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 channeled 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 âSwitchbackâ 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 â'sport activityâ 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 itâ 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%.