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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  03 baja - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By daskmjeg - April 10 - 2:00 am

  My first reaction to the Baja as "get a real truck...one that you can acutally do something with". I ended up looking at this vehicle by accident. Once I was how versitile it was, I fell in love with it. The switchback is great to get lumber and such in the vehicle. With the bed extender and the tailgate that supports 700 lbs., there is little I cant do with it! The subaru awd system is incredible. the baja hugs all the mountainous winding roads. The ride is smooth over bumpy roads; more so than any domestic car i have travelled it. The baja is well constructed. No squeaks or rattles. I would buy another in a heartbeat.

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  May be a niche market, but one Im in! - 2006 Subaru Baja
  By ted13 - March 19 - 10:50 pm

  I absolutely love my Baja! Fantastic handling, comfort, and style with more than enough room for cargo for me. I do wish the gas mileage was a bit better, though.

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  Baja Fun - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By mriccar - March 16 - 2:26 pm

  Im finding the Baja to have great versitaity and fun to drive. I have never seen one in my local area and am enjoying the inquisitive looks I am getting. Its a great vehicle that handles like a car but provides small truck capabilities.

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  Small Commuter Truck - 2006 Subaru Baja
  By workb4play - February 21 - 6:10 am

  I bought this Baja Sport as an economical alternative to my RAM 2500 Diesel for a round trip commute of 70 miles. Being only 59" and 180#, this vehicle seems harder to get in the drivers seat than any I have ever owned. It also lacks the power of any previous vehicles. But, I did not buy for power and once you are in the drivers seat, this is one of the most enjoyable cars I have ever owned. It has a sports car ride and feel. Interior finish sets the standard for its competitors. Base vinyl/fabric seats are supportive, top quality, and everyone thinks it is leather. Door panels are equally impressive. Engine is very quiet. Transmission shifts smooth but downshifts at the slightest hill.

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  Listen To The Owners - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By subguy - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Went looking on a whim. Surprised at how large and rugged this vehicle was. Drives great, tight. Interior reminds me of BMW (in a good way). Went with the all silver design. Looks sharp. Sub. does a disservice by using the yellow and silver with those mickey mouse spot lights as its "show" car. In monochrome, this car would appeal to much wider audience. Youll especially love this vehicle if your used to driving alone or with only a front seat passenger. That way, you can use the folded down rear seat area as your "trunk" (the tinted rear windows serves well to hide valuables) and the flat bed for the occasional cargo haul.

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  New "Brat" is a blast! - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By mddolfan - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I was intrigued by the Baja from the first Subaru "teasers" in the Spring of 2002. After test driving the Baja next to a couple of compact pickups, I took it home. I was a little worried about whether it would be practical or even useful as a "truck," but after six months, Ive enjoyed every minute of owning it. Handling is great. I had the rotor vibration problems mentioned in another review, but Subaru replaced all four and it rides fine now. Its a little underpowered, but still moves when needed. It has a VERY long list of standard features. Its been useful for small and medium-sized loads. Overall, I couldnt be happier with it.

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  2005 Baja Sport - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By NekoJCat - January 12 - 10:10 pm

  Great little car, I was considering the Turbo model, but when it came down to it the Sport was sufficient for my needs. It still has quite a bit of kick to it, and does a very impressive jump off the line. Ive had it about a month now, gets looks around town, some good some bad, but that was my draw to it. Its a unique car, and it really is a blast to drive.

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  Love My Baja!! - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By yellowblaze - January 3 - 2:16 am

  When we wanted to trade our gas sucking Bronco, this was the only option. Car like performance, truck like utility and unique looks combined into one. Weve gotten up to 31 mpg highway and average 23-24 mixed city/suburban driving. Were looking for a new "car" now, but our only option is an 06 Baja (since sadly, Subaru discontinued these in 06). We love the Subaru AWD and reliability but wont settle for a station wagon or minivan which is all they really offer now. This was the BEST of all automotive worlds!

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  Sporty AND cute - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By Nurse - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I had no intentions on buying a car when I bought this Subaru....I drove an Isuzu Rodeo and was going to look at the new Isuzu (which I found out that they were the same as a Trailblazer or Envoy) So I was not impressed. I saw the Baja at the lot and it really caught my eye. I took one out for a test drive and it was sweet! Then the guy asked me to drive the turbo version...so I did. That was all it took! I never had a car with such pep and its so much fun to drive. The safety features were also a major selling point. I wasnt ready for a luxury car yet, I still like the fact I can go to Home Depot and throw stuff in the back! I got Quality, Safety, Perform

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  Its about time - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By Fafnir - December 20 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle I was looking for was to be used for primarily for around town driving and an occasional trip to the park with the dogs or to the home and garden store. I wanted something more car like not truck like and still have truck bed. This is it. The ride is smooth and the seats hold you in place. Steering and handling are great with the Speed Sensitive Power Steering and AWD. The power is good with the AWD switching the power to the rear wheels. Gas mileage is a little better getting 20-25 mpg. The AWD is easy to use as it does not require my interventions. It is fun to drive and gets a lot of looks.