2009 Subaru Tribeca Consumer Reviews

Outstanding Vehicle

Written by: Len on 10/21/2009

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Tribeca Limited 5-Pass 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Traded in a 2007 Lincoln MKZ on my Tribeca. The Tribeca is superior to the Lincoln in every way. It is extremely roomy (professional reviews notwithstanding). Build quality is superb, no rattles, upscale looking, tons of room for passengers and cargo. I also have a 2008 Outback, and I can say that Subaru has it all together. If you are worried about buying American, note that my Lincoln was assembled in Mexico, both my Subarus assembled in Indiana. Which is the "American" car?????

Favorite Features

look of dashboard, quietness, comfort

Suggested Improvements

bigger gas tank

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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After three Lexus Rxs This is a real gem

Written by: Jim D on 09/08/2009

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Tribeca Special Edition 7-Pass 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Having leased Lexus RX vehicles for seven years, and enjoying all of them. I took advantage of the opportunity to buy a low mileage Tribeca. While it doesn't have all the features (integrated bluetooth/Nav, express up/down windows, power rear hatch release/keyless entry etc.) it is an extraordinary vehicle that I have come to enjoy very much. Multiple trips to the North woods of Wisconsin have become my second hobby because of the Tribeca. Fit & Finish, features, quality of workmanship, power/safety/great 4x4, Ipod connectivity, great seats, and best of all; it has Japanese quality control, but is assembled in Indiana. I love the car, and it may be my last new car purchase.

Favorite Features

Love the interior layout and features, such as the Ipod connectivity. Great headroom in the car and in entry (much better than my old Lexus). Quick acceleration, strong braking and wonderful handling make this car a comfortable and practical delight to drive. And it is made in the USA.

Suggested Improvements

Poor Nav system (should have more intuitive and less confusing controls and MUCH better resolution and contrast), poor gas mileage and unacceptably small gas tank. Max range is 300 mi on a good day. Should add power liftgate for the rear and express up/down for ALL windows. Needs in trunk spare.

17 out 17 people found this review helpful

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09 Tribeca - Solid, fun car

Written by: Abbey on 08/15/2009

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Tribeca Special Edition 5-Pass 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Overall the car is well designed - interior and exterior. It is a good replacement for my big SUV but will still be able to get around in the snow and ice very well. Love it so far !!!

Favorite Features

Interior is comfortable, exterior is stylish. Stereo/aux/power outlets are plenty. Quiet, smooth ride.

Suggested Improvements

Better gas mileage. Integrated Bluetooth. That is more a safety issue in this tech connected world. Auto locking doors and rear view camera that is separate from NAVI - another safety issue. Would suggest a power outlet on the dash since most electronic add ons are mounted in the dash area.

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Great bang for our buck

Written by: mkscott2 on 07/20/2009

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Tribeca Limited 5-Pass 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Shopped for a new car for 3 years. We knew we were going to get a Subaru, and settled on the Forester, but ended up with Tribeca because of the size of the back seat (can sit between two large carseats comfortably), and a great deal on this model. Initially was not interested in Tribeca because of the high octane fuel requirement, which apparently changed this MY. Took on its first long road trip, and so far has been extremely comfortable and fun to drive. It has everything we were looking for in a long-distance vehicle. The safety features are certainly a great selling point. There aren't many options/accessories that we feel are missing. Nice, solid vehicle!

Favorite Features

Fun fun fun to drive! Fit and finish/build quality, seats are very comfortable, very smooth ride without being a marshmallow, lots of room, well placed controls, large windows (esp. back), AWD, shiftable 5-speed automatic, loads of standard features.

Suggested Improvements

Gauge layout is not optimal, standard integrated Ipod port, pan. Sunroof like Forester, 1 touch up/down on all 4 windows, better gas mileage- who doesn't want that?

12 out 12 people found this review helpful

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Fun-to-drive, Safe, Great looks

Written by: Ravi on 06/22/2009

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Tribeca Limited 7-Pass 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)

Review

After owning 3 Subarus since 1988, I bought Subaru's premium model-Tribeca Limited-7 Seats. Subaru's improvement over the years shows in Tribeca-A gorgeous interior design/luxurious feel; sleek exterior lines; ample ground clearance/best AWD in the business; 5-star crash ratings. Pure joy to be in the driver's seat & has a solid feel on the road. We have driven our Tribeca on 1000 mile road trips of open freeways over weekends; winding steep roads and of course the in-town daily commutes/family and grocery hauling - Tribeca does it all with grace - a solid performer when it comes to merging on highways; changing lanes and passing traffic.

