Subaru Baja

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Subaru Baja

Manufacturer:	Subaru
Production:	2002– 2006
Class:	Midsize car
Body style:	4-door pickup truck
Related:	Subaru Legacy

With the company's characteristic unconventionality, Subaru introduced The Subaru Baja to the US market in 2002 under the marketing tagline "Civilized Versatility." Combining features of both a car and a pickup truck, Subaru based the Baja heavily on their existing Legacy and Outback wagon, building the vehicles along side each other in their Lafayette, Indiana plant once shared with Isuzu.

The Baja followed Subaru's 2000 STX concept, not inventing the half-car + half truck genre, but rather recalling Subaru's own 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 -- thus allowing an impressive extended length of 75 inches (1900 mm) to the end of the open tailgate.

During a period of predominantly low gasoline prices, the Baja competed against larger and far less fuel efficient competitors including the Chevy Avalanche and Ford Sport-trac. By contrast, Subaru targeted an active-lifestyle market niche that would exploit the car's agile, economical proportions and Subaru's trademark all-wheel drive. Accessories such as sports lights and special bike racks further high-lighted the Baja's marketing target.

The Baja received a cool reception. Loyalists routinely blamed a dearth of dedicated advertising, the late arrival of a turbo-charged model, initally heavy pricing, exuberant but ungainly lower-body plastic cladding and an eye-popping yellow-and-silver introductory color scheme -- all of which seemed to discourage broad appeal.

Despite reaching a loyal following, only 30,000 were sold over a four and a half year period.

Subaru quietly discontinued Baja production in April of 2006^{[citation needed]} and consolidated its US production at the Lafayette plant to make room for Toyota Camry production.

[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 more economical Sport model, equipped with cloth interior and manual seats followed later in the production year. The Sport model also deleted 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 externally 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.