2008 Subaru Tribeca Consumer Reviews

2008 Subaru Tribeca Review

Written by: Nor Cal on 10/28/2008

Vehicle

2008 Subaru Tribeca 5-Pass 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I have had the Tribeca since April 2008 and put almost 6000 miles on it so far. The handling of the AWD Tribeca is darn near neutral and the turn in spot on. its fun to drive and comfortable on road trips or in town. The interior and exterior looks compliment each other. I use the transmission in sport mode all the time, either leaving it in drive or shifting up and down. the engine is a lot more responsive & mileage doesn't seem to suffer. One thing that bugs me is that the transmission shifting seems out of sync with the engine at times. The Tribeca doubles well as a tent and carries a lot of "stuff". I don't like the puddle lights though but that's a nil point IMO. Next thing is XM radio.

Favorite Features

Handling, ride. Shape & profile. 18" wheels and low aspect tires. Interior appointment, features & lighting, MP3 player dock, grocery bag holders, 110v outlets, mirrors that adjust to light.

Suggested Improvements

Larger gas tank, crisper shifting/engine response. blind spot created by thick front window/windshield pillars. A/C vent system controls confusing. could use more storage for things like CDs and such.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Mixed Bag

Written by: Mr. Subaru on 10/28/2008

Vehicle

2008 Subaru Tribeca 5-Pass 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)

Review

The 08 Tribeca is a mix of great features and questionable design components. The Tribeca is solidly built and handles like a car. The engine is powerful, and the transmission shifts smoothly. Steering and braking are crisp. The cargo area is surprisingly small for a vehicle this size, a tight fit for dogs. The gas mileage is poor (17 mpg mixed) compared to other vehicles in this category, and is compounded by a small gas tank which results in a VERY, VERY short driving range. I was spoiled by my 06 Outback's 500 mile range. The thick A pillar makes turning corners a challenge if pedestrians are present.

Favorite Features

AWD, interior design, front seats, powerful engine, smooth shifting transmission. Engine uses regular gas unlike earlier models which used premium.

Suggested Improvements

A 20+ gallon or bigger fuel tank which would compensate for the poor gas mileage. Considering Subarus are popular in snowy areas, better OEM tires would be welcome. An extending steering wheel would be great for those with long legs and normal sized arm lengths.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Nice Car, Too many Issues

Written by: Gerry on 10/22/2008

Vehicle

2008 Subaru Tribeca Limited 7-Pass 4dr SUV AWD w/Nav (3.6L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Last car was a BMW X5. At first I thought the Tribeca was on par. NO way! Have had a number of mechanical issues which my dealer does not know how to fix -- front left tire loses air, center console foam compressed, high pitched noise at certain speeds. Subaru has shown no interest in addressing my issues. I was looking to install blue-tooth which is not a factory option. The proprietary cd/radio has made that challenging. Lots of noise in the cabin while driving. The ride is not as firm as the BMW X5. The back-up camera is a very nice feature and the heated seats work well. The less than 16 gallon gas tank is way too small. Gas mileage has been 15 city 18 highway.

Favorite Features

Back-up camera, heated seats

Suggested Improvements

Doors do not close easily, larger gas tank, Eliminate cabin noise, blue- tooth capability, non-proprietary radio, better center console top, updated maps on nav system, better customer care

1 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Overall Great SUV

Written by: Brad on 10/17/2008

Vehicle

2008 Subaru Tribeca Limited 5-Pass 4dr SUV AWD w/Nav (3.6L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Purchased vehicle 7 months ago after much deliberation and was extremely happy with my choice. I understood the shortcomings: no telescoping wheel or bluetooth, small gas tank and 19-23 mpg (not bad considering AWD). However after I had the oil transmission cooler installed, the transmission hasn't shifted correctly again. Stays in gear too long, hard shifts etc. Working with the dealer to attempt a fix. All in all, a great vehicle for the price, all essential features and then some. Look hard at the this vehicle; you'll be doing yourself a disservice if you didn't!

Favorite Features

Rear legroom, easy in/out of rear seats (so says the Mother), iPod jack, acceleration, exterior styling and great handling.

Suggested Improvements

Larger fuel tank, telescoping wheel, iPod interface w/ navi (like Nissan), HID headlamps (Available in Latin America/Canada) and folding side view mirrors (available in Latin America)

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My Subaru Tribeca

Written by: Mira on 10/12/2008

Vehicle

2008 Subaru Tribeca 7-Pass 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This is my 1st Subaru and the 1st SUV. I have about 700 miles on it and love it so far. I've been averaging 18.6 mpg in the city. Once in a while I can hear the rear seat belts making noise, especially if you have something leaning against them. Overall very comfortable ride, fairly smooth. Radio controls on the steering wheel are nice, but I manage to hit them accidentally when turning somehow. Gas cap rests on the exterior paint during refuel, don't really like that, but it's minor. I'm 5.9" and steering wheel adjustment is fine, no problems, plenty of leg room. My insurance went down a little due to Subaru being a safer vehicle. It handles like a smaller car, and has plenty of cargo room.

