Subaru Baja

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Subaru Baja

Manufacturer	Subaru-Isuzu Automotive, Inc.
Parent company	Fuji Heavy Industries
Production	2003–2006
Assembly	Lafayette, Indiana
Class	Mid-size pickup truck
Body style	4-door pickup truck
Layout	Four wheel drive
Engine	2.5L 165 hp H4 2.5L 210 hp H4
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	104.3 in
Length	193.3 in
Width	70.1 in
Height	65.1 in
Related	Subaru Legacy
Similar	Ford Explorer Sport Trac

Subaru introduced the Baja to the US market in 2003, combining car and truck features in a unibody design based heavily on the existing Legacy and Outback wagons. Production began on July 18, 2002 at the Lafayette, Indiana factory (Subaru of Indiana, Inc.) once shared with Isuzu.

The Baja followed the Subaru STX concept's debut at the 2000 North American International Auto Show, a car-truck hybrid recalling Subaru's earlier BRAT as well as the iconic Ford Ranchero and Chevy El Camino.

In a package 6 inches (150 mm) longer than an Outback, the Baja featured a four-door passenger compartment along with a 41 inch (1040 mm) open bed and drop-down tailgate. A system marketed as the Switchback allowed the rear passenger seat to fold down and a small thru-hatch to fold inward, allowing an extended length of 75 inches (1900 mm) to the end of the open tailgate.

Competing against the larger Chevy Avalanche and Ford Sport-trac, the Baja received a cool market reception. Loyalists blamed the dearth of dedicated advertising, late arrival of a turbo-charged model, heavy pricing, ungainly styled lower-body plastic cladding and an unusual yellow-and-silver introductory color scheme -- all of which may have discouraged broad appeal. In an ill-timed coincidence, Baja production came to end just as fuel prices increased dramatically and fuel economy became a higher priority in the marketplace. 30,000 were sold over four and a half years.

Subaru discontinued Baja production in April of 2006 and consolidated its US production at the Lafayette plant to make room for Toyota Camry production. Subaru's USA website continues to feature the 2006 Baja and sales of the 2006 Baja continue, as Subaru "stock-piled" an inventory of the vehicles before ending production. The Subaru Chile website continues to show the Baja as available, as well.

[edit] Baja model year variations

2003 The initial model featured leather seats, power driver's seat, and sunroof. In response to perceptions of a heavy intial price, a Sport model, equipped with cloth interior and manual seats followed later in the production year, deleting also color-keyed exterior door handles and mirrors, 4 beam headlamps, leather shift and steering wheel, front door puddle lights and an illuminated ignition key ring.

2004 offered a new 2.5 L Turbo model with cloth or leather interior and manual or automatic Sportshift transmissions and differentiated by a large hood scoop and color-matched exterior door handles and side mirrors. The Baja Sport offered different paint and trim options but remained much the same as 2003. All models received increased ground clearance.

2005 New color options and just a few minor changes were made for the 2005 model. All models were given a raised ride height, a power outlet in the center console, rear seatback net pocket, and Turbo models with leather offered a new tonneau bed cover.

2006 saw color options reduce to only three monochromatic schemes. The Turbo received an optional package that included leather trimmed upholstery, heated seats, special alloy wheels, a hard bed cover, and the sport-mode automatic transmission. All models received an enhanced security system.