Subaru Baja Parts & Accessories

Make fun of the Subaru Baja's aesthetics as much as you like, but one thing cannot be denied—it is one of the best-handling pickup trucks on the market. Its steering is light but accurate, and the vehicle tracks with an unerring sense of straight-ahead. Its shifter is quick and easy, its clutch is light, and its pedals arrayed for easy heel-and-toeing. What makes the Baja even better, though, is that it rides like a car. Its struts and springs sufficiently supple enough to swallow potholes and corrugations. There is moderate body roll, but it doesn't affect much lateral grip. Of course, this light truck can't maintain its surprisingly superb performance if you don't care for it properly. Here are some tips to keep your Subaru pickup in top shape.

• Enjoy fuel savings with proper maintenance.

Whatever the price of fuel nowadays, you should always invest a little to increase your Subaru Baja's fuel efficiency to save up even more on gas. You can do this by keeping your truck properly tuned, which can improve its gas mileage by 4 percent or more. You must also make sure that your tires are properly inflated, which not only improves your fuel economy, but also decreases the chance of getting bad tire wear patterns. Lastly, using the correct grade of motor oil to ensure that your truck continues to drive and work at peak performance just like how it was manufactured.

• Survive your road trips by inspecting your truck beforehand.

Before you go on a long journey, it is important to make sure that your Subaru Baja is up for the drive. Inspecting it a week or a few days before your trip can save you from the possible inconveniences, or worse, accidents caused by vehicle breakdowns. Be sure that your truck is properly maintained. This is not only so you could save on fuel, but it also ensures that all of your vehicle's components are working or have recently been inspected, cleaned, and replaced. If there are some maintenance tasks scheduled that you think you might miss because you're out of state, then it's better to do it before your trip than wait until you get back home.

• Don't neglect your cabin air filter.

Just because it's a wear item and you have to replace it every 7,500 miles doesn't mean you have to neglect it. If you think you would waste money by buying new filters often, then imagine how much you will have to spend for repairs and replacements of your Subaru Baja's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. By changing the air filter regularly, you can ensure cleaner air to flow in the passenger compartment. You will also remove the dust, soot, airborne pollen, microscopic particles, and even foul odors. If you or someone in your family has allergies, replacing the air filter can reduce allergy-related problems in your truck. Lastly, it also improves your vehicle's heating and air-conditioning performance, so you can be sure that your cabin will always be comfortable during your drive.

A four-passenger, all-wheel drive, open-bed ride produced from 2002 to 2006, the Subaru Baja was known for its versatility and design. Despite being in production for only four years, the Baja earned its fair share of fans, although some have criticized its unusual style. Today, the Subaru Baja continues to attract hobbyists and Subaru fans who love its distinctively styled lower body, rugged look, and durability.

Because of its distinct design, the Subaru Baja was nicknamed as a “multiple-choice” vehicle. Its unorthodox shape may have earned it a number of critics, but it was a vehicle that combined the hauling capabilities of a small pickup and the comforts of a sedan. Its design was meant to appeal to adventurers who want more out of their vehicles. Built to handle rough terrains, the Baja was aptly named after the Baja California peninsula, a northwest Mexican land mass where the annual Baja 1000 off-road race is held.

The Baja was able to live up to the expectations because it’s powered by a 205-L H4 engine that was paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The Baja was also equipped with a drop-down tailgate, a 41-inch open bed, and a four-door passenger compartment. Through the “Switchback” system, passengers can fold down the back seat and fold inward a small hatch to make way for the open bed. Once these seats are folded down, an instrument in the dashboard panel lights up to indicate an opened Switchback system. To further differentiate the Baja from other Subaru vehicles, it was also built with sports bars, two flying buttresses made of stainless steel that are designed to reinforce the open bed’s structure. Other standard features included a bed liner, tie-down hooks, bed light, tinted rear windows, map pockets, and a power supply system for the rear seats.

To cater to budget-conscious buyers, a more affordable Sport model was also offered. This version was equipped with manually adjustable seats and interiors covered in leather in cloth upholstery.

In 2004, a turbocharged version was introduced. This one was equipped with a standard manual transmission that could be upgraded to an automatic transmission, side mirrors and exterior door handles with matching colors, and a hood scoop.

In 2005, standard Baja units were made with a higher ride height, a net pocket on the rear seat, and a power outlet mounted at the center console. As for the turbocharged models, those with leather upholstery were upgraded with a new tonneau cover. In the following year, all models were upgraded with an improved security system. The turbocharged units were offered with an optional package that included heated seats, alloy wheels, a sport-mode automatic transmission, upholstery with leather trims, and a hard bed cover.