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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  Best Ever! - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By shilo - August 11 - 7:26 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned and I have owned many. The Baja handles great in rain and snow. It is just plain fun to drive. There is nothing that I do not like about it. My last car was a horrible 2003 Mustang convertible. I will be a Baja owner for as long as Subaru keeps them in their lineup.

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  you gotta drive one of these - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By Vash - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Most amazing vehicle Ive ever driven

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  Baja Turbo - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By Baja Turbo 2 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I like them so much that i bought another after the first one.They could have left off some of the standard items so they could sell them cheaper.Still could use more power.Im planning on buying a 06 if it is built on the new legacy/outback platform and with the flat 6.Its fun to drive especially in the rain.All in all its a great car/truck.

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  best deal I have had - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By Macster - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Very comvertable ride. good pickup on inclines. good gas milage, I averaged 25.6 MPG over a one year period. I drive an average of 100 miles aday 7 days a week. I have had it for 16 months (480 days) I have 47,762 miles on it now. This was the first subaru I have owned , certianly not the last. There are two drawbacks that I have found 1)is that there is wind noise once you get up over 65 MPH. I have had the dealer deal with it on several visits, every time they fix it every time it comes back. 2) it is hard to see when you backing up.

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  A pickup with an auto ride - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By ptdulac - July 25 - 10:00 am

  The best thing is the manuverability. Considering the size it easily wheels around town without a problem. The worst is my choice to leave off the Turbo. If acceleration is not important to you, this truck will be perfect.

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  Subaru Baja (car or truck?) - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By StevenB - July 11 - 10:00 am

  All Wheel Drive,Great Fuel Economy (25mpg),Subaru Reliability, quiet and comfortable ride, and an open trunk that can carry items that are extra tall. I looked at otherpick-ups but the fuel economy is not that good, especially with 4wd. When I looked at the Baja and test drove it my mind was made up and bought it. If you dont really need a truck and use it the way it really was intended for and a car or station wagon is not as versitile. Then the size of the Baja and what it is capable of doing should be what your your looking for.

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  Roo - 2006 Subaru Baja
  By Starr - June 30 - 3:10 pm

  I bought my (turbo) Baja in order to combine my truck and car needs into one vehicle. It handles ever bit as good as my Mustang and is a lot of fun to drive, costing me about the same in gas. The fold down back seat belongs to my Shar-Pei, and when hes not aboard its perfect for all my shopping needs. The locking bed is even better than any trunk I have ever had. It turns heads while Im out and about and there is no lack of power, surprising many. It has perfect lines and the leather interior is the perfect touch for the near perfect vehicle which I call the "ladys pick up" as its petite, sleek, fashionable and truly the best purchase I have ever made.

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  WOW! - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By BryceBaja - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Wow! I love it. Performance is great. Moonroof is so much fun. Leather seats!!!! I am skier, dirt biker, and member of arm-wrestler. I drove Baja arcoss the mountain all the time. I have been looking for a new SUV for a year till Baja appeared on commerical break that caught my attention. Baja is match my personaly.

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  Love My Toy Baja - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By Victor - May 15 - 8:26 pm

  Bought my Baja to replace a 98 Isuzu Pickup. This is the best trar, (truck/car - thats what my wife calls it), that I ever owned. Power everything standard. I drive about 1,000 miles a week and feel save and secure. Great on the highway and fun in town. A real head turner. Live in FL and with the bad rains, have no problem. No pull when hitting puddles. Drives true and straight. Will recommend any Subaru to anyone. Cant beat AWD.

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  Fun and Practical - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By DanInSanDiego - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Lots of fun, great for hauling my wet stuff, and good gas mileage. AWD is great for snow and mud, and the baja is an excellent daily driver. Lots of compliments from random people when they see it.