2003 Subaru Baja Review
Fuel Economy
20 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
An interesting car-and-pickup blend that comes up a bit short in outright functionality.
Pros
Comfortable ride, stable handling, decent fuel mileage, multiple configurations, unlikely to be lost in a parking lot.
Cons
Midgate's glass isn't removable, limited towing and hauling capability.
What's New for 2003
The Baja is all new for 2003. It's similar to the Subaru Outback, but it has an open cargo bed. Certainly a niche vehicle, it should appeal to people with active lifestyles, especially those who ski or surf.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
My little Baja
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Subaru Baja AWD 4dr Crew Cab (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
Review
My little car has averaged 26-28 mph around town and 30-32 traveling. Today it was rear-ended by a large SUV and may well be a total loss. Fortunately the passenger cab was safe though the truck bed was left much shorter and I am fine. The disappointment is that should I have to get another vehicle, it will not be a Baja. I am very attached to my Baja. It has been the best car I have ever owned. I bought the Baja new and have driven nearly 90000 miles. I really have no complaints.
Favorite Features
My favorite feature is the truck bed. I have amazed the folks at the garden shop when they were able to load a full yard of mulch into the back.
Suggested Improvements
Excellent vehicle
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Subaru Baja AWD 4dr Crew Cab (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I bought this vehicle as a replacement for my 1994 Jeep Wrangler in December 2002. I was attracted by the fact it was a car and a truck and it's all wheel drive. So far the only major problem was the battery went flat about a year ago for no apparent reason.
Favorite Features
Its all wheel drive will allow it go anywhere. The bed although small has been very useful. Stereo is very good.
Suggested Improvements
Plastic (inside and out) is poor quality and scratches easily. Plastic trim has faded badly. Would have been nice to have left the body cladding and steel roll bars off and made the bed a few inches wider to accommodate a piece of 4X8 sheet of plywood. Clutch is quirky.
Bought two of them
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Subaru Baja AWD 4dr Crew Cab (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
Review
In 2003 I first drove a Baja, liked it so much my son and I each bought one. This car has been a blast, from driving in a Blizzard in Vermont, to the rains of Hurricane Ivan in VA., to the north woods of Canada, the Beaches of Assateaque Island, and through the Rockies in Yellowstone for 5 months. Last year I got 35 mpg in the Rockies and up to 37 mpg on the way back to PA. It still amazes me that people still stop and look at the car. I have the differential cage added, tow package, an alpine stereo system, and a tonneau rear cover, + off Road light bar. This car is one of my favorites, both my son and I refuse to part with them. Mine is red and silver, his the yellow only produced in 2003.
Favorite Features
Its reliability and versatility, it's been a fun car. Runs great on sand (got pulled over on the beach by the police because they did not think it was legal, it's funny that my small Baja was singled out because they had never seen a truck this small on the beach at Assateaque). Backpacker friendly.
Suggested Improvements
Guess it's too late to make suggestions, since they are no longer made.
Great vehicle
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Subaru Baja AWD 4dr Crew Cab (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Best vehicle I have ever owned. 167000 miles and no troubles, do all the maintenance myself. Very easy to change oil, plugs, belts, and fuel and air filters. I have hauled a variety of things - trencher, lumber, eight 5 gallon paint buckets - very versatile vehicle. Feels like a car but has some truck utility. Get average of 27mpg. Drive 6 miles of dirt road every day and it is still holding up - all neighbors have had to replace their cars but my Subaru keeps going and going.
Favorite Features
Versatility - I can do almost everything with this little fuel efficient car. My full size pickup sits most of the time. I love hauling big items out of the hardware store and seeing the look on people's faces when I put it into my little car (back folded down). I call it my mini Avalanche.
Suggested Improvements
It is 2in short of being able to carry 8ft boards, tail gate extension should be a little longer.
What a great surprise!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Subaru Baja Sport AWD 4dr Crew Cab (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
Review
My husband brought his Subaru down to the states from Canada 10 years ago.In South Florida it was an "oddball" to say the least. When we moved to Las Vegas it was in much better company but getting old. While in the dealership for service we watched the Baja's get unloaded, once I saw the yellow one I was hooked! Between the quality and finish I love this car. (No, it's not a truck!) What a blast dashing through the Las Vegas wash in this vehicle, great for off road adventures! I now participate in art festivals and only a minivan will out do this baby. We had a kayak carrier built we love everything about our Baja!
Favorite Features
Believe it or not, the look. It's very versatile as well as comfortable for long drives.
Suggested Improvements
The ONLY thing about the interior is the front seat cup holder is in the wrong place, especially if you have the standard.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2006 Subaru Baja
- 2005 Subaru Baja
- 2004 Subaru Baja
- 2003 Subaru Baja
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