Overview & Reviews

The Subaru B9 Tribeca was the first midsize SUV from a company that traditionally just made smaller station wagons with elevated ground clearance. Bigger and taller than other Subarus, the B9 was meant to be a viable alternative to established Japanese crossover competitors as well as other more upscale sport-utilities.

Named for New York City's fashionable and affluent TriBeCa neighborhood (the B9 was tacked on seemingly just for fun), it also became Subaru's first U.S. vehicle to feature a new design expression consisting of a stylized triangular grille and rounded bodywork apparently inspired by aircraft. It wasn't well-received, however, which was made all the worse because it was underpowered and not as spacious inside as other three-row SUVs.

In an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to turn the ship around, Subaru adopted more conservative styling for 2008 and ditched "B9" in the process. The rechristened Subaru Tribeca is covered in a separate review.

Most Recent Subaru B9 Tribeca
The Subaru B9 Tribeca was sold for 2006 and 2007, before it dropped the B9 from its name. Attached to its standard all-wheel-drive system and five-speed automatic was a 3.0-liter horizontally opposed (boxer) six-cylinder engine that produced 245 horsepower and 215 pound-feet. This modest output didn't do the relatively heavy B9 any favors, bringing it from zero to 60 mph in a pokey 9.6 seconds.

The B9 came in five- or seven-passenger configurations with either base or Limited trims. The base car included 18-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, power front seats (eight-way driver, four-way passenger), a tilt-only steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player. An auxiliary audio jack was added for 2007. With its seven-passenger configuration, the base B9 Tribeca gained heated front seats and rear climate controls. The Limited got you leather upholstery and an upgraded sound system with a six-CD changer. Options on the Limited included a navigation system, a rearview camera and a rear seat entertainment system.

The Subaru B9 Tribeca's cabin had a distinct look with a waterfall center stack painted silver. It looked cool, but with its awkwardly arranged buttons, it was definitely a case of form over function. The cabin's abundance of hard plastic was also a turn-off, although we liked the central screen that displayed the climate control and audio information.

Many have found the B9 Tribeca's driving position awkward, which was largely a result of the non-telescoping steering wheel. Legroom was sparse for third-row passengers, and even those in the second row might feel a little cramped -- a rear-facing infant seat barely fits. Fortunately, cargo room with the seats folded was a bit more generous, with up to 74 cubic feet available.

In general, we found the Subaru B9 Tribeca to have too many flaws to be recommended as a used SUV purchase. Power was improved with the subsequent Subaru Tribeca, but it, too, remains an also-ran as more impressive crossovers have arrived on the scene.

User Reviews:

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  Ode to an AWD Alfa Romeo.... - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By PapaHawk - October 21 - 4:10 am

  Capable, confident, and charismatic! The Subaru B9 Tribeca is the complete 7-passenger AWD package. With its Italian styling, Japanese engineering, and 100% Subaru core, this vehicle is destined to enjoy a long ride along the American road, and one of these beauties will always be parked in my garage! This is an amazing vehicle. It is a pleasure to own and a joy to drive. It has my unqualified support as the best automotive value in the SUV world.

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  Huge Disappointment! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Unhappy - September 15 - 2:06 pm

  Boy, am I disappointed and angry. This B9 started breaking down at approximately 40,000 miles and has not run properly since, despite four trips to the dealership. I lost all compression and had to have 2 Valve intakes, 2 valve exchanges, 13 o rings, and several gaskets replaced. It took two breakdowns to get this fixed. Now, one cylinder is not functioning. The dealership is not wanting to admit that this is a lemon and replace it as they should. I have contacted the national Subaru corporation for all the good it will do me. Be careful if you buy this auto. You too could get stuck with a lemon.

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  good car for the money - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By alpesh patel - September 6 - 11:03 am

  I had Volvo s40 2005. I had to give that car away and get the B9. This car is very well put together and runs great. Yea one minor issue, the gas. It seems like it is giving me a 16 to 17 not 18 or 19 mpg. But on the highway this car runs and is very quite. Inside they have done their homework. I love the boxer 3.0l engine. Best so far.

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  the Tribeca crossover - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Len Barta - September 5 - 6:20 am

  After owning the Tribeca for about three weeks, I must say we are very pleased with the car. We find the vehicle has an ample amount of leg room both front and back. We like the fact that the rear seats have fore and aft movement. The car handles beautifully. So far itÂ’s been a pleasure to own.

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  great car - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Mary - August 9 - 2:06 pm

  Havent had the car long but it is a pleasure to drive. Handles very nicely. Love the exterior design, but especially love the features and interior design.

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  A complete Ride? - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By dsmyers - July 17 - 2:50 am

  This ride met all criteria when we purchased. At least we thought so. It was advertised and listed on the sticker to get 18 city 23 MPG highway. The highest we have seen is 16.9 MPG. Bums me out that I didnt verify this before we purchased. We have to set aside some extra $$ in budget for gas. Also, we cant be the only ones. There is something very different with the low beams. It displays a broken line in front of you. The Subaru factory said thats the way it is. Subaru dealer said we were not first the TB9 owners to make this claim. It is a flaw I tell you. Subaru (everyday is a winding road). A dark winding road can be dangerous one. During the day it is a very sturdy, safe ride.

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  Bill Gs Tribeca - 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Bill G - May 10 - 7:56 pm

  I came out of a 2003 Outback LL Bean Edition. I thought the B9 would be too big and clunky - that is, until I drove it. It took a few minutes to decide but I chose the B9 because it was a pleasure to drive.

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  Subaru Tribeca - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By anframm - April 27 - 2:36 am

  Averaging slightly over 20 miles to the gallon in combo driving, brakes a little mushy, handling and ride exemplary (better than any others I have been in), good dealer experience, power is good (engine is adequate and power delivery is smooth) though another 25 to 30 lb/ft torque would not hurt.

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  B9 Tribeca - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By Janet - April 24 - 12:16 am

  This is the sixth Subaru that Ive owned. I was very interested in buying an SUV and the timing of this vehicle was perfect. It is beautiful inside and out and drives and handles like a car. I am very pleased.

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  This vehicle ROCKS! - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By DannyD - April 23 - 3:50 pm

  I have owned my Tribeca for 3 weeks now. It rocks! I just absolutely love it! It has such a unique exterior, and the interior could not be better. My commute is 1 hour each way, and the time flies by now. (I hope that feeling never wears off.) The radio reception is incredible. The ability to play data CDs made with MP3 files is awesome. I can put 13 CDs on 1 disk. Who needs a CD changer if you can do that? The ride is incredible. I have never felt so connected to the road before. This car is worth every penny. If only gas prices didnt stink so bad.