Any opinions on the 2003 Subaru Baja

like most subarus 04 and older they blow head gaskets just for fun

The above answer is incorrect. Head gaskets were only a notable problem in pre-2000 DOHC 2.5 L engines, which had (expensive) internal leaks. External leaks did occur with 2000-2003 engines, but they were less common, easy to diagnose & cheap to repair. The Baja has above-average reliability overall.

In most respects, the Baja is similar to an Outback of the same era--it rides & handles in a very similar fashion. It is less people-friendly since there is room for only four passengers, but it is more cargo-friendly with the open cargo area. Since it is based on the Outback (ie, it has a car-based design & not a truck chassis) it is very solid & does not suffer from the body quiver & clumsy handling sometimes associated with traditional body-on-frame pick-ups. However, its weight capacity & towing capacity r car-like--that is, lower than traditional pick-ups.

l could easily recommend a Baja if it fits ur needs. l think the reason it did not sell well was because it did not have the interior room of the Outback nor the size & capabilities of a traditional pickup. It was a matter of bridging two classes that were a little too far apart.

l had an '03 Baja & traded it for an '06 Baja turbo. l currently have 4 Subarus in the family including 2 Outbacks & a 2008 Tribeca. l would not have any other brand. I've had Ford, GM, Volvo, Chevrolet, Buick, & l will take a Subaru any day hands down over all the others for reliability & dependability.

l have never had a major problem with any Subaru I've owned, & as long as u keep the maintenance up on them, u will find that they r very well made & dependable cars.

My first Subaru ('93 Legacy) is still owned by the person l sold it to & it now has over 250,000 miles on it, & it is still going strong.

The Baja is quite possibly the ugliest car ever made. It is stupid. It is one of the worst models ever made by Subaru, and possibly the automobile industry as a whole.