2003-2006 Subaru Baja

The Subaru Baja was introduced at the 2002 New York Auto Show as a 2003 model. It was based on the Outback crossover wagon, with the roofline chopped behind the rear seats and a short box (1,041 mm) added in place of the aft cargo compartment. It was built at Subaru’s factory in Lafayette, Indiana. Subaru hoped to sell 24,000 units a year, but ended production in April, 2006 after building just 30,000 in total. Far more economical to operate than any full-size pickup, Baja would likely be more of a success today because of record gasoline prices.

There is nothing else quite like it, as the other AWD utility vehicles with short pickup boxes - Honda Ridgeline, Ford Explorer Sport Trac and Chevrolet Avalanche - are all bigger and truck-based. The four-door Baja provided car-like handling and ride plus the utility of an open box with integrated bed liner, four tie-down hooks and a drop-down tailgate for bulky or messy cargo such as bales of hay. The rear seat flips forward and a rear hatch opens to accommodate longer loads. Roof rails with cross pieces were standard for added carrying capacity. And, it can trailer a load weighing up to 1,098 kg. Consumer Reports gave the 2006 model its highest score for reliability in the pickup truck category.

Should a universal joint fail, it cannot be repaired. The driveshaft is one piece and can be replaced in less than half an hour, but the cost of the part is about $1,050. All-weather storage space is minimal unless the Baja is equipped either with the removable hinged hard cover for the pickup box or the full cap that were dealer-installed accessories. First year models have less ground clearance than later versions. Lower-priced Sport models lack interior appointments such as leather and a power driver’s seat.

From 2003-05 vehicles were painted in distinctive colours - especially Baja Yellow or Regatta Red - above silver plastic cladding. In 2006, only three monochrome colours were offered. Baja utilizes Subaru’s proven symmetrical all-wheel drive. Some jurisdictions licence the Baja as a truck rather than as a car. Perhaps more popular now than when new, clean, low-mileage examples bring a premium. Subaru stockpiled Bajas before production ended, so some dealers still had new vehicles to sell as recently as 2008. Because it is Outback-based, getting parts is not a problem. Find Help on Autonet.ca Privacy Policy

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