Used Subaru Baja for Sale near Santa Cruz, CA

2 results

Santa Cruz, CA

Sort by:

Overview

Reviews

FAQs

Subaru Baja Overview

Recalling the glory days of the El Camino or Subaru's own all-terrain BRAT, the Subaru Baja is a melange of car and truck, with the capability of holding up to four passengers, but also sporting a 3.5-foot open cargo bed for hauling supplies.

The Baja was introduced in 2003 and lasted for only four years. Meant to appeal to young drivers with a taste for the active, outdoor life, the Baja was based on a Legacy Outback, and indeed looked like an Outback that had its rear cargo top removed. It had the same 2.5-liter, 175-hp four-cylinder engine, and featured Subaru's great all-wheel-drive system, making it versatile in a variety of road and weather conditions.

The cabin sat four, with rear seats that folded and a removable partition that expanded the truck bed to nearly 7 feet. One drawback was that this doorway was not as wide as the truck bed itself, but it was helpful for skis or surfboards. The original Baja came standard with leather upholstery and a power driver's seat, but there was also a more stripped-down and affordable Sport version as well. A year later, in 2004, a more fun turbo model was introduced.

There are many guesses as to why the Subaru Baja never really hit. Much of what it had to offer could be found in the Outback, which did not leave cargo exposed to the elements. Its great fuel economy and all-wheel drive were appealing to young drivers on the go, but complaints about its lack of power, excessive wind noise, and its unattractive appearance might have been factors in its demise. The fact that it looked like a truck, but did not have the hauling power to act like a truck was also a drawback. 2006 was the last year for the Subaru Baja.

4.5 Overall rating

(50 reviews)

Customers say

The Subaru Baja is praised for its unique combination of a small truck and an all-wheel-drive car, making it versatile and fun to drive in various conditions. Owners appreciate its smooth ride, interior comfort, and safety features, enjoying the utility of the small bed for hauling. However, some drivers have expressed disappointment with the engine power and gas mileage, while others noted that the interior might feel outdated. Overall, it's seen as a reliable choice with a loyal following among Subaru enthusiasts.

AI generated from the text of customer reviews.

What people say

AWD cargo space comfort performance reliability

Anonymous

5.0

Reviewed a 2003 Subaru AWD on Dec 25, 2023

I love my Baja! This is the second one I have owed. Hands down my favorite vehicle, fun to drive, economical and reliable!

Bill C

5.0

Reviewed a 2005 Subaru Baja on Jan 19, 2024

The Baja is a GREAT little car that should have been a big hit but was a little too expensive when it was new. Get one if you can.

Charles W

5.0

Reviewed a 2005 Subaru Baja on Apr 25, 2024

The Baja was perfect for my small family and light truck duty needs. The four doors made it a great choice for car seats for my kids. Wish it had a bit longer bed and seating for three in the back.

Sharon K

5.0

Reviewed a 2005 Subaru Baja on Jan 13, 2021

It has a very smooth ride and extremely comfortable seats. It handles extremely well, smooth manual shifting. It also handled a sudden severe snowstorm with no sliding and didnt get stuck. Highly recommend this vehicle. Its fun to drive!

Christopher P

5.0

Reviewed a 2003 Subaru Sport on Dec 30, 2008

When I first say these cars I was not sure about the looks. Didn't give them much thought. I was set on getting a Toyota MR2. Then reality hit. What was I going to do with a 2-seater that didn't even have room for groceries! Suddenly I thought of the Baja. The more I looked the more I fell in love with it. Two test drives later, one with a standard shift base model and one with an automatic sport model. Later that afternoon I was an owner of a sporty silver number. Love it! Now there are drawbacks to the car but those drawbacks are evened out by some great advantages. The mileage is down a bit due top the all wheel drive, but when you are the only one making it up a steep hill in 8 inches of snow you forgive the 22 mpg city. (It will get a good 29-30 on an open highway trip.) The bed may be too small for some but having a full back seat that can fit adults is a very nice feature. Great fold down backseat and bed pass thru and bed extender makes up enough of the room. I would classify this car as the perfect suburban pick-up. Not the quickest off the line but the flat 4 engine has plenty of go once you get it up to highway speed. Solid and steady acceleration.

Subaru Baja FAQs

What fuel types are available?

Gasoline engines are available.

Shop by Year

Shop by Price

Shop by Color

Popular Trims