Favorite Features

The 256HP H6 boxer engine really performs in Sport mode-even in normal D mode, it has some pep-& all this with unleaded gas. The dashboard is functional yet has an elegance found in luxury brand models. Other features we like - steering wheel mounted audio functions; vehicle info display.

Suggested Improvements

We wanted a 5 seat Tribeca but had to buy the 7 seat Ltd for rear a/c vents. Slightly improved mileage/larger fuel tank, and 2-3 inches of more leg space in the third row seat would make it a much stronger candidate in the segment.

17 out 17 people found this review helpful

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Quality vehicle

Written by: drake on 06/11/2009

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Tribeca Special Edition 5-Pass 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Overall excellent fit and finish. Very good comfort and performance. Has nice pickup, great turning radius, very good visibility. First Subaru, previous Toyota owner. Very pleased with the quality, reliability, performance and appearance.

Favorite Features

Quality is better than expected, AWD, digital display for time, mileage, etc. Many cupholders, easy to use interior features and convenient dashboard, steering column features, similar to Toyota. Great headroom and interior finish quality.

Suggested Improvements

Telescopic steering column, longer driver side seat for taller drivers. More substantial rear seating.

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Not a MiniVan

Written by: steveni1234 on 06/10/2009

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Tribeca Limited 5-Pass 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)

Review

After test driving CUVs from Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Toyota and Ford, the Subaru was a very pleasant surprise. The engine is very drivable around town and the ride experience is as luxurious as the premium brands. The Tribeca feels more like a car as opposed to the minivan roots of the Toyota Venza and the Ford Edge. Interior room for five is exceptional and rear storage area is huge. Build quality approaches the luxury brands. If you are in the market for a vehicle in this class, test drive them carefully. My experience did not match up with the reviews on this site. It was almost as if the experts were driving different cars!!!

Favorite Features

Great engine. Taut and responsive handling. Car-like driving position seated lower and further away from the windshield similar to GLK and Q5. The Venza, Journey and Edge handle like a minivan; the driving position is high and forward.

Suggested Improvements

Auto Headlights. Integrated Bluetooth. Lose the nav screen on the video screen unless you're using the nav function. Towing over 1000 lbs. requires trailer brakes. Most small boats and campers in this size category don't have brakes and Subaru does not offer a brake controller.

13 out 13 people found this review helpful

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Very nice SUV

Written by: bob jones on 04/28/2009

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Tribeca Limited 5-Pass 4dr SUV AWD w/Nav (3.6L 6cyl 5A)

Review

After driving several SUVs, my wife and I narrowed it down to the MDX, Lexus 350, and the Tribeca. We chose the Tribeca Limited. The Tribeca was a good combination of sport and comfort with a reasonable price tag.

Favorite Features

Back-up camera, steering, performance, quietness, solid feel, navi, interior, stereo...the list goes on. Subaru's all wheel drive is perfect for northeastern driving.

Suggested Improvements

Telescoping steering would be nice but not a dealbreaker. Cooled seats. Better gas mileage or bigger fuel tank is needed for longer trips.

12 out 14 people found this review helpful

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Excellent Vehicle

Written by: lamda on 04/24/2009

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Tribeca Special Edition 5-Pass 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)

Review

My wife and I originally searched for a new Jeep to replace the lease we had. We did our research and looked at the Tribeca and loved the interior among many other things. We ended up buying the 5 passenger SE. It definitely has more interior room than our 06 Jeep Commander. You can't find a comparable vehicle for the price, quality and reliability. The vehicle has great pick-up and drives very smooth. Save your time and go look at the Tribeca. You won't be disappointed.

Favorite Features

Smooth drive, quiet, comfortable, awesome interior.

Suggested Improvements

Telescoping steering wheel. Better gas mileage.

12 out 12 people found this review helpful

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A great pleasure

Written by: Chr3s on 04/02/2009

Vehicle

2009 Subaru Tribeca Special Edition 5-Pass 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)

Review

We searched for a new Jeep to replace the lease we had and because of the economy we found it was not affordable. I did my research and looked at the Tribeca and fell in love with the interior. We purchased the 5 passenger SE. Sorry but it truly has more space than our old Jeep. The crossover look had some time getting used to but it is one sweet car. This one has great pick-up and very quiet. It looks like a car from the future with its dash and design. I just leased a Honda for myself before I found this one....but I know now what my next car will be if they don't try to improve it!

Favorite Features

Road side assistance is free for 3 years. Design and the fact that without ordering a car with special bells and whistles...it is already there.

Suggested Improvements

If the Tribeca got 100 miles per gallon...ahhh car perfection.

6 out 7 people found this review helpful

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