By any definition I know of, that ain't no bed. Storage space, funny look'n trunk maybe but, bed, no way. Sorry, it just doesn't qualify as a truck.
How many bales of hay can it haul? Towing capacity? How long of a 2X4 can it haul, in the so called bed? How many 80 lb. bags of concrete will it handle before it bottoms out the suspension?
Hopefully, those that like this vehicle will realize, I'm just having a little fun with this. No, it does not qualify as a truck IMO but, that's OK.
My Fiero is also my Limo.
------------------ Ron
[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 08-06-2011).]
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07:20 AM
CoolBlue87GT Member
Posts: 8221 From: Punta Gorda, Florida, USA Registered: Apr 2001
The unibody design borrowed heavily from the existing mechanicals, platform and sheetmetal of the Legacy and Outback wagons.[1] Production began on July 18, 2002[2] as a 2003 model at the Lafayette, Indiana, factory (Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., aka SIA) once shared with Isuzu.
The Baja's concept recalls many similar car-based, open-bed vehicles:
Tinted rear door windows and rear window Integrated bed liner Dual-illumination bed light Four bed tie-down hooks Bed recesses to receive standard 2x4's – to allow, for example, the owner to construct bi-level storage or install a custom bike rack. Standard roof rails with cross bars for additional load capacity. Two distinctive stainless steel flying buttresses[1] behind the passenger compartment, marketed as Sports Bars, provided structural reinforcement for the open bed. Tow rating of 2,400 lb (1,089 kg). Rear seat center position rigid hinged storage compartment with integral twin cupholders, rear-seat power supply, rear-seat center storage net, map-pockets at rear of each front seat. Under-bed mounted spare tire, operable via a cable winch accessible from an access panel in the bed itself. Fold-up license plate holder.
In a package 6 in (152 mm) longer than an Outback,[1] the Baja featured a four-door passenger compartment along with a 41 in (1,041 mm) open bed and drop-down tailgate.
A system marketed as the "Switchback"[5] allowed the rear passenger seat to fold down and a small thru-hatch to fold inward, allowing an extended length of 75 inches (1900 mm) to the end of the open tailgate. A light in the instrument cluster signaled an "open" status for the Switchback.
Competing against the larger Chevy Avalanche and Ford Explorer Sport Trac, the Baja received a cool market reception. Limited advertising, late arrival of the turbo-charged model, heavily styled lower-body plastic cladding and a yellow-and-silver introductory color scheme may have discouraged broad appeal. James Healey, writing for USAtoday at the time of the Baja's introduction called it a "controversial fashion statement with limited utility".[4]
The Baja received the 2003 and 2004 J.D. Powers's APEAL (for Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout Study) Award – measuring owner delight with the design, content, layout and performance of their new vehicles – for "Most Appealing Compact Pickup" and the Consumer Reports 2006 highest score for reliability in the pickup truck category.[6]
To me its a pickup truck. Bed size dont matter, its still a bed. Its no different than Chevy SLR which is worthless in any way. You cant even haul groceries in an SLR...the bed is only good for stowing the top.
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08:39 AM
blackrams Member
Posts: 28701 From: Hattiesburg, MS, USA Registered: Feb 2003
To me its a pickup truck. Bed size dont matter, its still a bed. Its no different than Chevy SLR which is worthless in any way. You cant even haul groceries in an SLR...the bed is only good for stowing the top.
Oh. So, you're one of those that believe size doesn't matter?
Just Kidding Roger.
------------------ Ron
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09:04 AM
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avengador1 Member
Posts: 35467 From: Orlando, Florida Registered: Oct 2001
My opinion: A modified Chevy Malibu with a large open trunk. I think if was the same chasis as the Malibu, could be wrong on that. But, it's still a car chasis. Yeah, they could haul more volume but, not much weight. Very cool rides though. Just not a truck although, I know some folks call them that. Doesn't really matter to me though.
------------------ Ron
[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 08-06-2011).]
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09:43 AM
carnut122 Member
Posts: 9122 From: Waleska, GA, USA Registered: Jan 2004
Originally posted by blackrams: My opinion: A modified Chevy Malibu with a large open trunk. I think if was the same chasis as the Malibu, could be wrong on that. But, it's still a car chasis. Yeah, they could haul more volume but, not much weight. Very cool rides though. Just not a truck although, I know some folks call them that. Doesn't really matter to me though.
Apparently, it's the same frame, but boxed for extra strength.
I tried to talk my wife into getting a Baja when she was car shopping.
I think they are the best of both worlds, she can have the comfort of a car, with seating, and the room in the back to haul the occasional Dryer, or stinky bag of whatever to the dumpster downtown...You know, the one without cameras.
What does having or not having lesbians in Florida have to do with this vehicle?
I think he's referring to the thought that a of lot Lesbians own and drive Subies. I know in Minnesota it's for the most part assumed, but probably more folklore.
or stinky bag of whatever to the dumpster downtown...You know, the one without cameras.
Brad
And here I thought I was the only one! Have not had garbage service for 3 years. Unbelievable, they wanted $24 a month for curbside service.. and since we only have 1 bag of garbage a week, that was $6 a bag. Total BS.. so now the carwash gets my trash, or the local apartments.
I think he's referring to the thought that a of lot Lesbians own and drive Subies. I know in Minnesota it's for the most part assumed, but probably more folklore.
I always thought it was for Outbacks... not all Subarus in general.
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02:54 PM
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Lambo nut Member
Posts: 4288 From: Centralia,Missouri. USA Registered: Sep 2003
I really REALLY wish we would have gotten these in the NA market. The Australians get to have too much fun.
Holden VZ, for those that don't know. Referred to as the Holden "Ute".
Yep, I like them also but, I sure would not buy one to use as a truck, light duty stuff only in the back. Maybe not even that, it's just too darn sexy to throw anything back there except maybe a couple of ladies for visual entertainment purposes.
------------------ Ron
[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 08-07-2011).]
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09:50 PM
Aug 8th, 2011
rogergarrison Member
Posts: 49593 From: A Western Caribbean Island/ Columbus, Ohio Registered: Apr 99
If the Baja isnt a truck, I go along with a sport utility vehicle. It would be great for camping and offroading (depending on how capable it really is). Its a lot more SUV that a Blazer or Explorer can claim.
