More... · 2003-2006
Subaru Baja
The Subaru Baja (2003-2006) was an all-wheel-drive, four-door car-based pickup built on the Legacy/Outback platform in Indiana. Its Switchback bed extension and 210-hp turbo option stood out, but sales fell far short of Subaru's 24,000-a-year goal.
- Years
- 2003-2006
- Drivetrain
- AWD
- Engines
- 2.5 L EJ251 · 2.5 L EJ253 · 2.5 L EJ255 turbo
- Sold in
- US · Canada · Chile
Spec sheet
- Production
- 2003–2006
Production: July 2002 to April 2006.
- Assembly
- Lafayette, IN (Subaru of Indiana Automotive)
- Sold in
- US
- Canada
- Chile
- Codes
- Legacy/Outback platform
- Body styles
- 4-door coupé utility (unibody)
- Bed lengths
- 41.5 in bed; 7.5 ft with Switchback
- Drivetrains
- AWD
- Transmissions
- 4-speed automatic
- 5-speed manual
- Trims
- Base (leather launch model)
- Sport (cloth)
- Turbo (2004+)
- Wheelbase
- 104.3 in
- Length
- 193.3 in
- Width
- 70.1 in
- Height
- 64.2 / 65.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,480-3,735 lb (2006 Sport manual to Turbo automatic with Leather Package)
- Towing
- 2,400 lb (Class I)
Engines
| Engine | Disp. | Config | HP | Torque | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L EJ251 | 2.5 L | H4 | 165 | 166 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 2003-2004 | |
| 2.5 L EJ253 | 2.5 L | H4 | 165 | 166 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 2005-2006 | |
| 2.5 L EJ255 turbo | 2.5 L | H4 turbo | 210 | 235 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm | 2004-2006 | 210 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
Related
Overview
Subaru's Baja followed the 2000 ST-X concept and borrowed heavily from the Legacy/Outback wagon, with a 104.3-inch wheelbase, four seats and a 41.5-inch open bed with a drop-down tailgate. The Switchback system folded the rear seat and a hatch inward to extend the load floor to around 7.5 feet.
Production began July 18, 2002 at Subaru of Indiana. The launch model had leather and a sunroof; a cheaper Sport followed, and for 2004 a 210-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four was added. Tow rating was 2,400 lb.
Critics were mixed: it won J.D. Power APEAL awards for 2003 and 2004 and Consumer Reports' reliability top score in 2006, yet only about 30,000 sold in four and a half years. Production ended in April 2006.
Trims, Bodies and Drivetrains
Trims
- Base (leather launch model)
- Sport (cloth)
- Turbo (2004+)
Cab and bed
- Body styles: 4-door coupé utility (unibody)
- Beds: 41.5 in bed; 7.5 ft with Switchback
Drivetrain and transmissions
- Drivetrains: AWD
- 4-speed automatic
- 5-speed manual
Highlights
- Switchback pass-through bed extension (~7.5 ft)
- J.D. Power APEAL award "Most Appealing Compact Pickup" 2003 and 2004
- Consumer Reports 2006 highest reliability in pickup category
- ~30,000 sold vs 24,000/yr projected
- Followed 2000 ST-X concept; produced 2002–Apr 2006