SUMMARY:
The
Subaru Baja is more than a car, but it's not really a pickup or traditional
SUV. It essentially a vehicle that will predictably offer an appeal that
draws no lines in the sand where gender and age are concerned.
Following
extensive on road and off-pavement exercises which included an obstacle
course and ground clearance demonstration, my personal preference leaned
to the 5-speed manual transmission model, simply because the power delivery
was deemed more responsive -- the automatic transmission model seemed
short on acceleration with the four banger motor. Admittedly, it will
be just fine for many buyers, but it wouldn't be a disappointment to learn
that Subaru planned to shoehorn in their 3.0 liter 6-cylinder boxer motor
coupled to their Sportshift automatic transmission.
Ride quality
and handling characteristics on the other hand, are not lacking at all.
The Baja is both comfortable and agile, on or off the pavement. It may
well be the ideal vehicle to satisfactorily address the broadest range
of lifestyle endeavors regardless of age or gender.
The Baja
is extremely attractive, and while not arousing every observer's emotions,
it is definitely a cool ride that delivers a higher than average level
of functionality. The Baja is decidedly for those who want to "Go
outside and play".
SPECIFICATIONS:
2003 Subaru Baja
Base
Price: To be announced Price as Tested: $24,995. Estimated
Engine
Type and Size:
2.5 liter horizontally-opposed Phase II SOHC 4-cylinder with sequential
multi-port fuel injection.
Transmission:
Standard 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed electronic automatic
(4EAT) with lockup torque converter and gated shifter.
Drivetrain:
Longitudinally mounted front engine / All-Wheel Drive - Continuous
AWD - manual transmission / Active AWD - automatic transmission.
Suspension:
Front - Independent MacPherson-type struts with internal rebound
springs, lower L-arms, liquid filled L-arm rear bushings, stabilizer
bar and negative-scrub geometry.
Rear
- Independent multi link: one upper link, two lower links with radius
arm per side, coil springs, shock absorbers and stabilizer bar.
Brakes:
Power-assisted 4-wheel discs (vented front) with standard 4-channel,
4-sensor ABS.
