Don't expect the Baja to be around in a few years..

 

If there was a striped down model that weighed less and without the funky body cladding for around 20,000 it would make more sense...

Right now, I just wouldnt get one.

 

Yeah, that one was definitely a good idea on paper that got butchered by being subjected to too many committe reviews. But, it's still not a horrible alternative to a Legacy if you don't absolutely need that last 5 cubic feet, and I'd say it's definitely a cooler ride.

 

I think that the Baja is just right for the market that they are trying to attract to. they are trying to attract the Nitch market, the odd ball of all the rest. Just like all of the rest of the other manafacutres (sp.). It seems like evry manfactuer is trying to that small market from things like the Baja, Chevy Averlance (Caladic Esclade EXT) and the Ford Explorer Sport Track.

I think that Subaru was just on track. Especially with the '04 Baja Turbo that is coming out later. It has the versility of a small truck (yes i know that the bed is quite small, but usable for runs to Home Depot), a Outback sedan convience, and the gas milage of a legacy/outback. Where as the counter parts of the baja are gas guzzlers that it dosent make economical sence.

 

I don't really see how you are getting any more storage space in a Baja than you are with an Outback for trips to the hardware store. I guess if you had a dirt bike that would fit in the back of the Baja it might make sense for you...If I lived somewhere that I could do some mild off roading it might be a cool thrasher, for a few thousand bucks!

To each his own, I just hope FHI doesn't lose a ton of money on this vehicle and then try to recoup it's losses by jacking up the prices of Legacy and Impreza lines.

 

I was just reading Consumer Reports June 2003 issue and on page 57 they "Recommended" the Subaru Baja.

Here are some performance numbers for the not-so-performance oriented Baja:

0-60 mph: 10.7 secs
45-65 mph: 7.1 secs
Quarter mile: 18.2 secs
Braking from 60-0 mph on dry asphalt: 138 ft.
City/Highway gas mileage: 14/28 mpg
Overall gas mileage: 20 mpg

IMHO, I wouldn't buy one even if it cost $20,000 and weight 2800 lbs. No disrespect to anyone here who has one, I'm not a big fan of Ranchos, El Caminos, or any other car-based pickup.

-Charles

 

Yeah, just when I think Subaru is getting their act together with the WRX, STi, Legacy Turbo, Forrester Turbo, etc. they go and do something totally boneheaded like the Baja. At ROTW ESX had a 500hp Baja. I still wouldn't be caught dead in it.

 

For the most part, I agree with Rotorflyr about the pratical uses of the Baja as a truck. But neither was the Brat. But the Baja does have more hauling abilities than its tired predisoser. Being able to haul upto 3500lbs on a hitch (my guess would be a flat bed trailer would do nicely), and another 1050lbs in the bed, it makes it good for the average joe to get around town nicely. but for things like sheet rock and stuch, it is not good. I love the loods of the Baja turbo. I guess that I am the oddball one out of the bunch. I love the looks of it. And for me it would be very pratical (atleast as pratical as the sport track and I don't like the looks or the fuel ecconamy of it).
And for my outdoorsness of myself, it will be great for trails, camping, mountain bicking, and backpacking. Just really need a company to come out with a Canopy top for it. currently I have only found a Cap from SnugTop (Tonneau cover) and it is a hard cover (see http://www.snugtop.com/p_snuglid.htm). For myself, I am waiting till '04 to get the baja turbo.
According to my local dealer, they have, or going to have a plywood attachment for it. My guess is that it would go on top with a attachment on the bed to hold it in place.