I think one of the main reasons it failed was price. A base 05 Baja started at ~$22.5k, a base 05 Silverado 1500 was $22k. Even ignoring the inflation aspect, I can see why some people didn't choose it over other options. At the same time, I do appreciate how weird it was at the time, and acknowledge that it walked so the Maverick and Santa Cruz could run. I think the Santa Cruz may have the same fate, if the rumored base MSRP of like 26k are true, with the Maverick starting at 20k.
If Subaru played it smart, and priced it below the Silverado which is currently 31,000 dollars, and priced it the same or cheaper than their Outback, it would be really successful. The Hyundai Santa Fe proved that there is room for a city truck like the Baja. Revitalizing old names is something of a new trend too with Acura coming out with a new Integra and Ford recreating a modern Bronco. The Ford Maverick and Santa Fe are proving that small trucks are popular and it's crazy that Subaru doesn't bring it back. They are totally missing the moment. Subaru is like THE lifestyle vehicle company, and the Baja would do very well since it's still very popular and its value hasn't fallen over the years indicating people are still interested in a fun city truck
I'm picking up an 06 Turbo tomorrow. I'm looking forward to it. I also have a 2011 Camaro Convertible & I know what you mean about never wanting to sell it 👍
thanks for always finding random cool cars, also if u ever have a chance to review a fx35 or qx70 please do! i see them on the road occasionally and the body style is just so interesting
I currently own a 2002 outback, and had a 1986 BRAT 6 years ago and have been having a itch to buy a Baja. It’s a shame they were such a sales flop, and didn’t produce many at all.
As a Baja Turbo owner, it is surprisingly kinda zippy. Unfortunately I’m having an issue with mine. I think the turbo actually blew, and I am waiting for more warmer weather and a bit more money and then I’ll get started on it
I just drove an '06 NA 5spd a few weeks ago, my first time driving one. If you drive any '00 - '04 Outback with the NA 2.5 you'll get a pretty good idea. Nothing special about the driving experience itself, the fun is in knowing that you're driving something rather unique and rare.
Looks like Outback without a trunk. And it is. Can not put anything larger than regular chair or 4 packs of cement into the trunk area. Significantly overrated. Sorry.
Buying an 03 Baja automatic transmission tomorrow 155k miles I’m excited
I think one of the main reasons it failed was price. A base 05 Baja started at ~$22.5k, a base 05 Silverado 1500 was $22k. Even ignoring the inflation aspect, I can see why some people didn't choose it over other options. At the same time, I do appreciate how weird it was at the time, and acknowledge that it walked so the Maverick and Santa Cruz could run. I think the Santa Cruz may have the same fate, if the rumored base MSRP of like 26k are true, with the Maverick starting at 20k.
Love my baja. The bed extender and folding license plate are neat features too.
If Subaru played it smart, and priced it below the Silverado which is currently 31,000 dollars, and priced it the same or cheaper than their Outback, it would be really successful. The Hyundai Santa Fe proved that there is room for a city truck like the Baja. Revitalizing old names is something of a new trend too with Acura coming out with a new Integra and Ford recreating a modern Bronco. The Ford Maverick and Santa Fe are proving that small trucks are popular and it's crazy that Subaru doesn't bring it back. They are totally missing the moment. Subaru is like THE lifestyle vehicle company, and the Baja would do very well since it's still very popular and its value hasn't fallen over the years indicating people are still interested in a fun city truck
*Santa Cruz. The Santa Fe is their two row midsized crossover.
Great review glad to learn more about this car.
I'm 71 years old and my '05 Baja is the coolest car I have ever owned and it's not for sale.......EVER !!
I'm picking up an 06 Turbo tomorrow. I'm looking forward to it. I also have a 2011 Camaro Convertible & I know what you mean about never wanting to sell it 👍
thanks for always finding random cool cars, also if u ever have a chance to review a fx35 or qx70 please do! i see them on the road occasionally and the body style is just so interesting
Fx37 will be coming soon!
@@ShootingCars That is amazing!! :D
Omg. Love the head gasket comment. So true.
Informative and funny. Good job, man.
I have the unicorn. 2005 turbo/5spd w vf39
Pretty funny head gasket joke, owners are gonna need it.
I just found that exact color and its a 2005, with 201,000 miles. Looks excellent condition, hes asking $7800 for it.
$7800 is a low asking price, i hope you got that thing :)
beautiful...subaru should make a new baja...with traditional flavour...manual gearbox, frameless windows..you know.
I love mine baja 2003 is so reliable good on the snow so easy to work on it 🙌
Is expensive to maintain? I'm planning to buy one
I got an 02 Outback that's a LOT like this and it is coming soon!😊
I currently own a 2002 outback, and had a 1986 BRAT 6 years ago and have been having a itch to buy a Baja. It’s a shame they were such a sales flop, and didn’t produce many at all.
As a Baja Turbo owner, it is surprisingly kinda zippy. Unfortunately I’m having an issue with mine. I think the turbo actually blew, and I am waiting for more warmer weather and a bit more money and then I’ll get started on it
"man you can fit so many head gaskets in that bed ..."
My 5 speed Baja isn't slow - I love it!
I wonder what would be a better car design wise. Baja or Brat
Thanks for the review
If possible can you find a 1984 Nissan 200 SX to review? that car gives me so many memories.
The one Subaru I have interest in and have yet to drive
I just drove an '06 NA 5spd a few weeks ago, my first time driving one. If you drive any '00 - '04 Outback with the NA 2.5 you'll get a pretty good idea. Nothing special about the driving experience itself, the fun is in knowing that you're driving something rather unique and rare.
Why do I like the idea of this so much? It is literally so ugly, it's cute.
How much
Fixd has $99/yr membership
Why da guy wit da dorito talkin bout head gaskets?
Would someone who is 6'4" in height fit in this? LOL.
I always imagine lesbians drive these.
🤢🤮
Looks like Outback without a trunk. And it is. Can not put anything larger than regular chair or 4 packs of cement into the trunk area. Significantly overrated. Sorry.