Bobsprit
11-23-2005, 09:45 AM
After close to 10K miles I'd like to give a follow up review for the Tribeca. We were one of the first owners of these odd SUVs. Also driven in recent months: A Hummer H3, Pilot, MDX and a 2 year old Murano.
I stand by my assessment of the Tribeca. No other small SUV can match it. They all fall short in some critical area and you simply can't take the Subaru AWD system for granted. It's best in class and a match for the Audi at a lower cost. The car has been amazing in heavy rain and standing water, stays planted and sure. Handling is great, but the weight takes some getting used to. The rear middle seat works fine for our baby seat, but make sure yours fits. Subaru admits that not all will.
Handling remains entertaining, even more so when you consider the weight. But this is NO SPORTS car. A lot of folks with poor reading skills think this SUV should be a big WRX. That's not what it designed for. Still, I agree she could use 20 more HP/more torque. On the highway and 90% of the time the power is very good, but there are some holes in the power band. Flip to sport mode and things improve greatly, but you'll drink more gas. We're getting 18-19 MPG around town and 23-25 on the highway...really good!
If you have kids...this is a GREAT car. It's roomy, comfortable and quiet. You'll know you've taken one of the safest routs and piece of mind is worth a lot to me. The luxury and comfort never quits and my appreciation of the comfort continues. What can I say? I just turned 43 and I'm tired of being buzzed and rattled all the time.
As to the looks....Welllllll.....It seems that people who find this car ugly stay at home and play on their computers. I get nothing but compliments and raves over the interior. Most of the compliments come from women. I can live with that!
Gripes? Yep...here they are:
Give us more power..just a bit!
Seats are a bit stiff and could use a bit more lateral support.
Give us a Ipod input
Rear cargo cover is from a Yugo
Rear seat legroom is a tad short for no reason, but still better than most
DVD system is junk, can't be operated from front and blocks rear view. Do a head rest system with unit in glove box or under seat.
Telescoping steering column please
Memory seats please
Additional non-hidden 12V power please
I don't love the rear view through the back window...kinda tight
My problems with the competition:
Honda Pilot and MDX.....second fiddle AWD system
Nissan Murano....Too tight inside and too many around
Hunner H3....Hey, I liked it, but is it reliable? Comfortable car and priced right.
Lexus RX330...probably the only other car to match the B9. I like it. Not a bad choice if you can handle everyone else owning one.
So, if you're able to change cars every 2-3 years, get one of these and just trade up for the next one. You'll spend a lot more to do better. A LOT more. My wife is a nurse and at her hospital it's "SUV land." The Tribeca gets a lot of positive attention. In the end YOU have to like the car though. If you have kids....dump the car and buy a Tribeca....or do what we're doing....add an STI. We're leasing one end of summer for a second car.
If anyone has any questions about the Tribeca feel free to e-mail me.
Subaru Rules! :furious:
Robert B
NY
I stand by my assessment of the Tribeca. No other small SUV can match it. They all fall short in some critical area and you simply can't take the Subaru AWD system for granted. It's best in class and a match for the Audi at a lower cost. The car has been amazing in heavy rain and standing water, stays planted and sure. Handling is great, but the weight takes some getting used to. The rear middle seat works fine for our baby seat, but make sure yours fits. Subaru admits that not all will.
Handling remains entertaining, even more so when you consider the weight. But this is NO SPORTS car. A lot of folks with poor reading skills think this SUV should be a big WRX. That's not what it designed for. Still, I agree she could use 20 more HP/more torque. On the highway and 90% of the time the power is very good, but there are some holes in the power band. Flip to sport mode and things improve greatly, but you'll drink more gas. We're getting 18-19 MPG around town and 23-25 on the highway...really good!
If you have kids...this is a GREAT car. It's roomy, comfortable and quiet. You'll know you've taken one of the safest routs and piece of mind is worth a lot to me. The luxury and comfort never quits and my appreciation of the comfort continues. What can I say? I just turned 43 and I'm tired of being buzzed and rattled all the time.
As to the looks....Welllllll.....It seems that people who find this car ugly stay at home and play on their computers. I get nothing but compliments and raves over the interior. Most of the compliments come from women. I can live with that!
Gripes? Yep...here they are:
Give us more power..just a bit!
Seats are a bit stiff and could use a bit more lateral support.
Give us a Ipod input
Rear cargo cover is from a Yugo
Rear seat legroom is a tad short for no reason, but still better than most
DVD system is junk, can't be operated from front and blocks rear view. Do a head rest system with unit in glove box or under seat.
Telescoping steering column please
Memory seats please
Additional non-hidden 12V power please
I don't love the rear view through the back window...kinda tight
My problems with the competition:
Honda Pilot and MDX.....second fiddle AWD system
Nissan Murano....Too tight inside and too many around
Hunner H3....Hey, I liked it, but is it reliable? Comfortable car and priced right.
Lexus RX330...probably the only other car to match the B9. I like it. Not a bad choice if you can handle everyone else owning one.
So, if you're able to change cars every 2-3 years, get one of these and just trade up for the next one. You'll spend a lot more to do better. A LOT more. My wife is a nurse and at her hospital it's "SUV land." The Tribeca gets a lot of positive attention. In the end YOU have to like the car though. If you have kids....dump the car and buy a Tribeca....or do what we're doing....add an STI. We're leasing one end of summer for a second car.
If anyone has any questions about the Tribeca feel free to e-mail me.
Subaru Rules! :furious:
Robert B
NY