2003-2006 Subaru Baja: Full Review

Vehicle Highlights

This compact 4-dr pickup bowed for 2003 as an adaptation of Subaru's SUV-flavored Outback wagon. Baja had an open cargo bed at the rear instead of a roofed-in load space, seating for four instead of five, and heavy bodyside cladding designed to impart a more-rugged "off-road" look. The wagon-to-pickup transformation also added 6 inches to overall length. Otherwise, Baja was basically a 4-cyl Outback wagon with the same all-wheel drive, high-riding suspension, and a 2.5-liter engine with horizontally opposed cylinders. The engine's 165 hp was chanelled through a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic with manual-shift capability. Like Chevrolet's big Avalanche, the Baja combined attributes of pickup truck and sport-utility wagon. But unlike most pickups, Baja used unibody construction instead of body-on-frame, so its cargo box was part of the main body structure and not bolted on. That bed was only 3.5-ft long, but an optional flip-out bed extender increased effective box length to 5 ft. For even longer cargo, a standard "Switchback" panel below the rear window could be opened to make a 3-ft by 1-ft pass-through in conjunction with a fold-down back seat. A bed liner was included, as was a roof rack. Baja did not offer front side airbags or curtain side airbags. It did, however, come with antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, limited-slip differential, and 16-inch alloy wheels. Also standard were two-tone leather upholstery, unique interior trim, and 6-way power driver's seat. Roof-mounted "sport activity" lights were available, as was a bed cover. Despite a novel concept with no direct class competition, Baja drew few sales, a big disappointment for Subaru. Sales remained meager despite the addition of a Turbo model for 2004. Evidently, buyers either didn't know what to make of Baja or didn't much care for it-which means used examples will be few and far between.

Year to Year Changes

Our road test for the 2003-2006 Subaru Baja includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2003-2006 Subaru Baja and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2003-2006 Subaru Baja is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

Vehicle Dimensions

Powertrain Options and Availability

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.