2006 Subaru Baja Consumer Reviews
Fuel Economy
18 - 22 mpg
Recent Consumer Reviews
(30 Total Reviews)
Build these again!!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2006 Subaru Baja Sport 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
Review
When our 03 Baja was getting high miles, there was only 1 choice to replace it - another Baja! We found our 06 6 hours from our home still under factory warranty. The only complaint I have about the Baja is SOA didn't keep making them based on the new Outback. Comfortable, capable off road, great in the snow - what more could anyone want from a daily driver? If you don't need the towing capacity of a full size truck and still want decent gas mileage with a truck bed (plywood and drywall as well as dimensional lumber fits), the Baja is your vehicle! If SOA had advertised them, they would have sold like hot cakes. 3 people bought 1 after seeing our 03.
Favorite Features
AWD, bed with midgate/switchback, unique styling, comfortable ride, off road capability-jack of all trades. It's the swiss army knife of vehicles. Got 31.5 MPG highway driving it home when we bought it!
Suggested Improvements
Build them again!! I'd love to see a new Baja based on the current Outback with similar options like the all weather package which was Canada only on the 03-06 Baja as well as the trip computer and iPod capable radio. Advertise them this time and they will sell.
32 out 34 people found this review helpful
Silver Bullet
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2006 Subaru Baja Turbo 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
I love driving my '06 Baja Turbo! It accelerates quickly and performs very well. I have hauled a big freezer, a washer & dryer set (whole set at once!), even hauled a riding mower home from Sears. The mower barely fit, but due to the width of the Baja's bed I was able to accomodate it. It's awesome in the snow and mud and I have yet to get it stuck. The Baja comes well equipped with an impressive list of standard equipment. I love driving my Baja!
Favorite Features
My favorite feature is the All Wheel Drive.
Suggested Improvements
Offer a power rear window instead of the 'switchback' system. How about an in-bed 'trunk' like the Honda Ridgeline? Subaru ceased Baja production in 2006, so my suggestions are falling on deaf ears!
10 out 10 people found this review helpful
Consolation prize
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2006 Subaru Baja Sport 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
Review
$100 a week on fuel was reason enough to sell my Frontier and acquire a used Baja. I'd trade-off the loss of a little pickup and a 6' bed for the all wheel drive/better handling, great standard features (fog lights, power moonroof, ski rack, bed extender, etc.) to save 30% on the gas bill any day! This vehicle is a great downsizing option. Subaru may want to re-think their decision to stop making them before a competitor does.
Favorite Features
All wheel drive, gas mileage, moonroof, roof rack, bed extender
Suggested Improvements
Provide a locking, hard plastic Tonneau cover. Cost to purchase a vinyl quality, aftermarket one was over $500. Aftermarket cargo cap costs over $1,850!
8 out 9 people found this review helpful
My favorite car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2006 Subaru Baja Sport 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
Review
A truck doesn't compare. A car doesn't compare. This is the best of both worlds. You have the versatility and payload of a truck, the four wheel capability of a truck, the acceleration of a low end performance car, and the comfort of a low end luxury car.
Favorite Features
The way this car handles in adverse weather is in a class all by itself. It takes curves in all types of weather as if the ground were bone dry. I have yet to find something I can not transport in this car.
Suggested Improvements
Storage space inside.
16 out 16 people found this review helpful
My cartruck
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2006 Subaru Baja Sport 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
Review
Love the versatility. Love the low entry. Miss storage compartments. Back seat compartment too small. Great handling in rain and snow.
Favorite Features
Dropdown seat with hatch opening. Bed extender. Handling in adverse weather conditions.
Suggested Improvements
More compartments. More back seat room. Better acceleration.
5 out 5 people found this review helpful
May be a niche market, but one I'm in!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2006 Subaru Baja Turbo 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
Review
I absolutely love my Baja! Fantastic handling, comfort, and style with more than enough room for cargo for me. I do wish the gas mileage was a bit better, though.
Favorite Features
Acceleration, my turbo model hauls keester. Style, it gets noticed. Comfort, nice to ride in, very smooth.
Suggested Improvements
A hybrid that would improve mpg rating.
6 out 7 people found this review helpful
Fun
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2006 Subaru Baja Turbo 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
Review
I wanted new car or pick-up truck, and I was undecided, untill 2006 Subaru Baja. It is everything that I wanted! Drives like a car, and I can pick-up some furniture or other items without paying for deliveries. It is a little bit sluggish, however I was supprised at fuel economy. I am getting around 27 mpg with mixed driving. All I need is cargo cover so I can pick-up kids and go grocery shopping when raining.
Favorite Features
Drives like a car. Cargo bed. Fuel economy. 4 wheel drive.
Suggested Improvements
None since car is being discontinued.
6 out 6 people found this review helpful
Keep it away from the dealership!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 4 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 1 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2006 Subaru Baja Sport 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
Review
I bought this Baja to save gas over my Chev full size pick-up. WRONG MOVE. At first it got really great mileage (almost 30 mpg on hwy) but then I took it to the dealer for its first oil change. BIG BIG MISTAKE. After that day it starting getting 17 mpg in town and 20 mpg on hwy. I took it back to the dealer (02/07) and the mechanic said no codes showed bad and therefore he couldn't work on the vehicle. The dealer offered me $18k trade in for a new Chevy truck and I guess that's about the best I can expect to get. Such a great concept vehicle but I can see now why Subaru never sold very many of them. Why drive a tiny truck if it uses as much fuel as a comfortable one? Save your money!
Favorite Features
Such a great IDEA. Shame it doesn't perform as promised. Great at first but now with 6,600 miles I can't wait to get rid of it.
Suggested Improvements
Don't allow dealers to flash these vehicles!
8 out 22 people found this review helpful
Great All Around Vehicle!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2006 Subaru Baja Turbo 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB w/Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
Review
Just purchased one of the remaining 2006 leather turbo models. I had to travel out of state to get it but it was well worth the trip. It accelerates and handles great. I traded in a 2004 VW Touareg V8 and do not regret my decision whatsoever. It is much funner to drive than the Touareg and is just as comfortable in my opinion. The only complaint with the Baja is its sub standard stereo and the fact that no navigation system or satellite radio is offered. I have already replaced the entire system and have installed an in dash navigation/stereo.
Favorite Features
Acceleration and handling. Its unique looks.
Suggested Improvements
Upgraded stereo system is not that great. No rear cargo mats or liners are offered. Position of the cruise control is awkward.
6 out 6 people found this review helpful
Small Commuter Truck
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2006 Subaru Baja Sport 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
Review
I bought this Baja Sport as an economical alternative to my RAM 2500 Diesel for a round trip commute of 70 miles. Being only 5'9" and 180#, this vehicle seems harder to get in the driver's seat than any I have ever owned. It also lacks the power of any previous vehicles. But, I did not buy for power and once you are in the driver's seat, this is one of the most enjoyable cars I have ever owned. It has a sports car ride and feel. Interior finish sets the standard for its competitors. Base vinyl/fabric seats are supportive, top quality, and everyone thinks it is leather. Door panels are equally impressive. Engine is very quiet. Transmission shifts smooth but downshifts at the slightest hill.
Favorite Features
Daylight running lights, power sunroof, 4 wheel disc brakes, fog lights. This vehicle comes with a lot of standard power features, beats all other small trucks in this price range in all categories except towing, payload, bed capacity.
Suggested Improvements
Telescopic steering would put the wheel in a more comfortable position. More power for an almost perfect small truck. Too bad consumers did not buy more of these, as Subaru is discontinuing production due to lackluster sales.
15 out 15 people found this review helpful
View Pricing for Other Years
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