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 31 through 40 of 77.00

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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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  Love my new Tribeca - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By David in Austin - May 1 - 9:20 pm

  I just purchased this vehicle this weekend, and absolutely love it. The ride and handling is great and the AWD system inspires confidence. Nav system is easy to use, but is a little far away. The redesign provides more rear seat room, and with the 7 passenger, you get rear AC controls that help a great deal. Handling is very precise and acceleration with the nex 3.6 liter engine is much better than in the previous generation.

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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.

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  Good Choice - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Angela - March 12 - 2:00 am

  When the lease was up on our bmx x5, we chose the tribeca. The monthly bill was way less, a little over half of what we were paying for the BMW. All in all, weve been happy with this car. The small gas tank is a bit of a drag. The gas mileage isnt great. But from what I hear, it isnt terribly out of range for a comparable car. Would love a split rear hatch. The door is heavy and hard to pull down with one hand. Ive gotten stronger, though. Theres a bit of a leap when you first touch the gas pedal. Our lease is up in March, and I think well buy this car.

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  tribeca flat six - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By rdg - February 15 - 4:26 am

  I have been driving for 50 years and consider myself knowledgeable when it come to vehicles and this one is raising eyebrows where ever we go people ask me questions, the dash excites everyone also the engine when I explain flat six people say how come they have never heard about it, which is subarus poor advertising.Take my advice just go see for yourself

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  Junk - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By 1rich - January 29 - 3:33 pm

  I did a lot of research when the 08 model came out. Unfortunately there was not enough real data out there. Reliability and performance are poor. We get 14.5 miles per gallon in mixed driving. Full size SUVs with V8 engines can do better. Besides the gas useage is the oil useage. Check it out on your own. Subara considers 1 quart of oil used per every 1000 miles within spec. I should know. This is our Tribecas oil consumption. We have had interior components fall off (Visors, seat backs, seat track covers, etc.) The dash squeaks, the hatch rattles and engine components have failed (EGR valve). All this and less than 25k miles on it. I will never own another subaru.

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  Wonderful Vehicle - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By sunflwr50 - January 19 - 5:10 pm

  After researching the typical makes of SUVs I decided on the Tribeca. It is fun to drive, handles well & looks sporty. The interior controls are easy to use especially at night due to the red backlighting. The stability control is awesome. I feel it is the only thing that kept me on the road when I was hydroplaning in a bad rain storm. You can actually feel the system work as it steers you in the right direction. The ride is very smooth and quiet.

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  Liked it so much, I bought two - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By BernieKl - January 7 - 5:53 am

  Live in Cleveland Ohio where winters are harsh and streets are not well maintained. Test drove the Tribeca and my wife and I loved the performance, comfort, and style of the Tribeca. Traded in two full size SUVs for two Tribeca LTDs the same day. Absolutely love this SUV. Solid feel, great handling, fun to drive, very comfortable, loaded with features and thoughtful amenities. Feels comparable (and even preferable) to Lexus/BMW/Mercedes/Acura SUV at 10k less. All of the other SUVs Id considered were on the dealers trade-in lot from people who bought Tribecas. My wife is getting 18/24 mpg on her used 2006 Tribeca B9, however Im still in break-in period and getting 12-18 mpg.

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  Why I bought the 2008 Tribeca - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By bgk - December 30 - 3:20 am

  After talking to persons who own a Subaru I knew they were onto something. I test drove a few friends who own them and could feel the solidness of the vehicle. Since I dont buy new cars every few years (previously drove a 97 Blazer) I wanted to make sure this was the car for me. It is. Reading the reports on Subarus reliability also moved me into purchasing it. Size wise, its perfect. Not too big or small. Driving the Tribeca one can feel the responsiveness of it. A good, linear feel, like you are on rails, plus great stopping power. Good road feel too. Not too soft or harsh. Like Goldilocks porridge, just right! Plus quick acceleration when stomped on.

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  2008 Subaru Tribeca Review - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Nor Cal - December 16 - 5:13 am

  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 doesnt 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 dont like the puddle lights though but thats a nil point IMO. Next thing is XM radio.