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2003 Subaru Baja 2.5 AWD
2003 Subaru Baja 2.5 AWD (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
By Lou Ann Hammond
Shades of an Avalanche
Chevy Avalanche started the trend of small crew cab pickup with a flip-down bed access panel behind the rear seats. Subaru has carried it into the future with their All-Wheel Drive Subaru Baja. The Baja design
and features were previewed by the Subaru ST-X concept vehicle,
first shown in 2000. The ST-X introduced a key to the Baja model’s
versatility – the Subaru-designed Switchback system, which
provides the ability to reconfigure the rear seating area, as well as
the cargo bed, to meet a variety of needs when transporting people
and cargo. Lowering the tailgate and attaching the Subaru accessory
bed extender lengthens the bed to nearly 7.5 feet. Cargo utility
features include an integrated bed liner, bed sport bars, a bed light
and four tie-down hooks.
The Subaru Baja is based on the Legacy/Outback platform and
shares a family resemblance with the Outback, including the enlarged
front fenders, large foldable body-color mirrors and integrated
foglights with stone guards. Exclusive Baja design elements include
the grill and a stylized alloy design fuel door similar to that of the
ST-X concept vehicle. The two-tone body design on the Baja uses
exclusive Silver Stone lower body and tailgate cladding. A Silver
Stone monotone color is offered as well. The Baja interior is
configured strictly as a four-passenger vehicle, and the rear seat
bottom includes a console storage box with lid.
The standard Subaru All-Wheel Driving System provides safe, sure
traction on a variety of road surfaces. The standard five-speed manual
transmission is teamed with Continuous All-Wheel Drive, which uses
a viscous-coupling center differential. When equipped with the
optional automatic transmission, the Baja features Active All-Wheel
Drive, which uses an electronically managed continuously variable
transfer clutch to vary power between the front and rear wheels. A
viscous limited-slip rear differential is standard with either system,
and the heavy-duty raised suspension allows the Baja to drive on
off-road trails. Four-wheel disc brakes with four-wheel, four-channel
ABS provide all-road, all-weather confidence.
The Baja should appeal to the mountain bike and kayak types who make up the Baja's target market.
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