast, fast... gets up and moves like our 6-cyl. SVX did. Our Bajas are comfortable, affordable to drive, and never fail us. It is a shame to see Subaru making marketing errors. The Tribecca/B9 frankly is an over-priced, underperforming gas-hog that few will buy, (we test drove one) and Outbacks lack versatility. Baja was never marketed well, and no one knew they existed until they were discontinued, glad we got em.

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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.