2008 Subaru Tribeca Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.30/5 Average
77 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

Pros:
  • Serene ride quality, smaller size adds to maneuverability, handsome interior design.
Cons:
  • Cramped second- and third-row seats, low cargo capacity, modest handling limits, high price.

User Reviews:

Showing 51 through 60 of 77.00
  • 2008 Suburu Nightmare - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
    By -

    I was impressed that this SUV had everything my Acura MDX had before it died. I got it used 5 mos. ago with 75K miles on it. The a/c died 3 weeks after buying it. The pocket behind my drivers seat ripped in 4 weeks following that. Neither was covered by the extended warranty I bought. Fuel door wouldnt open yesterday, and my gas light was on. Scheduled to get it fixed this Sat. Now my passenger door wont open with the remote or the button inside. Great. Gas mileage range is 17-21, but I havent seen above 19.

  • It replaced my BMW - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
    By -

    I have had BMWs for well over 20 yrs. In looking for a new all wheel drive car after moving to Colorado, the only thing that came close to the feel and performance of both my BMWs was this vehicle. In the snow it will out perform anything out there. Soild on the road, great perfomance for a 6 and good fuel mileage. Planning to trade in my second BMW in the fall for a Subaru sedan

  • Great car - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
    By -

    The car is great performance/reliability/safety wise. Only complaint: airbag recall that took too long to get fixed.

  • No More Subaru!!! - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
    By -

    From beginning of owning the car we noticed the engine noise like from broken muffler. Then noticed the engine oil level drops when it is still a new car. Lynns Subaru dealer did not do any thing to address the problems. I was told it is normal for Tribeca. Later I have to add oil between regular oil changes. As car gets old it requires more frequent additions of oil especially after a long drive. The tail pipes got black burned oil deposits. Many times asked dealer Victory Subaru to fix the oil burning they told me nothing wrong. There were many mechanical and electrical problems that will take too much time to detail them. Following is the short list: driver side window detached from rolling mechanism, power steering failed while driving, car has to be towed, radiators hose bursts leaking coolant, car towed. Cruise control never worked due to a number of engine warning signs pop up intermittently. All these problems were told to Victory Subaru dealer and they are incapable to fix them, instead they made us to change CV Boots and Booshings well before they life time and charged us almost $ 4000. The car was made in Mexico. The problems we had are more than manufacturer poor quality control, It was from design faults. This is Our second Subaru, We simply had enough problems and irresponsible dealer services and going to sell it below market and no more Subaru for us and our friends, coworkers, neighbors, I will let anyone know about how bad the Subaru becomes. Subaru lies about its reliability.

  • Great vehicle - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
    By -

    The vehicle has good power and does not have to shift down to pull hills. I averaged approximately 23 miles per gallon on the trip from Virginia to Tennessee at speeds from 55 to 75. The seats are supportive. The navigation system needs street number and address info before it will initiate. Good information display. Some people might like more adjustment in the steering wheel position. So far it has been very good.

  • My Subaru Tribeca - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
    By -

    This is my 1st Subaru and the 1st SUV. I have about 700 miles on it and love it so far. Ive been averaging 18.6 mpg in the city. Once in a while I can hear the rear seat belts making noise, especially if you have something leaning against them. Overall very comfortable ride, fairly smooth. Radio controls on the steering wheel are nice, but I manage to hit them accidentally when turning somehow. Gas cap rests on the exterior paint during refuel, dont really like that, but its minor. Im 5.9" and steering wheel adjustment is fine, no problems, plenty of leg room. My insurance went down a little due to Subaru being a safer vehicle. It handles like a smaller car, and has plenty of cargo room.

  • Outstanding SUV! - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
    By -

    The first Subaru weve owned and we love it! We were looking at the Honda Pilot(booring look), Toyota Higlander Hybrid(cheapo interior, drives like truck), GMC Acadia(drives like a bigger gas guzzling truck),Acura MDX (liked this but not as much as the Subaru for lots of little reasons not to mention value). The Tribeca immediately stood out. The build quality is excellent. The vehicle exudes confidence between the engine, all-wheel-drive, skid control, and all of the other safety features. The flat engine is extremely smooth even during hard acceleration(almost flooring it). The 3rd row is a little cramped but we only have 2 kids and arent going cross-country in it either. Great car!

  • Wont get me again - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
    By -

    I usually dont write any reviews, but this car is so bad, I thought I owed you (the reader) some advice. Dont buy this car. We bought ours new, and the engine eats oil. Dealer said the engine was breaking in. I am now at 20k on the car, and it eats 1.5 to 2 qts per 1000 miles. Dealer will not help. Also, the A/C is weak. It is barely ok for the front, but on a 5 passenger, there is no rear air. My kids hate it, always hot. Numb steering, brakes fade easily, manual shift is poor when upshifting, interior clunks and rattles like a 30 year old Ford. There is lots of room for improvement, here. Once bitten, twice shy. There, I warned you.

  • Great Vehicle - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
    By -

    After looking at and driving all the other SUVs in its class and some above it, this by far was the best vehicle. If you are in the market for this type of vehicle you owe to yourself to take a test drive, you will be sold. The mileage surprised me. I am getting 18.5 to 19 mpg in suburban driving. It is quiet, smooth and has one of the smoothest shifting transmissions I have driven, almost as smooth as a CVT. The power curve is excellent. Subaru has hit a home run with this vehicle.

  • 2nd subi in 10 months - 2008 Subaru Tribeca
    By -

    Traded in my problematic Audi Allroad finally. Were very impressed with our 08 LL Bean Outback 3.0L that we bought in April. So I tested the Tribeca. I didnt like the interior design too much - spacey. I looked at all the other CUV/SUVs and other wagons that were so much more. Thought about used MDX. Liked the new Subi better. Agree with all comments on stupid nav system. They can fix that by issuing a new software update if theyre smart. Im getting 19mpg on 87octane buzzing around town and commuting 42 miles each way a day. The car has 1750 miles and will improve. Overall very comfortable and pleased. Driving in Sport only helps performance.

Subaru Tribeca Reviews By Year:
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