Subaru Baja reviews

2003 Subaru Baja Walkaround

The 2003 Subaru Baja is based on the Outback wagon, which is based on the Legacy wagon. Baja and Outback are essentially the same vehicle from the front seats forward. The wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear wheels) of the two is identical, but the Baja is 6 inches longer due to the bed tacked on the back.

It's the rear of Baja that's most interesting so we'll start our walkaround there. The bed is quite short, 41.5 inches. That's less than three and half feet and compares to 72 inches or six feet on a typical compact pickup truck, though the Ford Explorer Sport Trac and other hybrid truck/SUVs come with short beds.

The key to the Baja's flexibility is the Switchback system as Subaru likes to call it. To gain the maximum amount of cargo space, fold the rear seat cushion so that its metal reinforced base forms a front cargo wall. Next, fold the seatback flat; its back surface becomes the forward cargo floor and is made from the same slip resistant material as the integrated bed liner.

The bed pass-through door can be lowered so that it rests flush with the back of the lowered seat back. The full length available is now about 56 inches (4.6 feet). If the rear tailgate is lowered and the optional bed extender used there is a grand total of 78 inches or 6.5 feet in length. The actual opening through the front of the bed is 30 inches by 12 inches, which means there is a limit to the size of long objects that can be carried.

The Baja is more functional than it first appears. Hefty looking stainless steel sport bars sprouting from the trailing edge of the cab like flying buttresses look like an imitation from off-road race trucks but they are an integral part of the vehicle's structure, not just for show. Even the polypropylene cladding integrated splashguards are not only for show, according to Subaru, but provide protection from rocks and debris. Individual pieces of the cladding can be replaced as necessary.

The bed is made from double walled steel and has an integrated bed liner made from a non-slip material that can be easily washed. Drain holes ensure that water does not get trapped. Four tie-down hooks are convenient for securing loads. The bed features notches for 2x4s for creating cargo compartments.

The Baja offers a slightly more aggressive look than the Outback. The open bed and the Silver Stone gray cladding that covers the bumpers, lower body, and fenders attract attention to the Baja, especially when ordered in bright yellow. The cladding dips down along the sides of the doors before rising up over the rear wheel arches, continuing in a straight line to cover half of the rear tailgate. Tough looking brush guards protect integrated fog lights up front. The rear bumper has a large flat rubber covered integrated step pad. The license plate is located on the tailgate and can be folded out so it is still visible when the tailgate is lowered. As befitting a vehicle such as the Baja the trim around the windows and along the roof rack is finished in matt black plastic. Lights are available for mounting onto the roof rack, but are illegal to operate on public roads. The only chrome is the trim surround on the front grill.