Favorite Features

Reliability of Subaru vehicles, interior and exterior design, puddle lights, remote start, 3rd row seating, AWD.

Suggested Improvements

Bluetooth would be nice, and a larger fuel tank, as well as better gas mileage. Cell phone charger only works when the car is running, otherwise power is off, never had this in any car, could leave anything plugged in and have it charged, but not in this vehicle. Rear heat and not just rear air.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Good Value

Written by: Scott on 10/03/2008

Vehicle

2008 Subaru Tribeca 5-Pass 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Have had the basic 5 person version for several months. We researched literally ever vehicle except this one, but drove it because dealership also had them. What a great car for the $$. Liked most everything from the start and the concerns (the cockpit design) have grown on us. If it is good in snow as its supposed to be then it will be a "10"

Favorite Features

Tracking, the car is very stable.

Suggested Improvements

Wind noise around the massive side view mirrors. Fuel gauge is in kind of an odd spot.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Have had them all, and now?

Written by: Marty on 09/12/2008

Vehicle

2008 Subaru Tribeca Limited 5-Pass 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Have had Tribeca 3 weeks and put 1500 miles on. A few defects found, but probably from Dealer roughness. Car rides nice, fairly quite and smooth. Have had WAY TOO many vehicles,and just traded in a Hyundai Santa Fe Limited. There are trade-offs, but I would put the Santa Fe first for now. Still happy with the choice, but time will tell. Getting 19 MPG so far. Rate a BUY for good value!

Favorite Features

Dash/interior, XM satellite, AWD. Overall quality is good. Comfy seats. Nice SUV for the money.

Suggested Improvements

Needs larger gas tank, larger glove box, more upfront storage needed. Put gas cap on driver's side. Get better gas mileage. Needs telescoping steering wheel and sliding center arm rest.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Somewhat Disapointed in Tribeca

Written by: jpdinnj on 08/10/2008

Vehicle

2008 Subaru Tribeca Limited 5-Pass 4dr SUV AWD w/Nav (3.6L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Current mileage 2000. Transmission clunks hard into first gear downshifting to a stop; A/C is not cold enough for a cabin of this size - dealer said it was overcharged; suspension clunking sound made from the front wheels when hitting slightest of bumps – reminds me of bad ball joints in an old car; acceleration at cruising speed not smooth, instead feels out of balance; gas cap rests on exterior paint during refuel, need telescoping steering wheel; back seats wobble and make noise as does the rear seat belt from the ceiling; exhaust makes tinny vibration sound when accelerating hard. Expected more from this vehicle.

Favorite Features

Sharp exterior looks; comfortable driver's seat; 2008 0% finance rate; 2008 clearance prices; cargo room

Suggested Improvements

Fix items notes in review, add telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth, improve fuel economy; add some wood trim because the silver stuff looks cheap; heated rear seats

7 out 16 people found this review helpful

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Second Subaru

Written by: Happy in Ohio on 08/03/2008

Vehicle

2008 Subaru Tribeca Limited 5-Pass 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This is our 2nd Subaru and we couldn't be happier. Our first was a 2003 Forester, which is still running strong and soon to become the kids car. You just can't beat Subaru when it comes to safety and dealing with snow, rain, or ice. Oh yeah almost forgot they are also fun to drive. People at work are almost always surprised to hear that our Tribeca is a Subaru. The exterior is as nice and the interior nicer then the couple Acura MDXs I park beside everyday at work. The best part thanks to the price we can still afford to take ours on a road trip when we feel like it. We are just starting to look for my wife a new car and the 2009 Forester is looking like the front runner.

Favorite Features

Size, handling, AWD. It has the power to head into the mountains packed with a family of five and all of our gear.

Suggested Improvements

A little more front seat storage would be nice. A larger fuel tank and a couple more miles to the gallon. We are currently averaging 18.6 in the city and 24 on the hwy.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Traded my Acura TL

Written by: Jay on 06/24/2008

Vehicle

2008 Subaru Tribeca 7-Pass 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Leased this vehicle in April 2008.Love the comfortable smooth ride. It has a lot of room for sports equipment. XM radio is awesome. Fun to drive and with AWD handles great on rain slicked roads. Will be going up to the western NC mountains next month and am looking forward to mountain driving. Looked and test drove Mazda CX-9, Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, Acura MDX, and Toyota Highlander. The Subaru Tribeca seemed to be the best fit and great value for the money.

Favorite Features

Comfortable seating, smooth and quiet ride, AWD for inclement weather, and XM radio.

Suggested Improvements

Better gas mileage. I only have 750 miles on it and getting 17-18 mpg in city/highway. It would be nice to have bluetooth connectivity standard. I bought a bluetooth car kit that works well and is portable

8 out 9 people found this review helpful

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