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Review 1 of 2
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2005 Subaru Baja, Turbo edition Summary:
This vehicle, a car/truck hybrid, is expertly designed and carried out. When viewed externally, the truck-like features are most noticable: truck bed, canopy cross bars, raised rear axle, heavy-duty rear axle, slightly agressive tires. However, upon entering the vehicle it feels as if these features are left behind, and what you are left with is a four-door sports sedan interior. The interior is styled agressively, and the engine is not disappointing, easily pouring out those 220 horses when they are needed. The cornering is smooth and steady, with the turning radius making a traffic U-turn easy and managable, taking up only two lanes. The turbo option comes in either a 5spd manual, or a 4spd automatic, either is a fine option. The best feature of the auto is the "power-shift" ability. Essentially, you have the choice of driving a standard automatic trans or a clutch-less manual. The transition is easy, can be made on the road, and is easily turned off. If the manual option is engaged, even manual-deprived drivers will have an easy time since there is a large, easily viewed, shift indicator on the dash, well within peripheral vision (so no taking eyes off the road). The front cabin is spatious enough for a 6ft+ large driver (such as myself) to enjoy the comforts of the seats and console. The back seats are easily accomadating of passangers 5'6" and shorter, but larger than that is a bit cramped (still much better than the back seats of, say, a mustang or camaro or comparable). The ride is incredibly smooth, taking the drivers attention away from the powerful suspension and hauling capability. Transition from a car to a truck is easy, as the optional bed extender is easy to use and gives considerable extra bed space for hauling larger items (such as furniture). For especially long items (such as skis or lumber) there is a hatch between the back seats that can be opened thereby elongating the truck bed even further. Everything has been thought through, and except for the rear seat space issue, this is a extremely comfortable, agressive, and smooth vehicle that balances power and style seamlessly. The standard AWD system is yet again a highlight, as it is on the full line of Subaru's, and the power is easily felt taking a corner or hitting a slick spot in the road. This also makes this vehicle more offroad capable than many of its competitors, although not as agressive as a large 4x4 truck, it can easily outperform many light duty trucks. Finally, the price is incredibly reasonable considering the power and comfort of the vehicle. With the base price slightly above 20k, this is a much smarter option than the more popular Outback or other Subaru models, which are substantially more expensive. For the money, there is no better vehicle on the market in its class. Strengths:
Smooth ride,
towing capability,
engine power,
style,
comfort,
AWD drive train,
thoughtful design Weaknesses:
Rear seats slightly cramping to larger passengers.
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