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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  Good So Far - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By glj - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Only have 1200 miles on it, but I love it. Sold a Ford Ranger to get this because it suits my needs better. Turbo really gives it some power. Id recommend the turbo. Features and build of the car are solid.

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  2003 Baja - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By Mike - December 21 - 8:50 am

  This has been one of the best cars that I have purchased. The quality and reliability are great.

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  First Subaru - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By Nick Senanes - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Other car is a 99 Corvette and Id rather drive the Baja.

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  Chick Magnet - 2006 Subaru Baja
  By Russ - November 9 - 8:40 pm

  This useful little truck is a great conversation piece and says a lot about me and the things I do. If you need a big truck, buy a big truck. If you need a fast car, buy a fast car. If you need some of both, but only have room in your driveway for one, get the Baja. It pwns.

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  fun to cruise - 2006 Subaru Baja
  By Paul - November 4 - 12:16 am

  The Baja picks up and zings with the turbo engine. The power seats are most impressive of any vehicle I have driven. Quick to accelerate, Fun to look at, and great handling makes the Baja a must have for outdoor enthusiasts who like the versatility, but want to avoid the motion-sickness of a bumpy ride of a pickup.

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  Drive it, youll like it! - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By heidiincolorado - September 9 - 10:00 am

  I was initially looking at the Outback and I decided to give the Baja a test drive. What a hoot!! I drive the mountain roads outside Denver to work everyday and this car is fast, fun and is really tight in turns. Ive gotten used to its unique styling and I love the fact that not many people have these right now! We got an awesome deal and we shop Home Depot alot so its very useful and practical! Besides, my husband likes the "truck" look better so he could drive it too. This is my first Subaru and I am very happy! I love driving this car. Drive it, youll like it too Im sure! And I love the yellow, its bright, fun and of course, easy to always find!

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  New Owner - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By cirerrek - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Had a pickup and hated how it handled. The Baja Classic has the pickup bed and handles well. An excellent compromise, IMO. The bed is on the small size, true, but I actually like that because it means items are within easy reach. I test drove both a stick and auto, liked the auto better, very smooth and it doesnt transfer engine vibration through the steering wheel and shifter like the manual. Gas mileage is a bit on the low side, but it has a big tank and uses regular gas. The cruise stalk behind the steering wheel takes a bit of getting used to. After a couple of weeks of ownership, I am quite pleased with the vehicle.

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  Fun Car - 2004 Subaru Baja
  By AlliRock - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle. It maneuvers great. It is just fun to drive.

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  Awsome - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By Dr Car - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Best Truck as far as fun goes

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  Bummed about my Baja baby - 2005 Subaru Baja
  By ellen - August 5 - 10:46 am

  It was initially love @ 1st site but bloom soon faded. 1st issue, dash panels around A/C controls started peeling upon touch, never replaced. Bad experiences w/dealership caused me to go to another Subaru dlr serv. dept when brake problems began & driver window wouldnt close tightly. Was asked if car had been in accident because bolts were missing on one side @ brake apparatus. While under warranty, brakes were worked on @ least 3 times. No permanent resolution on brakes or ANY other issues I ever presented. Extended wrnty doesnt cover brakes & Im still having problems. Told my family to have car fully inspected if accident occurs due to brake issue - and sue the pants off of Subaru!