2006 Subaru Baja Review





Get More For Your Trade-In
Edmunds' Expert Review
- Comfortable ride, stable handling, turbo model's peppy performance, convenience of an open bed, unlikely to be lost in a parking lot.
- Midgate's glass isn't removable, limited towing and hauling capability, tight rear seat, no side airbags.
What’s new
There are no changes to the 2006 Subaru Baja.
Edmunds says
The 2006 Subaru Baja is an interesting car-and-pickup blend that comes up a bit short in outright functionality.
Vehicle overview
The Subaru Baja is, generally speaking, a car-based crew-cab pickup truck. Based on the 2000-2004 Subaru Outback, it shares the same 104.3-inch wheelbase, but is 6 inches longer in rear overhang. The Baja has seating accommodations for four full-size adults, with rear-seat legroom noticeably tighter than in the Outback. But instead of a conventional trunk or the glassed-in storage box of a wagon, the Baja substitutes the cargo box of a pickup truck. Subaru figures that the Baja appeals to those wanting utility without the harsh ride and poor fuel economy that often come with a truck-based vehicle.
Should you think that the Baja is just a remake of the El Camino, Subaru has added some features that make the cargo box even more useful. Most importantly, the Baja's cargo bed can be extended by using the "Switchback" feature, similar to the Midgate design found on the Avalanche. The front of the bed along with the rear seat back fold forward into the rear seating area, expanding the usable length of the bed from 41.5 to 60 inches. The rear glass is not removable, however, which limits your hauling options. Although the Baja is relatively enjoyable to drive thanks to its responsive suspension and steering, acceleration is sluggish with the base 165-horsepower, 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine. Subaru addressed that issue last year by adding a turbocharged version of that engine, good for 210 hp. The Baja Turbo still isn't a performance car any more than it's suited for serious towing and hauling, but it is a lot peppier in traffic.
Even with the power increase, it's our opinion that the Subaru Baja is more of an exercise in style and a statement about your lifestyle than a conveyance rooted in function. It's for those who frequent Home Depot as a hobby, picking up a new ficus and trellis instead of drywall and furniture. It's great at transporting bulky sports equipment, such as a surfboard or skis, but not necessarily great for moms picking up kids and the groceries during a rainstorm. The 2006 Subaru Baja has limited appeal, but for those who need about half the open-bed cargo utility of a truck as well as a vehicle that rides like a car, the Baja is a reasonable choice.
Performance & mpg
The Baja Sport is equipped with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that delivers 165 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. The Baja Turbo boasts a turbocharged version that produces 210 hp and 235 lb-ft of twist. A five-speed manual transmission is standard; a four-speed automatic is optional. Automatic-equipped Baja Turbo models also get an automanual gate that allows for manual shifting when the driver desires. All Subaru vehicles sold in the United States come with standard all-wheel drive, and the Baja is no exception. This Subaru can carry a maximum payload of 1,050 pounds, and has a 2,400-pound towing capacity. This is about half of what a typical compact pickup can pull, but it's enough to easily accommodate a personal watercraft or a couple of motorcycles.
Safety
The Subaru Baja comes standard with four-wheel antilock disc brakes and pre-tensioners and load limiters for the front seatbelts. Side airbags are not available. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has crash tested the Baja.
Driving
Acceleration can be a bit sluggish in Bajas with the base engine, so those looking for a little excitement would be advised to check out the Baja Turbo model, which has ample power for just about any situation. The 2006 Subaru Baja has a fully independent suspension and rides much more like a car than a truck. It has a comfortable ride around town and never feels unstable when going around corners. Heavy-duty suspension components and 8.2 inches of ground clearance allow it to tackle rutted dirt roads and sandy washes without a problem, but don't expect to do any serious boulder bashing.
Interior
The Baja's cargo box is smaller than the beds of traditional compact pickups, but this car-based pickup does offer a handsome interior that scores high marks for style, comfort and ergonomics. Utility is maximized via the Switchback feature; to use, flip up the bottom cushion of the rear seat, fold the rear seatback forward and fold the trapdoor flat into the rear seat. The rear window is fixed, however, and that puts limits on the shape and height of items that can fit. An optional tailgate extender is available that increases cargo bed length to 75 inches.
2006 Subaru Baja models
The Subaru Baja is a four-door utility vehicle available in two trims -- Baja Sport and Baja Turbo. The Baja Sport starts you out with 16-inch alloy wheels; foglights; air conditioning; a CD player; cruise control; a moonroof; power windows, locks and mirrors; and keyless entry. Step up to the Baja Turbo and you get a more powerful turbocharged engine along with an upgraded six-speaker audio system with an in-dash CD changer. Among the available options are a tubular bed extender, a bed-mounted bike rack, roof-mounted rally lights and a sunroof. Turbo models are eligible for a Leather Package that provides leather upholstery, heated front seats and a hard bed cover.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Subaru Baja.
