2006 Subaru Baja Turbo

Summary:

Nice ride, very utilitarian

Faults:

Timing belt at 70k, radiator at 110k. No other real issues except it takes premium gas. Averages about 21 MPG, probably needs a tuneup.

Great in snow.

I used it for ocean kayaking, but even with all the exposure to salt water, minimal rust.

Driver's seat is showing some wear; other than that, it's been a great vehicle all around.

General Comments:

I have enjoyed this for eight years and have moved furniture and other cargo utilizing the bed extender. I've since moved inland, so my ocean kayaking days are done, but having the pickup type bed kept the salt water soaked extra gear out of the interior.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th May, 2015

2003 Subaru Baja

Summary:

Totally dependable - but a trade off

Faults:

Other than the usual maintenance items (freon, brakes, tires), the only thing that had to be replaced with the front axle due to a vibration issue when idling. The vibration bothered my wife, so I had the axle replaced, it was not a safety or function issue.

General Comments:

Like many things in life, the Subaru Baja is a trade off. It is not really a pick up truck, but it has a truck bed. It is not really a sedan, but it has four doors. I used it mostly to move my kids back and forth to college, as it got great gas mileage and was completely dependable. It can't haul a bed or a full size refrigerator, but it was amazing how much we stuffed into it (with a bed extender).

Its one drawback is its headroom. My sons are 6'5" and 6'3", and they hated the Baja. I recently sold it because they had no interest in it.

Added a trailer hitch to put a 4-poster bike rack on it, and went cycling in the NC mountains many times. A very fun, very dependable car/truck, but not all things to all people.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 1st December, 2010

2003 Subaru Baja Sport

Summary:

Subaru is not the long term car they market themselves as

Faults:

A/C system went out about 1K miles out of warranty.

Auto window washer stopped working.

Had window motor replaced around 3K.

Headlights burn out approx every 3,000 miles.

Transmission gasket.

Something with the wheel system went out (around 50K).

At 100k the steering system went out, and another major oil leak.

General Comments:

I bought a Subaru because they had great long term reviews, will definitely go back to Nissan because it had SIGNIFICANTLY fewer problems.

The car handles excellent in snow and ice.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th July, 2010

2006 Subaru Baja Turbo 2.5 turbo

Summary:

Great multi needs car

Faults:

Head light bulbs blow often.

General Comments:

I love this car, I'm 6'1 and it's not a long distance runner, because I get a little cramped after 2 hours.

But I've had it for 3 years, and it's been everything I need.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th April, 2010

2003 Subaru Baja 2.5

Summary:

I Like it a Lot

Faults:

Hardly anything! Oh, I have a little trouble with the tailgate latch handle sticking.

General Comments:

Highly recommended! This vehicle runs great, rides smooth, handles super, and is very well made.

It is not a turbo, so the power is a little lacking, but not bad.

The only thing I had to do is the brakes, and at 65,000 miles! And tires - (The Goodyear Assurance is an improvement over the stock Potenza. I highly recommend them as well)

Okay, a little nit-picking: there is a bit of wind noise on the highway.

I love the mini-pick-up bed for getting things like gas for the mower, softener salt, propane, small amounts of landscape material, and anything else you don't really want in your backseat! The feature of the fold down panel works well for long boards (if the weather is above freezing that is)

*****Assembled in USA*****

For the D.I.Yourselfer, Oil changing is a snap - no need to raise it. Can be in and out in less than 20 minutes.

Windows, moonroof, Heat, A/C, Steering, shifting, Etc, Etc, All work great. Leather is quite nice!

I would buy it all over again!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th August, 2007