2004 Subaru Baja Turbo
Got it right: Power, ease of handling, visibility, utility, comfort, stick shift availability, safety rating
Needs improvement: Pricing, stereo, wind noise, child seatbelt links, fuel economy, horn
A delight. That sums up our test of the very usable and highly entertaining turbocharged Subaru Turbo. Make sure you understand that we are talking about the turbocharged version. The reason is obvious since the standard 165 hp boxer-style engine just does not have the juice to make the Baja interesting when it is fully loaded. The turbocharged version gets a much more user-friendly engine that produces 210 hp and 235 lb. ft. of torque. In fact, if you want an absolutely great utility vehicle order the stick shift with the Baja and celebrate your diversity with some Porsche Boxter type acceleration for about $26,000 US.
Mom's view: When it the last time an entire family agreed on anything. That is exactly what happened with our test of the Subaru Baja. It had something to offer everyone. Of course, it was not perfect. When the sunroof was down the noise was terrific. And, the wind noise through the door seams was also loud. This may have been due to the fact that our test vehicle was long in the tooth and had gone through 10,000 miles of hard journalistic use, which is the equivalent of five human years of ownership. Fuel economy was only 19mpg on premium with the automatic and the government states that is essentially the same mileage as you get from the five speed standard transmission. Children have difficulty with the rear seat belts due to their placement, the stereo is average at best, the interior night lighting was just adequate, and the horn was way to quiet. I could yell louder than the sound that horn made. Of course, being a mom, I have had a lot of practice.
Inside the Baja everything just feels right. Nothing special and that is the way it should be for a car meant for heavy-duty use. This isn't a pretty boy interior, but it isn't a study in cheap plastics either. I would call it family room style; functional and easy to clean.
The six-way power driver's seat is comfortable and the dash layout is easy to use. Because of the height of the Baja you can just slide in making entry the easiest I can remember for any car.
Safety wise, you get ventilated front disc with solid rear disc brakes four-wheel ABS front seatbelt pretensioners rear door child safety locks, child seat anchors, daytime running lights and excellent government crash test results.
Buying this Baja is a difficult decision. It is not pretty, certainly not well priced, and the small bed limits it useful nature. Add to that the not so good gas mileage, the added expense of insuring an all wheel drive vehicle, and the weak resale and you have more hurdles on your path to ownership. That certainly does not mean I did not enjoy my time with the Baja and my willingness to own one is significant. It just boils down to what you really need. I think that many people thinking of buying larger, gas guzzling, dangerous, and bulky SUVs should look at the Baja or its sister, the Forester first. They certainly would be my first choice.
Got it right: Power, ease of handling, visibility, utility, comfort, stick shift availability, safety rating
Needs improvement: Pricing, stereo, wind noise, child seatbelt links, fuel economy, horn
A delight. That sums up our test of the very usable and highly entertaining turbocharged Subaru Turbo. Make sure you understand that we are talking about the turbocharged version. The reason is obvious since the standard 165 hp boxer-style engine just does not have the juice to make the Baja interesting when it is fully loaded. The turbocharged version gets a much more user-friendly engine that produces 210 hp and 235 lb. ft. of torque. In fact, if you want an absolutely great utility vehicle order the stick shift with the Baja and celebrate your diversity with some Porsche Boxter type acceleration for about $26,000 US.
Mom's view: When it the last time an entire family agreed on anything. That is exactly what happened with our test of the Subaru Baja. It had something to offer everyone. Of course, it was not perfect. When the sunroof was down the noise was terrific. And, the wind noise through the door seams was also loud. This may have been due to the fact that our test vehicle was long in the tooth and had gone through 10,000 miles of hard journalistic use, which is the equivalent of five human years of ownership. Fuel economy was only 19mpg on premium with the automatic and the government states that is essentially the same mileage as you get from the five speed standard transmission. Children have difficulty with the rear seat belts due to their placement, the stereo is average at best, the interior night lighting was just adequate, and the horn was way to quiet. I could yell louder than the sound that horn made. Of course, being a mom, I have had a lot of practice.
Inside the Baja everything just feels right. Nothing special and that is the way it should be for a car meant for heavy-duty use. This isn't a pretty boy interior, but it isn't a study in cheap plastics either. I would call it family room style; functional and easy to clean.
The six-way power driver's seat is comfortable and the dash layout is easy to use. Because of the height of the Baja you can just slide in making entry the easiest I can remember for any car.
Safety wise, you get ventilated front disc with solid rear disc brakes four-wheel ABS front seatbelt pretensioners rear door child safety locks, child seat anchors, daytime running lights and excellent government crash test results.
Buying this Baja is a difficult decision. It is not pretty, certainly not well priced, and the small bed limits it useful nature. Add to that the not so good gas mileage, the added expense of insuring an all wheel drive vehicle, and the weak resale and you have more hurdles on your path to ownership. That certainly does not mean I did not enjoy my time with the Baja and my willingness to own one is significant. It just boils down to what you really need. I think that many people thinking of buying larger, gas guzzling, dangerous, and bulky SUVs should look at the Baja or its sister, the Forester first. They certainly would be my first choice.