pete2 said:
A little rough aren't you? Oh hell, I agree! But atleast the driver doesn't look too bad.
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They Call It "Mini-Me" - A Mini-Av From Japan
- Thread starter MagicMtnDan
- Start date
A little rough aren't you? Oh hell, I agree! But atleast the driver doesn't look too bad.
rager24
Full Member
Does anybody remeber the Brat they sold some years a go. It was bad then just like it's bad now 
But I guess someone with no taste will like it
But I guess someone with no taste will like it
King said:
Yeah, I think I took offense to the way it was written up in comparison to our AV's.
But I still wouldn't buy one. In fact I would ride a bicycle in order to save up to afford anything first.
Sorry, couldn't resist taking another shot... 
victory_red said:
Moved to ONE of our existing Baja topics
I too am a little surprised at the amount of bashing. Not very CAFCNA-like. Also a little funny coming from owners of what many people consider one of the ugliest vehicles on the road. I think it's a pretty neat vehicle for those who don't need/want the Avs size. And like they say, to each his own. Subaru makes a pretty darn good vehicle. Some are just a little funky!
Here are some excerpts from Edmund's review of the Baja. I love the reference to Pontiac cladding!
Pros: Carlike ride and handling, better fuel mileage than a truck, easy to find in parking lots, multiple configurability.
Cons: Polarizing looks, limited functionality.
Edmunds.com Says: A vehicle let down by somewhat limited functionality and a "get used to it" appearance. But if you can get past that, the Baja offers an interesting combination of car and truck.
Subaru has apparently discovered the ancient Pontiac body cladding burial grounds, and after taking its spoils, glued it all onto the already homely, ducklike body of the Outback wagon, only with its rear hacksawed to provide an open cargo area. With its jarring lines and interrupted flow, there should be a good reason why Subaru would take such a styling leap.
It must be something in the air. As of late, car manufacturers have been salivating over niche markets, imagining a large populace searching for that one perfect vehicle that will address its singular needs with a uniquely configurable cargo area. Some iterations include the Honda Element, the Pontiac Vibe, the Toyota Matrix and the 2004 release of the Scion bbX, all of which seek the buyer who wants the hauling capacity of a pickup truck or an SUV without giving up the ride, handling, passenger-friendly and gas-sipping qualities of a car.
Subaru's offering to the group is the Baja. It's certainly not the first time a manufacturer has offered a car-based pickup; heck, it's not even the first time for Subaru, having had released the Brat upon the unsuspecting world from 1977 to 1987. But the Baja is the first such hybrid with seating for four, all-wheel drive, four-wheel independent suspension and its configurable Switchback system.
What's the Switchback system, you ask with a curious cock of the head? Well, it's the Baja's big selling point. The most notable aspect of the Baja, as previously mentioned, is its open cargo space. In the box measuring 41.5 inches long by 49 inches wide (or 39 between the wheel wells) by 17 inches high, complete with its own bed liner, it allows for a wide array of tall merchandise to be carried that couldn't be accommodated by a station wagon.
Lowering the tailgate allows for a length of 60.5 inches, and one can order a tubular bed extender to help keep items secure. Be careful opening up that tailgate, though, because it's very heavy and you can get your hand pinched between it and the rear bumper. Considerately, Subaru provided a swing-down license plate bracket that'll keep your digits visible when the tailgate is lowered. Opening up the Switchback door, a hole measuring 30 inches wide by 12 inches high, folding up the rear bench seat and placing the seatback flat against the floor will allow transportation of objects up to 77 inches in length. When the Switchback door is open (a light will illuminate on the dashboard), it gives you a nice breeze in the cabin. We'd prefer a seatback that's split 60/40 so that you could carry one passenger back there while the Switchback door was in use, but this is not to be. Also, the rear glass window is fixed, unlike the midgate system of the Chevrolet Avalanche. Once loaded down, you can secure your cargo using the four cargo bed tie-down hooks. The Subie also comes with a standard roof rack.
