2005 Subaru Baja Reviews

Build quality and reliability are great. No issues and odometer reads 123K+. It isn't a turbo and acceleration is sluggish, but it will get you up to speed on the interstate ramp. Feels solid at all speeds I have driven it at. Obviously it has great utility. I have hauled a 16' garage door on top and sheet rock in the back. It doesn't have a 4'x8' bed, but is good for most casual hauling. Where it really shines is in bad weather. Short of black ice it hangs onto the road like a squirrel on a tree in a breeze. Absolutely AWESOME when the weather is pushing everyone else off the road.

When we decided to go test drive one, I was very sceptical. Owning a Dodge Hemi p/u and looking to trade in a V-8 Ford Explorer, we were no strangers to speed.
We got in, and the sales rep told us "go check it out" and went backin the building.
Needless to say, once we were far enough down the road from the dealer we let the right foot do the talking. I was taken aback at the rate of accelleration.
The fit the finish, the solid sounding door and tailgate, all felt like a very well built machine. I have always wanted all wheel drive (living in Houston TX, possibly the 3rd rainiest place on earth) it seemed like a good time to jump in and give Subauru a go.
2 years and 29K miles later, my wife has no qualms about telling me she still loves her Baja, and is in no mood to give it up.
I was so impressed with Subaru, their dealer, there service et.al. I bought a used Legacy wagon (non turbo) for my daily driver. As I drive 100 miles a day just back and fort to work, it is much easier on the pocket book than the Big Dawg Hemi Dodge (but I still have it for days when I feel the need for speed).