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2006 Subaru Baja consumer reviews

$22,495–$23,295 MSRP range
side view of 2006 Baja Subaru
(32 reviews)
100% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.4
  • Interior 4.4
  • Performance 4.6
  • Value 4.6
  • Exterior 4.5
  • Reliability 4.8
Explore the 2006 Subaru Baja

2006 Subaru Baja Sport

I love this vehicle. My other vehicle was eating me alive on fuel for my daily commute so I was looking for something better. I selected the Baja because of the styling and the increased fuel economy and have not been sorry. It is a shame that Subaru decided to stop production on this vehicle since most of the people who see it are interested in it as well. Just wish the roof was a tad taller so I would not have to bend like a pretzel to enter.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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So Far, So Good

I bought the vehicle used with 58K miles, so far, I'm pleased especially with the 27 mpg. The comfort is ok, a little tight for an older person, but easy to get in and out of. Performance suitable for me, but you will not win a race. Does not have great excelleration. Exterior is really cute, I get a lot of comments. Interior is a little tight for me and I'm 5"1" and the cup holders are a little odd for comfort. I do feel I got a good deal for the money. The reliability has been great. I've hauled a number of things now and that has been great unloading at waist high level and you can a suprising amount of "stuff" in the bed.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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Versatility!!

The most practical car I have ever owned!! Everything is engineered perfectly! It is quiet, comfortable, spacious, and handles like a car even though some would call it a truck. The turbo is fantastic!!! The downside is the gas mileage suffers a bit and takes premium. I average 22mpg, which is not horrible. I would buy this vehicle again without hesitation. The AWD system is great in the rain and snow too. While the rear wheel drive trucks are spinning out, I keep on truckin'.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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My first SUV that didn't look like one!

I love the mix of station wagon and pickup truck. It reminds me of the El Camino I always wanted, but it runs better and is AWD. Already the AWD has gotten me though some nast weather! The back is great as I live on a small hobby farm and can haul smaller farm items without needing a large (and gas sucking) pickup. I also love the outdoors, so gear fits great in the back! The only problem I've encountered is a touchy front headlight that keeps going out. I've heard this is a common issue with Subarus. Overall, love the zippy little thing. I've been driving Jeep Wagoneers and Cherokees, so while I'm still getting used to the lower seat, I'm enjoying the better gas mileage!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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Love my Baja!!!!

I am so happy with this vehicle. Very smooth ride and quiet. I've always loved the way the Baja looks. In fact, I also liked the Brat in it's time. But the Baja makes the Brat look like a joke. The interior of this vehicle is cherry. You'd be proud to take a date out for a night on the town with this little ride. And if it snows, no problem. Mine is silver in color. My favorite color scheme is black on top and silver on the bottom. But that was not offered on 2006 models. As they only offered solid colors for 2006 models. And personally, silver is my favorite. Lucky for me as mine was bought used. I will baby this vehicle for some time to come......

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Brilliant Aesomeness!

I love these things. I've owned three of these, I will never own anything else ever again! Power, versatility, reliability, sports car handling, and style. You can't go wrong. JCRG

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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Bring back the Baja!

Just like Subie groupie, we had an 03 Baja. We hung on to it longer, just trading it in 09 for a used 06 with low miles. We just couldn't find anything else that was as useful and comfortable (not to mention safe) as the Baja. If SOA advertised them, they would have sold a ton! They are great off road, can haul all sorts of home improvement and gardening items, are amazing in the snow (who needs to shovel?) and have very unique looks. If I had to describe the Baja in 3 words or less, it would be Swiss Army Knife! I wish they had offered heated seats and the hard tonneau on more than the Baja turbo with leather, but even without those options I love my Baja. I don't know what we're going to do when we have to buy a replacement for the 06, I'm just glad we have a few years before we have to worry about that!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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My Dream Car

When I found out 2006 would be the final model year for the Baja, I was crushed. I'd finally found my dream car and wouldn't you know, it was being discontinued! My husband had our 2003 Baja at the dealership for routine service and saw a blue 2006 there. Sigh. What to do, what to do? Externally, there was no difference between the shape of the two cars. But inside, the 2006 was even more fabulous than our 2003. Vinyl door panels rather than velour--much better for dog-owning Midwesterners who have lots of snow, ice, and mud in the forecast! The seats (also vinyl, but with a tweedy seat surface) have even cushier, snugger lumbar support. We caved and bought the Bluebaru. Quite simply, this is my dream car--powerful enough without being ridiculous, handles like a dream, looks great, quiet, nice stereo. (Subaru loads its cars so the moonroof is standard.) Now that it's discontinued, I'll be driving it a LOOOONG time. Because the Baja is a niche ride, the owners are a bit culty. We always receive a cheerful wave when we meet another Baja on the road, and it seems there are more of them in town each month.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does recommend this car
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It's the brakes that I have a problem with

The brakes and the local subaru service dept.; subaru could've have transferred the seat heaters over from their other models and the sound system lacks umph. other than those things, it's everything that the reviews have mentioned. I hope to hang onto mine until they bring them back out again.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does recommend this car
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Will never let you down!

I'm a loyal Subaru owner, and the Baja hasn't let me down. It's a small truck, with seating for five, which is great if you don't want a large pickup. Subaru has really outdone themselves...Hopefully, they will start making them again, so I can trade it in for a new one when I'm ready.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does recommend this car
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