2005 Subaru Baja Consumer Reviews

Most Fun I Ever Had!

Written by: Renee on 11/14/2006

Vehicle

2005 Subaru Baja Turbo AWD 4dr Crew Cab (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

This is such a great vehicle. I lusted after the Brat in the 70's but never got the chance to own one. Thirty years later when it was time to buy a new car, this new version was on my list. After test driving an Infinity G35, VW Passat, and Mitsubishi, this was my last and final choice. As soon as I got behind the wheel, I was hooked! I've had this car for 2 years now and haven't regretted purchasing it once. For a fun time, dependability, and unusual looks, check this one out. People stop me all the time and ask about it; it's different from everything else on the road. Go for the manual transmission... it's great fun!

Favorite Features

Quick pick up; unusual exterior appearance.

Suggested Improvements

Add a bit more luxury to the interior, and make the shift change a little smoother.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

What a Great little Truck!

Written by: Sacttwndude on 10/30/2006

Vehicle

2005 Subaru Baja Sport AWD 4dr Crew Cab (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Bought this crossover because I was tired of high gas prices and low mileage on my Toyota 4x4 Tacoma Crew Cab, and also the family SUV. However I was really addicted to the AWD on the Hyundai Santa Fe...which was also a wonderful car, but costly in gas and low mpg. Both truck and suv were new. So sold them both and got my first Subaru...a Baja. Definitely best choice, took it off road; no problems handled like a trooper, never got stuck. Took it on a cross country trip, perfect the whole distance, not a problem, and decent to good on the gas for a full time AWD vehicle. Definitely will consider another one, too bad Subaru will not be making them, maybe another manufacturer will start to make them.

Favorite Features

Sporty, all wheel drive, the pass through, sun roof and roll bars...it's all good!

Suggested Improvements

Brakes rotors seem to warp easily; must have an overheat or cooling issue.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Stamina plus

Written by: SoAnn Ott on 09/19/2006

Vehicle

2005 Subaru Baja Turbo AWD 4dr Crew Cab (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

Goes places that a regular or four wheel drive vehicle wouldn't attempt. Streamlined looks besides. This is the truck of our dreams.

Favorite Features

All wheel drive and the way she handles on the roads, paths and trails.

Suggested Improvements

Nothing to my mind, even the gas mileage is good for a turbo.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Baja Rocks

Written by: Sparky Gump on 07/04/2006

Vehicle

2005 Subaru Baja Sport AWD 4dr Crew Cab (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I'm a former Ford Ranger owner. When gas hit $2.00 a gallon (remember that?) I knew I had to ditch my gas hungry 4x4 for a more reliable, better designed small pickup. Problem was you need 4 wheel drive on a pickup to get traction on snowy roads and 4 wheel drive trucks - even the "smaller" ones - get lousy gas mileage. One day when my wife was getting her Forester serviced I saw my perfect car/truck, the Baja. I bought one as soon as I could and I have no regrets. I've got the outside bed for hauling dirty stuff like soil, garbage and kerosene. Inside seating for four and 26 mpg overall! Subaru is foolish for not marketing these vehicles and even more stupid for ceasing production.

Favorite Features

Traction, MPG and quality.

Suggested Improvements

Keep making them!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Great for the money

Written by: Alberto on 05/23/2006

Vehicle

2005 Subaru Baja Sport AWD 4dr Crew Cab (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Great AWD for the money. I feel in control when the road becomes unpredictable. I'm beginning to like the exterior's styling. It's so much fun to drive, next best thing after BMW 325. Stop reading and go buy one.

Favorite Features

AWD, wheels, cabin, style ... everything.

Suggested Improvements

More torque. Then it will beat BMW 325. Plus, make it roomier for front passengers.

Report inappropriate post

Happy Days with My Subaru Baja

Written by: PARA 958 on 05/04/2005

Vehicle

2005 Subaru Baja Sport AWD 4dr Crew Cab (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Have had 3 other Subarus but this is the first Baja. Love the looks of this car, the comfort of the well designed seats, and the fuel economy (20 city, 28 hwy). Love the comments I receive from people and the ability to haul light items in the bed. The bed extender was a nice touch. Looked at the Turbo model but decided against it because of having to use premium fuel. For those who need a car to zip here and there on errands, this car meets those needs. Back seats are comfortable and up above the front. Backseat passengers love it. Wish the rear window would raise up. But other than that, no complaints about my Baja.

Favorite Features

Love the handling, easy to manuver in town traffic, easy to let back seat down, drop the back panel, and extend the bed to 7'6" with bed extender. Great radio, very tight car, and looks great, attracts great comments, and is everybit the car Subaru says it is.

Suggested Improvements

Better standard speakers as standard equipment. More choices of interior colors. Increase horse power without having to go to a turbo model.

Report inappropriate post

Baja

Written by: Bob on 05/01/2005

Vehicle

2005 Subaru Baja Sport AWD 4dr Crew Cab (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I recently purchased the Subaru Baja Sport for my commute to work. Although it's only been about one month since I bought the Baja it has proven to be a good choice. I am getting 28mpg. It's fun to drive and though it's no sports car it handles and accelerates good enough for me.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Could use some more head room.

Report inappropriate post

not too bad

Written by: From Western NY on 04/25/2005

Vehicle

2005 Subaru Baja Sport AWD 4dr Crew Cab (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

PRO: All wheel drive - been through two Buffalo winters and it goes anywhere. Getting 26-28 mpg in the summer. Have used the pass-trough more than expected, a lifesaver. The bed extender is handy. Glad I didn't get the turbo, don't need it in the city and gas prices. CON: The stupid engine has "major hesitation" when starting in first gear. Snow tends to pack under the front windshield wiper/hood. Opening the door in winter always causes snow to fall onto the seat. NITPICKS: Windshield glass is wavey, seat bolsters are too big - hard to get into/out of the front seat, radio sounds like the 1950's, cup holders are short and in the way. Windshield won't clear 100% on extremely cold days.

Favorite Features

AWD, compass and auto dim mirror is fantastic, bed drainholes are big, external temp is handy. I had a small pickup and found that the Baja has done a good job of replacing it, especially for ride and comfort.

Suggested Improvements

Find a fix for the hesitation and get it out to the dealerships. Offer an option for a better all-season tire. Redesign the windshield wells to handle snow better - bring the top of the doors out more so snow doen't fall on the seats. Make the driver seat more comfortable.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

These are so much fun to drive

Written by: John on 03/23/2005

Vehicle

2005 Subaru Baja Turbo AWD 4dr Crew Cab (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

I love this car i cant say one bad thing about it. Take one out for a drive and you will fall in love if you like the styling.

Favorite Features

I love having a bed in a car that is so much fun to drive.

Suggested Improvements

Report inappropriate post

great truck/car

Written by: al hart on 03/11/2005

Vehicle

2005 Subaru Baja Sport AWD 4dr Crew Cab (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Convenient. Handles great in bad weather.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post