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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  My favorite car - 2006 Subaru Baja
  By kim - April 16 - 3:03 pm

  A truck doesnt compare. A car doesnt compare. This is the best of both worlds. You have the versatility and payload of a truck, the four wheel capability of a truck, the acceleration of a low end performance car, and the comfort of a low end luxury car.

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  My cartruck - 2006 Subaru Baja
  By leslie - April 11 - 5:20 am

  Love the versatility. Love the low entry. Miss storage compartments. Back seat compartment too small. Great handling in rain and snow.

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  Best truck for surfers - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By cold heart - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this truck for a while i havent had to fix barly anything yet

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  Subaru Baja - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By Badger 777 - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Great overall performance and fuel mileage. It should have a little more horsepower without sacrificing the fuel mileage, (200 hp would be perfect). The ride is excellent in town an on the highway. I really have no complaints it is a well designed vehicle and the best part is it was assembled using U.S. laborers. My Cheverolet Silverado was made in Canada. In fact I believe my 2002 Cougar was made in Mexico.

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  Not Just for Fishing - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By JohnnyKay - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Bought the Baja as a third car for hauling fishing gear from the shore house to the marina in Cape May. But with the wild winter in the NE, I had lots of experience driving in the snow, rain, and ice. Now, Im hooked - thinking of using it year round. Love the AWD. Bargained for the vinyl bed cover, and glad I did. Great looks, handling, and fun to drive. Great deals.

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  Still disappointed after 2 years - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By Disappointed in De - February 12 - 12:50 pm

  From the day, I drove it off the lot, it has had squeaks. I have had it in four times and the dealer has never been able to make any improvements. Drivers area is cramped.

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  Baja Turbo - Colorado - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By hatake - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Recommend to those who a) haul large object every now and then (it is not a pickup truck, its a car with a small bed), b) dont race (if you do, go with Forester or WRX), c) live in higher altitude (above 8,000 ft) and still need responsive engine, d) not too concerned about gas mileage (about 22 mpg), e) like the looks (at least able to tolerate), and f) if your bike costed more than $1500 and always nervous when it is on roofrack. Its a good alternative car for regular light DIY Home Depot kind of folks.

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  So far so good - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By derek - January 29 - 4:33 pm

  After doing much research, and based on my needs, I decided to purchase a used Baja. Finding one in Pittsburgh, it was a 5 speed turbo, and I can say thus far that I am very happy with it. I do a lot of driving and the Baja is a very enjoyable ride, from the power. The sport like handling and feel, then mix in the versatility of the pick up bed, plus its good and/or unusual look, I am very satisfied so far. Then add in Subaru safety and reliability, I guess you can say I am now a convert. I picked up a bed cover, a bike hitch carrier, plus a few other accessories, and am good to go.

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  Fun to drive - 2006 Subaru Baja
  By DWL - January 28 - 6:00 pm

  It is not a high performance car but I knew that when I bought it. It is peppy for its engine and body size. It also handles curves really nice. As for comfort, it is comfortable as I need and it gets good gas mileage considering I drive 78 miles everyday to and from work. I am getting in the upper 26 to lower 27/mpg.

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  No more Subarus for OUR family - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By disgusted - January 23 - 3:16 am

  Lets see...the transmission went out at 3,000 miles. The carpet had to be replaced because of a poorly designed mat-holder. The trim is crooked, the mileage stinks, the warranty offered by the company is not comparable with other manufacturers. Should I keep going? Oh I suggested a friend buy a Subaru as well and her review would be similar to mine...NOT TOO HOT! Together, our invoice paperwork for all the trips weve made to have items examined/repaired could reforest a small country.