2003 Subaru Outback/Legacy/Baja: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Subaru's best-selling line adds a pickup-truck crossover for 2003, and gets a less-expensive 6-cyl wagon midyear. Joining Outback and Legacy sedans and wagons is the Baja, basically an Outback wagon with an open rear cargo bed. Outbacks and the Baja have a raised suspension and SUV-flavored styling, but all these vehicles share a basic 4-dr design with standard all-wheel drive and horizontally opposed engines. Four-cylinder models come with manual transmission or optional automatic. A 6-cyl engine powers these Outbacks: the VDC and H6 sedans; and VDC, L.L. Bean, and Outback H6 wagons, the last a midyear addition. The 6 cyl comes only with automatic transmission. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard on all Legacys, Outbacks, and Bajas. Front-side airbags are exclusive to the Legacy 2.5 GT and to all Outbacks except the base and H6 wagons. VDCs include antiskid/traction control. All Legacys and Outbacks get revisions to suspension and front styling for '03. And OnStar assistance is newly standard for H6 sedan, L.L. Bean, and VDC Outbacks.

Baja is 6 inches longer overall than the Outback wagon, seats four instead of five, and comes with 2-tone leather upholstery. Added midyear was a Baja Sport with cloth upholstery. The wall separating cargo bed from cabin has a panel that folds to create a pass-through beneath the fixed rear window. Roof lights and a bed-extender cage are options. Also new for 2003 are Legacy L Special Edition models with upgraded features over the base L versions. In addition, the Legacy 2.5 GT replaces Legacy GT and GT Limited models and includes a manual shift gate for the automatic transmission. Outback Limiteds, the H6 sedan, and the L.L. Bean wagon now come with an in-dash CD changer. Look for a turbocharged 4-cyl model to join the Baja line in 2004.

COMPETITION

Playing the roll of crossover utility vehicle in a segment of sedans and wagons gives Chrysler PT Cruiser a leg up on the competition. It offers versatility and eye-catching styling not found among compact cars and this year adds more power with the Turbo model.

Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix are new this year and are worth considering as Recommended SUV-like alternatives. Hyundai's Sonata earns recognition for offering impressive comfort, equipment, and warranty coverage at a reasonable price. The all-wheel drive Subaru Outback/Legacy is another Recommended selection, thanks to a superb AWD system and roomy cargo holds.