This is the last year for this car-truck-tiny pickup, so there are few changes to the 2006 Subaru Baja. Meant for those wanting the cargo versatility of a truck, yet with car-like handling, a compact size and better fuel economy, the Baja is an all-wheel-drive vehicle that fits 4 passengers and features a 3.5-foot open cargo bed that can be extended to 5 feet once the rear seats and a removable divider are folded down.
New this year are some more standard features, such as keyless entry and an antitheft system. The 2006 Baja comes in Sport and Turbo trims, both with a 2.5-liter, flat-4 engine. The Sport hits 165 hp, while the much faster and more enjoyable Turbo reaches 210 hp. All come standard with fog lights, a sunroof, power windows and locks, ABS brakes, dual front airbags (no side airbags), roof rails and cargo bed tie-downs. The Turbo can have options such as power seats and leather upholstery. A hard cover for the open bed and roof lights for off-roading are also extras, as is an extension for the tailgate to expand cargo capacity.
Like the Outback, the 2006 Baja is a capable performer on rough roads, and its open bed lends it a rugged, outdoorsy, active feel. Owners feel the Sport is underpowered, especially if you're going to do any truck-like hauling, but the Turbo is fast and fun. AWD performance is stellar, and the handling is easy and smooth. Complaints centered on desires for improved fuel economy, more interior legroom and a bigger cargo bed.
I have a 2003 Baja that was involved in an accident. Just had the engine redone in it, new exhaust all the way back and much more. I just purchased a 2006 Baja that needs a bit of help and has 130k on the clock. Great body, not so much the engine. My question is can I pull the drive train from the 03 and put it the 06? What about other parts like struts and stuff? Are they interchangeable?
I am told that the 2006 would have to have ej251 engine only. Having a hard time finding one is there another option? I'm a newbie.
I have a 2012 Impreza base that had a new engine and transmission $20k miles ago. Can I put this in my 2006 Baja? It is fully restored just needs a motor. Can I do this?
The radiator and the thermostat have been replaced. The coolant system has been flushed and pressure checked, no leaks. The radiator and heater core have been flushed. Belts and hoses are good. The water pump is good, it has the metal vanes and was replaced 3 years ago. The master mechanic jacked the front end of the car to bleed it, no help. He believes that there is an air pocket, but has no idea how to deal with it. There are no engine noises, and it does not smoke. It will idle all day without overheating, but drive it and the temperature spikes. Help!
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with pass-thru · Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: seatback
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: rear
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: vinyl · Upholstery accents: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with pass-thru · Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: cargo net
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 8 · Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: center
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: body-color · Pickup tonneau cover: hard · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: vinyl · Upholstery accents: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent