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 41 through 50 of 77.00

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  A well made SUV that deserves attention - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Handsome36 - November 10 - 11:50 am

  After much debate on Tribeca’s 3rd row comfort, I bought the 2008 Tribeca. It is smooth, wonderfully stable and deserves to be compared with lux utes. It costs $7-8k less than the Acura and 10k less than Volvo and BMW but more reliable than either. Very nice touches with ambient lighting, puddle lights (optional), etc. It has very smooth engine and its dynamic stability control really works (unlike the one I had in my minivan), most effective AWD system of many out these and absorbs bumps very well. Very little road noise too.

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  Another First Time Subaru owner - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Impressed - November 8 - 10:26 am

  Like another reviewer, wifes car, was driving an STS.Did all the comparisons of driving and reading reviews plus watched a bunch of comparison videos. Nothing comes close to the performance,handling or safety. Compared to the B9 it is a much improved vehicle. If anyone is looking to buy an SUV because of weather considerations, this car will be one of the last to lose integrity.Great AWD and Traction control that really work.

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  Great Discovery - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By amd - September 26 - 10:23 pm

  A real find. All the equipment of an Acura RDX and more. 6 cyl and reg gas a real plus. Drives like a sports car with plenty of power and excellent road hugging ability. Typical excellent Japanese quality of fit and finish. Very happy with the discovery.

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  Annoyed and Disappointed - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Carol - September 6 - 7:20 pm

  Have had this car for almost two years now, and the warranty is about to run out. Its been in three times for warranty fixes (CD player jammed, mechanical issue front right drive train, climate control). And now -- after three visits during which the mechanics agreed there was a problem with the climate control -- I am told the system is functioning "normally." So why is it blowing cold air when I have the temp set to 72? My 3-year-old is freezing in the back seat. Enough with this car... Im going back to an Outback.

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  Overall Great SUV - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Brad - July 16 - 3:46 pm

  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 hasnt 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; youll be doing yourself a disservice if you didnt!

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  Mixed Bag - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Mr. Subaru - June 5 - 1:43 pm

  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 Outbacks 500 mile range. The thick A pillar makes turning corners a challenge if pedestrians are present.

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  A Little over 2 years old - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Claire T. - April 6 - 10:00 am

  This car has more than enough power. Handles well under all weather conditions.

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  Best all wheel drive system - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By RDG - February 26 - 2:40 pm

  We looked at all other SUVs and nothing came close, the design alone indicates how they take everything in consideration they take pride in designing a one of a kind, all other SUVs have plain dashes, also the engine is like no other, way ahead in all aspects. The all wheel drive has 33% less parts than the rest, reliability and resale far ahead of the others, don, t believe all these so called experts?

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  Subaru fan - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By CA Subaru - February 26 - 2:26 am

  This is our second Subaru - also own 2003 Forester. It snows where we live and the Subaru AWD is arguably the best on the market. Wanted a larger Subaru, but did not like the styling of the original B9 Tribeca, nor its lack of power and premium fuel requirement. All these objections overcome with the new version. It handles like a smaller vehicle, is very secure feeling, and comfortable (except for adults in the third row, but we knew this when we bought it - it is fine for children.

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  Energy Drain - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
  By Overland Park, KS - May 13 - 10:43 pm

  I love everything about this car - except two issues that Ive had. I have a "phantom" energy drain that leaves me stranded due to a dead battery. Its random, unpredictable and frustrating. I also have had to have the power steering fixed twice - they actually needed to put a new pump (?), regardless, at such low mileage Im surprised.