Most helpful consumer reviews
People who viewed this also viewed
4.3157897 average Rating out of 19 reviews. |
Starting at $21,870 |
See Inventory |
5 average Rating out of 1 reviews. |
Starting at $25,000 |
See Inventory |
Starting at $43,350 |
See Inventory |
Used 2006 Subaru Baja Overview
The Used 2006 Subaru Baja is offered in the following submodels: Baja Crew Cab. Available styles include Sport 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl 4A), Turbo 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A), Sport 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl 5M), Turbo 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5M), and Turbo 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB w/Leather Package (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 4A). Pre-owned Subaru Baja models are available with a 2.5 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 210 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2006 Subaru Baja comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 4-speed automatic, 4-speed shiftable automatic, 5-speed manual. The Used 2006 Subaru Baja comes with a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. basic warranty, a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What's a good price on a Used 2006 Subaru Baja?
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2006 Subaru Bajas are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2006 Subaru Baja for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2006 Subaru Baja.
Can't find a used 2006 Subaru Bajas you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a used Subaru Baja for sale.
Find a used Subaru for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Subaru Baja for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Subaru for sale.
Should I lease or buy a 2006 Subaru Baja?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Subaru lease specials
Check out Subaru Baja lease specials
Related Used 2006 Subaru Baja info
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Lincoln MKZ 2009
- Used Ford Expedition EL 2004
- Used Maserati GranTurismo 2015
- Used Buick Cascada 2016
- Used Dodge Journey 2011
- Used Cadillac ATS Coupe 2018
- Used MINI Hardtop 4 Door 2018
- Used Ram 2500 1999
- Used Cadillac Escalade ESV 2014
- Used Mitsubishi Lancer 2015
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Dodge Challenger 2021
- 2021 Ram 2500
- 2023 Kia Seltos News
- Lexus RC 350 2021
- 2021 Sprinter
- 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV News
- MINI Countryman 2022
- 2021 Porsche Cayenne
- 2023 Porsche Cayenne News
- 2021 BMW X6 M
Other models to consider
- 2021 WRX
- 2021 Subaru Outback
- 2021 Subaru Impreza
- 2022 Subaru WRX
- 2021 WRX
- 2021 Subaru Crosstrek
- 2021 Subaru Legacy
- 2021 Subaru Ascent
- 2021 Subaru WRX
- 2021 Subaru Impreza
Research similar vehicles
- 2021 Ram 3500
- 2022 Ram 1500 Classic
- 2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD
- 2022 Ram 1500 Classic
- 2021 Ram 1500
- GMC Sierra 1500 2021
- 2022 GMC Sierra 3500HD
- Nissan Titan 2022
- 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
- 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited
Recommended
- Lexus IS 350 2004 Wagon Consumer Review
- Nissan Altima 2017 Review
- Lexus RX 330 2004 Pictures Interior
- Chevrolet Bolt Ev 2022 Pictures Colors
- Nissan NX 1991
Other models
- New Toyota Mirai for Sale in Deerfield Beach, FL
- New Hyundai Veloster for Sale in Newark, CA
- New Hyundai Accent for Sale in Dubuque, IA
- New Lincoln Aviator for Sale in Waukegan, IL
- New Infiniti Q50 for Sale in Federal Way, WA
- New BMW X1 for Sale in Louisville, KY
- New Mercedes-Benz Metris for Sale in San Clemente, CA
- New Cadillac XT6 for Sale in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
- New Land-Rover Discovery-Sport for Sale in San Luis Obispo, CA
- New Volkswagen Passat for Sale in Euless, TX
- New Jaguar XF for Sale in Concord, NC
- New Mercedes-Benz Glc-Class-Coupe for Sale in Palm Desert, CA
- New Mazda CX-5 for Sale in Davis, CA
- New Jeep Grand-Cherokee-Wk for Sale in Newark, CA
- New Toyota 4Runner for Sale in Apopka, FL
- New Mercedes-Benz Glc-Class for Sale in Meridian, ID
- New Land-Rover Range-Rover for Sale in Tampa, FL
- New Audi Q5-Sportback for Sale in Troy, MI
- New Ford Escape for Sale in Burnsville, MN
- New Honda Accord-Hybrid for Sale in Union City, NJ
- New Nissan Titan-Xd for Sale in Woodland, CA
- New Porsche 718-Cayman for Sale in Mansfield, TX
- New Volkswagen Golf-R for Sale in Manteca, CA
- New Chevrolet Bolt-Euv for Sale in New Braunfels, TX
- New Nissan Armada for Sale in Urbandale, IA
- New Chevrolet Bolt-Euv for Sale in Daly City, CA
- New Lincoln Navigator for Sale in West New York, NJ
- New Ford Transit-Cargo-Van for Sale in Danbury, CT
- New Toyota Tundra for Sale in Youngstown, OH
- New Jaguar E-Pace for Sale in La Habra, CA