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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  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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  Beach Buggy Delux - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By jhk008 - March 21 - 6:10 pm

  As a coastal geologist, I chose this vehicle to use in post-storm beach surveys. It has yet to be stuck in the sand...has hauled all the survey equipment I ever needed (plus 6 students in the bed and three more in the cab), gets great gas mileage, and has yet to have any major (or minor) maintenance issues. Did all the scheduled maintenance on time...had new brakes put on at 40K miles...still running on the original tires at 47K miles and have tread to spare. Recently used my beach buggy to haul 2 12 2X4s, 8 sheets of 3/4" CDX plywood, 2 square of shingles, and a roll of 30# felt...all in one trip. Ive pulled trailers and boats with no problems. Great car!

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  These are so much fun to drive - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By John - March 21 - 6:03 pm

  I love this car i cant say one bad thing about it. Take one out for a drive and you will fall in love if you like the styling.

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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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  Biggest piece of garbage on the road - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By Mial James Bryant - January 22 - 8:58 pm

  The worse car I have ever had the turbo went out 3 times first time at only at 78, 000 cars are just breaking in. Air conditioner has gone out engine rebuilt at 100,000 and then the radiator blew at 100500 I would never buy a Subaru as long as I live even if it was a dollar and I would sell it if given to me .

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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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  my pickup car - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By harvey R. - November 19 - 2:00 am

  the vehical is great in snow. I just drove 70 miles in pouring rain and it hugged the road at 65-75mph. never hydroplaned. great economy 26mpg at city/highway combo.4 people ride in comfort and plenty of room to keep packages outside under the covers. the quality is excellent and i would defenitly buy another

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  Lew - 2006 Subaru Baja
  By Love to drive - September 15 - 1:53 am

  I owned a Ford Ranger before this and I wanted one that was more fuel efficient. In city I have been averaging 25-26 and on the highway over 31 MPG. And I improved my comfort as it rides great and I love the sun roof and everything about it.

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  Rear headrest - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By Thomas1965 - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Not exactley the best raar visibility, rear headrests are too large as well as not removable, large blind spot, left and right, backend too high, the latter 2 items take some time to get used too, gets tons of compliments looking forawrd to many years of driving, have taken it off road...handles well, we actually have the 2003 1/2 model year couldnt find a review for it, Baja yellow rules. gas mileage equivilent too most cars 22-24mpg,love the sunroof,handles well in both rain and snow. The torneau cover adds some privacy but is not burglar proof, fun to be a passenger in the bed durring apple picking season. Pass. in the back seats love the forward view.