Ultimately, the Baja is more of an exercise in style and a statement about your lifestyle than a conveyance rooted in function. It's for those who frequent Home Depot as a hobby, to pick up a new ficus and a trellis rather than those who need to carry blocks of cement or furniture. It's perfect for those transporting long sporting items, such as a surfboard or skis, but not necessarily great for a primary caregiver in Seattle picking up the kids and the groceries — they'd be exposed to the elements; they would be better served by a station wagon. The Baja will have limited appeal (Subaru wants to reach about 24,000 of you), but for those who need about half the open-bed cargo utility of a truck as well as a vehicle that rides like a car, the Baja will serve your needs well.
Pros: Carlike ride and handling, better fuel mileage than a truck, easy to find in parking lots, multiple configurability.
Cons: Polarizing looks, limited functionality.
Edmunds.com Says: A vehicle let down by somewhat limited functionality and a "get used to it" appearance. But if you can get past that, the Baja offers an interesting combination of car and truck.
Subaru has apparently discovered the ancient Pontiac body cladding burial grounds, and after taking its spoils, glued it all onto the already homely, ducklike body of the Outback wagon, only with its rear hacksawed to provide an open cargo area. With its jarring lines and interrupted flow, there should be a good reason why Subaru would take such a styling leap.
It must be something in the air. As of late, car manufacturers have been salivating over niche markets, imagining a large populace searching for that one perfect vehicle that will address its singular needs with a uniquely configurable cargo area. Some iterations include the Honda Element, the Pontiac Vibe, the Toyota Matrix and the 2004 release of the Scion bbX, all of which seek the buyer who wants the hauling capacity of a pickup truck or an SUV without giving up the ride, handling, passenger-friendly and gas-sipping qualities of a car.
Subaru's offering to the group is the Baja. It's certainly not the first time a manufacturer has offered a car-based pickup; heck, it's not even the first time for Subaru, having had released the Brat upon the unsuspecting world from 1977 to 1987. But the Baja is the first such hybrid with seating for four, all-wheel drive, four-wheel independent suspension and its configurable Switchback system.
What's the Switchback system, you ask with a curious cock of the head? Well, it's the Baja's big selling point. The most notable aspect of the Baja, as previously mentioned, is its open cargo space. In the box measuring 41.5 inches long by 49 inches wide (or 39 between the wheel wells) by 17 inches high, complete with its own bed liner, it allows for a wide array of tall merchandise to be carried that couldn't be accommodated by a station wagon.
Lowering the tailgate allows for a length of 60.5 inches, and one can order a tubular bed extender to help keep items secure. Be careful opening up that tailgate, though, because it's very heavy and you can get your hand pinched between it and the rear bumper. Considerately, Subaru provided a swing-down license plate bracket that'll keep your digits visible when the tailgate is lowered. Opening up the Switchback door, a hole measuring 30 inches wide by 12 inches high, folding up the rear bench seat and placing the seatback flat against the floor will allow transportation of objects up to 77 inches in length. When the Switchback door is open (a light will illuminate on the dashboard), it gives you a nice breeze in the cabin. We'd prefer a seatback that's split 60/40 so that you could carry one passenger back there while the Switchback door was in use, but this is not to be. Also, the rear glass window is fixed, unlike the midgate system of the Chevrolet Avalanche. Once loaded down, you can secure your cargo using the four cargo bed tie-down hooks. The Subie also comes with a standard roof rack.
Ultimately, the Baja is more of an exercise in style and a statement about your lifestyle than a conveyance rooted in function. It's for those who frequent Home Depot as a hobby, to pick up a new ficus and a trellis rather than those who need to carry blocks of cement or furniture. It's perfect for those transporting long sporting items, such as a surfboard or skis, but not necessarily great for a primary caregiver in Seattle picking up the kids and the groceries — they'd be exposed to the elements; they would be better served by a station wagon. The Baja will have limited appeal (Subaru wants to reach about 24,000 of you), but for those who need about half the open-bed cargo utility of a truck as well as a vehicle that rides like a car, the Baja will serve your needs well.
You would be surprised how many of these we are going to probably see on the road....most people try to get the most for their money....without the big time powerplants, fuel consumption.....I think everyone is trying to cut back a little since the state of our economy is in shambles right now......if you can look past the styling...then some would consider it a winner or at the very least a consideration..... 