Did the Subaru Baja come with a manual transmission?
The Subaru Baja did offer a manual transmission; specifically a 5-speed manual was available, along with a 4-speed automatic as an option.
Overview of the Baja
The Baja was produced from 2003 through 2006, pairing the practicality of a compact wagon with a small pickup bed. It was built on the Subaru Impreza platform and used a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine with all-wheel drive as a standard feature. Transmission options for the Baja included a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic, with no factory turbo option in production.
Transmission options
Below are the two primary transmissions Subaru offered for the Baja and how they were typically paired with the drivetrain.
- 5-speed manual transmission (5MT) paired with the 2.5L engine and all-wheel drive; this option was common across most Baja trims.
- 4-speed automatic transmission (4EAT) with overdrive offered as an alternative on various Baja trims.
In summary, buyers could choose between the manual or automatic transmissions when selecting a Baja, depending on trim and availability.
Summary
Yes — the Subaru Baja did come with a manual transmission option. A 5-speed manual was available, and a 4-speed automatic was offered as an alternative on several trims. The model years spanned 2003 to 2006, featuring a 2.5L engine and standard AWD, with no production turbo variant.
What transmission is in a Subaru Baja?
The Subaru Baja came with either a 4-speed automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual transmission, depending on the specific model year and configuration. Automatic transmissions are often the 4EAT (four-wheel drive electronically controlled automatic transmission) type, while manual transmissions are 5-speed. You can find new, remanufactured, or used transmissions from various automotive parts suppliers and online marketplaces like Subaru Parts Online, AutoZone.com, Advance Auto Parts, eBay, and Reman-Transmission.com.
You can watch this video to learn more about the Subaru Baja's transmission options: 59sAutomotive Anonymous YouTube · May 4, 2023
Types of transmissions
- Automatic: Primarily a 4-speed automatic (4EAT) transmission, often with an integrated torque converter.
- Manual: A 5-speed manual transmission was also an option on some models.
Common issues
- High-mileage manuals: These can have wear on the clutch assembly and may require attention for smooth shifting.
- Signs of automatic transmission failure: Symptoms can include slipping or shuddering during acceleration, hard shifting, or difficulty engaging gears.
This video discusses common problems with Subaru transmissions: 57sAB Hadley Inc.YouTube · Mar 24, 2024
Where to find transmissions and parts
- Official Subaru parts: Subaru Parts Online and OEM Parts Online offer new parts.
- Remanufactured and rebuilt: Websites like Reman-Transmission.com and various options on sites like AutoZone.com offer rebuilt units, sometimes with warranties.
- Used parts: Online marketplaces like eBay have used transmissions and parts available.
- Aftermarket parts: Companies like Advance Auto Parts carry various transmission-related components.
Which Subaru models have a manual transmission?
Subaru offers manual transmissions in its current models, the BRZ and WRX. While past models like the Crosstrek, Impreza, Forester, and Outback also had manual options, they are not available on recent versions of those vehicles.
- Subaru BRZ: A sports car that is still available with a manual transmission.
- Subaru WRX: A performance model that comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission on most trims.
- Past models: Manual transmissions were previously available on other models such as the Impreza, Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback, but these are no longer produced with manual options.
Did the Subaru Baja come in manual?
Yes, the Subaru Baja was available with a manual transmission, specifically a 5-speed manual. Both the standard Baja Sport and the more powerful Baja Turbo models could be optioned with a manual transmission, though they are rarer than the automatic versions.
- Availability: Both the standard engine and the turbocharged engine were available with a 5-speed manual.
- Rarity: The manual transmission, especially when paired with the turbo engine, is a rare and desirable combination for enthusiasts today.
- Manual vs. Automatic: The standard Baja came with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. The Baja Turbo was introduced later, and early models were only offered with an automatic, but a manual option was later added.
Why did the Subaru Baja fail?
Why was the Subaru Baja discontinued? Relative to full-size pickups, the Subaru Baja was small and expensive. Research showed that the original Subaru Baja didn't cater enough to the luxury expectation of brand loyalists. The good news is, Subaru, the #1 brand for Brand Trust, is about to solve all those old problems.
