Joining the Subaru Outback family for 2003 is the new Baja.
In order to understand its design, one has to begin with
the traditional Outback wagon configuration. This shouldn't
be hard, as the Outback wagon is practically everywhere
on the road these days - thanks to its blend of safety,
performance and comfort. The 2003 Subaru Baja is basically
a cross between an Outback wagon and a pickup truck. It
features a rear with an open cargo bed, perfect for hauling
heavy goods like a pickup would, but with the 2003 Subaru
Baja the agility of an Outback is retained. The result is
a highly capable and extremely versatile vehicle, the likes
of which has never really been seen on the road before.
Available Models
The Subaru Outback wagon is offered in a variety of trim
levels. There is a base model, a Limited model, an L.L.
Bean model and a top-line H6-3.0 VDC trim. The 2003 Subaru
Baja is offered in one trim level only. In addition to the
Subaru Outback wagon, there is also an Outback sedan configuration
(covered in a separate review).
Interior Features
The Outback wagon has four doors and seats five passengers
comfortably. The base trim level offers air conditioning,
cruise control, AM/FM CD player, power everything and more.
From the Limited trim and up, a leather interior is standard,
as well as a dual power sunroofs and an in-dash 6-disc CD
changer.
Some of the many features that can be found in the upper
trim levels of the Outback wagon lineup include an upgraded
sound system, the OnStar system and automatic climate control.
Though it's the most rugged of all Outback models, the Baja
still comes with leather upholstery as well, plus many other
amenities. Of course, there's the options list to choose
from as well.
Exterior Features
The Outback wagon has the unmistakable look of a Subaru.
With its innovative styling, it is surely the most recognizable
model offered by the manufacturer. With the new Baja, the
functional equipment abounds, including a roof rack, an
integrated bedliner, bed sport bars, a bed light, 225/60HR16
white-letter tires and alloy wheels.
Performance
The base and Limited trim levels of the Outback wagon feature
a different engine than the rest of the lineup. Underneath
their hoods is a 2.5-liter model capable of 165 horsepower
at 5600 rpm and 166 lb-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm. With the
other trim levels and the new Baja, there is more power
to play with. The engine responsible for this is a 3.0-liter
6-cylinder model that dishes out 212 horsepower at 6000
rpm and 210 lb-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm.
Both 4-speed automatic and 5-speed manual transmission
can be mated to the first engine type, while the more powerful
3.0-liter H6 only comes with 4-speed automatic.
Safety and Security
The Outback wagon, like the sedan, is one of the safer vehicles
on the road. In addition to all-wheel drive, all models
have dual front airbags, front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel
disc brakes and daytime running lights.
Top-line H6-3.0 VDC models also feature standard traction
control and a sophisticated antiskid system.
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2003
Subaru Baja - Specs
2.5-liter
Phase II SOHC boxer engine, 165 horsepower
