2003 Subaru Baja

Automotive Industries,  Jan, 2003  by Andrea Wielgat

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I might be the wrong target audience for this vehicle but I have to say I was a littie disappointed in the Subaru Baja.

My major point of contention was the size of the interior. It was virtually impossibie for me to get in and out of the Baja without hitting a knee or two. I just couldn't get comfortabie the week I was driving the Baja.

The back seat was no better. My 5'3" friend was nearly touching the roof when she sat back there. It was the same for my 6'2" fiance anywhere in the vehicle.

On the plus side, the Baja has that nifty pick-up truck bed with an accessory bed extender, which lengthens the bed to 60.5 in. This is perfect for hauling a surfboard, kayak, bike or, in my case, a Christmas tree. Additionally, the back seat is reconfigurable and with the Baja's passthrough door it is easier to haul larger and longer items.

Under the hood, the Baja is equipped with Subarus 2.5 L, 165 hp. four-cylinder engine. My Baja had a five-speed manual transmission, which proved a little tricky several times during the week. It also is equipped with Continuous all-wheel-drive with viscous-coupling center differential.

On the outside, the Baja looks pure Subaru. Mine stood out in school-bus yellow with silver cladding. Even though I had several people ask me if the Baja was a concept vehicle, I think the Baja's styling is the right dose of pick-up, SUV and sedan.

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