The Mullet of Cars - Subaru's Delightful Identity Crisis

The 2004 Baja is what happens when Subaru's engineers looked at an Outback and thought, "Yeah, but what if it had a truck bed?" Think of it as the automotive equivalent of business in front, party in back. Based on the Legacy/Outback platform, it's the perfect vehicle for someone who can't decide between a wagon and a pickup.

In 2004, you could get it in naturally-aspirated flavor with the tried-and-true EJ251 2.5L pushing 165hp, or the spicy turbo version with the EJ255 cranking out 210hp of boxer rumble. The turbo models got a proper 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto, while the NA made do with just the automatic. Both versions packed Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive because, well, it's a Subaru.

What makes the '04 special? It got the bugs worked out from the '03 launch year, and the turbo option was now available. That expandable bed with the "Switchback" pass-through door into the cabin? Pure genius for hauling your surfboard or IKEA purchases. Plus, those yellow fog lights are peak early-2000s Subaru aesthetic.

Looking to buy one? Check those quarter panels - they rust like it's their job. The head gaskets on NA models are time bombs unless they've been updated, and turbo models need religious maintenance to stay happy. That unique rear gate setup can get wonky with age, so make sure it operates smoothly.

Pro tip: Turbos are rare and commanding silly money these days. A clean NA model with maintenance records is the smart buy - just budget for head gaskets if they haven't been done.