Overview & Reviews

The Subaru Tribeca (sorry, bingo fans, "B9" is no longer in the model name) receives some significant updates for 2008. Mechanically, the Tribeca now features an enlarged 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine for more power and torque and a revised five-speed automatic transmission said to offer smoother shifting. The rear suspension has also been softened for better ride comfort. Inside, Subaru has improved access to the third-row seat via a new design of the second-row seat release. The '08 model also has a restyled front end, abandoning last year's adventurous-but-awkward look in favor of a more conservative face.

• Serene ride quality, smaller size adds to maneuverability, handsome interior design.

• Cramped second- and third-row seats, low cargo capacity, modest handling limits, high price.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 77.00

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  Have had them all, and now? - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Marty - June 16 - 1:36 pm

  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!

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  Did not meet expecations - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Briofny - May 22 - 6:00 pm

  I purchased the car in April of 08, and just hit 27k miles. Small gas tank, but mileage not bad for an SUV. The fit of the interior of the car is disappointing, loose pieces every where, & the rear hatch is not designed to strategically close when packing. Also, what is the point of the rear blower if I cant control it from the front, my kids cant reach it. The look of the car is great, but I cant justify the looks versus the quality I expect for the prices. A+ on the handling and engine (although Subaru wants me to change the tranny fluid already)! C on interior quality and pointing out as another post did, who scans on the radio any more, let me change my presets from the steering wheel

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  When is leather not leather? - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Wil12345 - March 31 - 12:33 am

  We have had this car for about a year and a half. It rides well, drives well and has been reliable. Only two complaints. Windshield is very poor quality and breaks with the slightest touch of a pebble. Leather interior is mostly vinyl. After a small tear, I found that the only part of the seat that is leather is the small section in the middle of the seat surface. The entire rest of the seats including the bolsters on the seat surface are made of vinyl. No happy about paying for leather and not even getting full leather seating surfaces! Contacted Subaru and they told me that customers like vinyl better. Sounds like a way for Subaru to save money!

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  Somewhat Disapointed in Tribeca - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By jpdinnj - March 9 - 3:40 pm

  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.

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  Glad we did - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Rich - August 22 - 2:36 pm

  We were coming up on the lease of our Sienna. We looked at several crossovers: Acadia, Edge, Murano, Pilot, CX9, Highlander. My wife had a Subie when we first met, and she asked to look at the new one. We drove all the others, and we drove this and said, "Yes." This a fun car to drive, room for kids and cargo, AWD, and we like the design. We got the gold color with tan leather. Even in the sun all day, it doesnt get that hot inside. Got it on a 42 mo lease, and we are very happy. Getting 17mpg mixed driving, but the engine only has 600 miles. Better mileage to come when fully broken in.

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  Needs some improvement - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By jrod - July 5 - 8:53 am

  We have had this vehicle for approx. 26 mo. and havent had an issue with the engine and tranny. What we do have issues with is the interior coming apart,like the plastic behind the steering wheel decided it didnt want to stay clipped. As for the 7 passenger claim..mm maybe they should have called it a 51/2 passenger. an adult can fit if they sit sideways. For the drive quality my wife has beaten out many a sport car with it. Fuel economy we average 21.5-25 mpg hwy (no kidding) when we take it to the mountains for ski season otherwise the posted 16 mpg city is accurate not bad for an SUV. Considering I drive it at 80mph i cannot complain.

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  Nice but with some quality reliability issues - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By jimsimp3 - March 9 - 12:14 pm

  I have owned the car for 40 months now and honestly say I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER TRIBECA and maybe not another Subaru. LIKES: purchase price including factory incentives was $6,000 under MSRP. It has plenty of nice standard features. I like the styling (except the Chrysler-like grill). I really like the size and cargo capacity with the seats folded. DISLIKES: fuel economy, small fuel tank, cheap and non-durable plastic cargo area material, forward blind spots caused by thick posts. Last but not least ........ I have it back to the dealer too many times for issues like rough transmission shifting, replacement of brake master cylinder, headlight bulbs are frequently blown

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  Subaru Groupie - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Subaru Groupie - August 28 - 8:30 am

  This is my fourth Subaru. They have cornered the market on all wheel drive. You can beat the low center of gravity and feel for the road. My only wish is that they would widen and cushion the seats better. All in all, wouldnt trade in my Subie for anything else. Like any vehicle maintenance and good tires are the keys to the vehicles longevity. Expect 200,000 miles

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  Like It!! - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Judy from Syosset - May 18 - 5:43 pm

  This is my first Subaru; my last lease was a Toyota Highlander. When I turned it in, the new ones were huge and very expensive. So far, Ive liked this car; its comfortable and has been reliable, except that Ive had some issues with the tires...one a nail picked up and another tire had a rim that was coming away..Very strange. The big downsides for me are: the gas mileage, no automatic hatch opener and its very hard for a short person to close the hatch. Overall, though, I would consider leasing another one, particularly if some of these flaws were corrected.

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  Sensor issues - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By future uncertain - May 1 - 10:00 am

  This car has had five sensor issues since I bought it one year ago. One was a Transmission issue and the others were oxygen or other sensors. The small gas tank on this car is a bit of a pain because you have to fill it often. Otherwise, the car has a good layout and a stylish look. It drives smooth and has good pick up. I want to like this SUV, but its obviously an inconvenience to have to keep going back to service to diagnose and replace sensors every other month. I was surprised at this - Subaru is usually known for reliability. Not sure whether I will hold on to this one or not.