2005 Subaru Baja Turbo 2.5 turbo from North America

Summary:

Perfect fit

Faults:

Window seals leak, making a buzzing sound at extreme speeds.

Paint was peeling off of climate control unit. Dealer replaced entire unit, no questions asked.

General Comments:

Very unique, only offered in North America and a few select countries in south America. Built in Indiana. It gets a lot of looks and the turbo will surprise a lot of people on the road. Solid reliability and great dealer support. Absolutely unstoppable in foul weather (snow tires help). Can haul a lot more than it would appear if you are creative. Does everything I wanted it to and more.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th January, 2006

10th Mar 2006, 22:35

I agree this vehicle will haul, hold and carry an amazing variety of things if you're creative. Some people complain the bed is small, but it's bigger than what you get with any SUV or wagon, and you can strap things down and attach any number of racks. I have mine rigged with removable tools: a bike rack in the bed, a pair of weather-treated 2x4's in the slots provided for them with brackets, loops, and tie-downs, a Yakima roof rack, and with the factory tie-down loops, bed rails, switch-back, bed extender, and so forth, I have not really had problems getting things to stick and hold to this little car. Strap a pair of long 2x4's front-to-back on cheap canoe brackets attached to the Yakima roof bars and you can carry sheet rock. If you need more space or load capacity, get a big pickup. But then you have to drive a big pickup.

27th Apr 2006, 17:22

I have a 4x4 2500HD 6.0, and have been considering down sizing to a baja turbo. I know there is a big difference and central Texas has little or snow.I'm concerned about reliability and plan on putting a min. of 250.000 miles on this truck. The salesman talk positive, but I need owner comments. I know the load and carrying capacity is less, but I have trailer that can be used. What are some of your comments. I do go to the mountains frequently, and my present truck is great " but " 10 mpg.

15th Jun 2006, 16:06

You should be able to double you mileage with the Baja although you can only carry about 900 lbs.

31st Jan 2011, 13:08

How is the gas mileage on the Baja?

2nd Feb 2011, 11:39

Expect around 24 MPG combined, I get about 22 city/25 highway, with an automatic. Mind you, I have the Outback and not the Baja, but they are on the same chassis and driveline. I'd expect something similar.

2003 Subaru Baja Sport 2.4 from North America

Summary:

The best compact pick up truck on the market

Faults:

Absolutely nothing.

General Comments:

This is one of the best cars I had ever owned. It is very reliable, eye catching (especially the yellow/silver color combination), and the best bargain for the money. Mine is a manual transmission and I love it (I get 27-28 mpg on average and keep in mind that it is a full size AWD automobile, not any Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic). This thing does not know or understand what the snow is. It just moves like a tank on it. The ride is very comfy and secure at the same time. I only wish that Subaru would continue to build this model with the new Outback front/back design and I would definitely buy a new one again without even thinking twice.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th September, 2005

2003 Subaru Baja 2.5L from North America

Summary:

An OK drive but utterly useless for cargo in stock as-delivered.

Faults:

Squeaky windows when wet.

General Comments:

Seats are comfortable. Moderate gas guzzler. The open back bed is utterly useless for anything larger than a few bags of topsoil. Looks like they took a wagon and chopped off the back to make this WEIRD car. Only from Japan would have come a bizarre car as the Subaru Baja. An after-market hard fiberglass, carbon fibre or metal hinged and LOCKABLE WATERPROOF cover or lid for the cargo area would be a WELCOME ACCESSORY.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 17th July, 2005

22nd Aug 2005, 09:08

I just have to wonder... Why did you buy this car when you seem to hate the way it looks and the uselessness of the bed? Did you think the back would suddenly grow at home in your garage or did you never really look at it BEFORE buying it?

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