2005 Subaru Baja Review
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, turbo model's peppy performance, convenience of an open bed, unlikely to be lost in a parking lot.
Cons
Midgate's glass isn't removable, limited towing and hauling capability.
What's New for 2005
New features this year include a 12-volt power outlet in the console, a net pocket on the rear seat back and pre-wiring for roof-mounted rally lights. The leather package now includes a hard bed cover.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Our 5th Subaru
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Subaru Baja Turbo AWD 4dr Crew Cab (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
Subaru has to be building the best cars in North America. We have now owned a '92 SVX, two Outbacks, and now we have two Bajas. We were very impressed with our '05 Baja Sport, and when the '99 Outback came up for major maintenance, we traded for another '05 Baja Turbo. Wow, fast, fast, fast... gets up and moves like our 6-cyl. SVX did. Our Bajas are comfortable, affordable to drive, and never fail us. It is a shame to see Subaru making marketing errors. The Tribecca/B9 frankly is an over-priced, underperforming gas-hog that few will buy, (we test drove one) and Outbacks lack versatility. Baja was never marketed well, and no one knew they existed until they were discontinued, glad we got em.
Favorite Features
Turbo charger, bed extender, hitch pkg, great seats, paddle shifter in the turbo AT, good mileage, chrome roll bars.
Suggested Improvements
The compact spare is inconvenient, the jack stinks, is barely usable and is dangerous, I suggest buying one after-market and throwing out the factory jack, there is very limited cargo space for things like tie-downs, extra oil, road flares and coolant. Subaru missed the boat on convenience items.
My Very Favorite of Six Subaru Vehicles
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Subaru Baja Turbo AWD 4dr Crew Cab (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
My 2005 Baja Turbo is my very favorite of the six Subarus I've owned since 1985. This vehicle handles like a charm. February dumped the most snow ever on record in my area - no challenge for my Baja! March has only just begun and I drove to work today on icy roads, safely and confidently. I don't get trapped on the interstate between those rude truck drivers...I just whiz by before they can even begin to play their "chicken" games. The rear cargo bed area proves to be very handy. I can store things out of view and locked up. I just cannot imagine owning anything but a Subaru.
Favorite Features
The turbo is my favorite feature. I never realized how much safer it is to get out of the way quickly, rather than doggedly holding steady. Another great feature is the rear view mirror. No adjusting for night and day driving is necessary. I love the look of the vehicle, too.
Suggested Improvements
The only thing I did not like about my Baja was the floor mats that came with it. They were skimpy in size and low quality considering the high quality of the rest of the vehicle.
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
Beach Buggy Delux
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Subaru Baja Sport AWD 4dr Crew Cab (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
Review
As a coastal geologist, I chose this vehicle to use in post-storm beach surveys. It has yet to be stuck in the sand...has hauled all the survey equipment I ever needed (plus 6 students in the bed and three more in the cab), gets great gas mileage, and has yet to have any major (or minor) maintenance issues. Did all the scheduled maintenance on time...had new brakes put on at 40K miles...still running on the original tires at 47K miles and have tread to spare. Recently used my beach buggy to haul 2 12' 2X4s, 8 sheets of 3/4" CDX plywood, 2 square of shingles, and a roll of 30# felt...all in one trip. I've pulled trailers and boats with no problems. Great car!
Favorite Features
AWD and sunroof.
Suggested Improvements
More electrical (12V) connections for computers and phones as standard equipment. Add options for XM and Sirius radios.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
LUV my Baja
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Subaru Baja Sport AWD 4dr Crew Cab (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I live in rural NY and needed a reliable light vehicle to get me in and out of area. My Baja has performed without a hitch since my purchase and dealer support has been great. Only issue is that dealer does not provide Saturday service. I have requested such without success. It is a good thing my Baja runs and runs and runs otherwise it might be an issue. I get frequent compliments on the look of vehicle and am often asked as to my level of satisfaction. My Baja came with the Bed Extender package so the small bed has not been a problem.
Favorite Features
- Great mileage (23-27) - Great looks - Reasonable acceleration with regular fuel (5-speed trans) - Decent ride.
Suggested Improvements
- Electronic Trans like Outback - Heated seats like Outback - Would like bed cover and mudguards as standard.
No more Subarus for OUR family
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 1 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 1 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Subaru Baja Sport AWD 4dr Crew Cab (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Let's see...the transmission went out at 3,000 miles. The carpet had to be replaced because of a poorly designed mat-holder. The trim is crooked, the mileage stinks, the warranty offered by the company is not comparable with other manufacturers. Should I keep going? Oh I suggested a friend buy a Subaru as well and her review would be similar to mine...NOT TOO HOT! Together, our invoice paperwork for all the trips we've made to have items examined/repaired could reforest a small country.
Favorite Features
It LOOKS good...but looks really aren't everything.
Suggested Improvements
Redesign the floor-mat holder, drivers side. Make sure the transmission is a better-designed transmission. Include a more extensive warranty with purchase, rather than charge an arm and a leg for extended warranty. Retrain the dealership in Dallas...that's a good thought.
0 out 3 people found this review helpful
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2006 Subaru Baja
- 2005 Subaru Baja
- 2004 Subaru Baja
- 2003 Subaru Baja
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