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Comments
I know this about him. Juice does not own a Tribeca. To quote, "I had a loaner for a week, it's about as quick as my Forester that has served us well for 9 years."
Wow. I guess that makes him a veritable product expert. The Tribeca is not a Forester. But it accelerates like a slow Forester. If that doesn't bother you, then you will probably love the Tribeca.
Subaru wanted to go up market with the Tribeca and they will be making a big mistake with the revised Tribeca by not matching horsepower with Acura, Lexus and Infiniti. In my mind, it will rule out the Tribeca as a choice between the MDX, RX350, and FX35.
I don't think they ever intended it to be a competitor to those cars. Edmunds shows the competitive models for a Limited 5 passenger Tribeca as the Pacifica, Murano, Endeavor, and Highlander. The 7 passenger limited's competitive models are Pacifica, Freestyle, Pilot, and Highlander.
The MDX, RX350, and FX35 are in a different segment, IMHO.
I concur with Juice, you should take longer test drives.
This discussion doesn't seem to be getting anywhere. Some feel the Tribeca will be slow, some feel it'll be adequate, and some feel it'll be above average. I think we can all agree it's not gonna blow anything out of the water. Tribeca was already snatching a few sales from luxury brands, and upgrading to the 3.6L certainly won't decrease that. For those that are cross-shopping luxury brands, we'll see if the power is good enough for folks who wouldn't mind saving $5k on their purchase and don't care about the badge.
Subaru is a small brand with limited resources and generally conservative decision makers. Performance models weren't added to the Forester or Impreza right away. If they follow course, they'll add performance models later if they see Tribeca's sales increase enough to warrant the investment. Like you, I'd like to see a sportier version. As an option, anyway. Based on its numbers, I think the 3.6 is a great standard engine for Tribeca.
Subaru thought enough of juice and myself to invite us to the Detroit Auto show twice, to Las Vegas to take the then-new Legacy out on the Las Vegas racetrack—all on their nickel! SOA also invited the both of us on a Tribeca Ride-and-Drive up at Valley Forge. While at the SOA events we've chated with key people involved with Subaru, and have made many suggestions—one being the car needed a larger engine tuned to run on regular gas, and with more power down low in the RPM band. This was back when the Tribeca first debuted. Obviously SOA listened... He and I also had a Tribeca press car for several days.
Finally, he and I were featured in DRIVE magazine back in 2004 on an article about the these Subaru forums here at Edmunds.
http://www.drive.subaru.com/Fall04_SubaruDifference.htm
I'd say juice's Subaru resume is in good standing.
Bob
Well it sure explains your blind devotion - and reiterates my point that visitors to this public forum need to take your and juice's biased opinions with a grain of salt.
You guys are nothing but another marketing tool used by the manufacturer. And it doesn't change the fact that neither of you own a Tribeca and have no idea what it's like as a daily driver.
To everyone who keeps suggesting longer test drives - hindsight is 20/20. My wife and I made the mistake of purchasing Tribeca before it even hit the showroom. And we didn't get invited to the Valley Forge test drive like Bob and juice. If so, we may have followed their lead and NOT bought a Tribeca.
I think this discussion has played out... can we all agree the 3.6L seems to be at the top of the non-luxury competition, but would need more to compete head-on with the luxury utes when it comes to comparing horsepower? I really don't think there's much to argue about with that, and there's no point in arguing about more subjective descriptions of the 3.6L.
BTW, bman33, I've heard that the 3.6, tuned the same as the 3.0R Legacy and running on premium, gets 260 lb/ft of torque. That would slot it between the Lexus and the Infiniti. I'd be very pleased to see something like that show up, and it means it'll probably be possible through an aftermarket tuner if Subaru doesn't do it first.
It is obvious that what you and perhaps your wife wanted from the vehicle were not what you received. It is unfortunate, but as owner of the vehicle, only you can decide what is best for you.
Manufacturers must build their vehicles toward an audience of potential buyers, and with a new model from a small company, that model really needs to have as broad of an appeal as possible. The other point of view is looking at the qualities of the vehicle itself in relation to its intended audience and its purpose.
Again, from a neutral perspective (no personal experience with the Tribeca at all!), both opinions are entirely valid and valuable as they draw interest to the same point/question: Power/fuel economy needed to improve, and now that it has, is it good enough?
"Projected" this and "projected" that are not necessarily going to live up to "projections". No need to defend or discredit a vehicle that's not even out yet.
I own a WRX Limited, which shows you where my tastes lie. I've spent enough time driving a Tribeca to get a sense of what it's like. As for being a spokesman and/or fanboy for Subaru? Guilty as charged—and proud of it!
What you don't seem to get is the folks at SOA value our input, and I'm not just speaking of juice or myself, but these Edmunds Subaru forums in general. They listen to us. They take us seriously. The current generation Forester has benefited from a number of items that were recommended by people here on the Edmunds Subaru forums. I know that for a fact as we have been informed of that from a SOA source.
You seem to have your own agenda and don't want to listen to us. So good luck with your car hunting.
Bob
By the way I didn't lease my Armada but got it well under invoice and 1% financing. How fast is your A6 0-60? The Armada does it in 7 seconds. Pretty quick for a 5400lb truck. It also rides like a caddy and handles like a sports car (considering it's size)
So like I said, why are you trying to compare an A6 to a Tribecca, there are so many differences it would be like me comparing my Armada to your A6. I mean how much can your A6 tow? Not a lot I would think especially compared to my Armada! But why we would even compare them is funny.
I've also met and hung out with Juice as well and can vouche for his knowledge of Subarus.
-Mike
Certified SCCA and NASA Track Instructor
Subaru Race Car Driver
Nissan Armada Owner
Subaru Legacy Race Car Owner
By the way, thanks to everyone that came to my defense. I won't list off my credentials because that doesn't make the Tribeca any more or less competitive.
Many dealers will let you take a car home and even keep it overnight. I go visit dealerships very frequently (you really do not know me) and was just offered this without asking after driving a Saturn Outlook. The practice is very common, much more than you think.
So yes, I'll repeat my advice, ask for a longer test drive next time you're car shopping.
Subaru gave up the "premium" march and is now smart enough to know that they compete with Nissan, Honda, and Toyota, not Lexus, Acura, and Infiniti. Thankfully, becuase those luxury makes price their SUVs in the $40s now.
Sure, they used the word Premium a lot when the Tribeca launched, and kept referring to a Progressive SUV. But you keep implying, again and again, that you had the expectation of a performance crossover. Subaru never used those words, that was something you came up with on your own.
At the time, the 3.0 H6 made 250hp (pre-SAE) and the Lexus RX330 made 230hp. SAE rules later brought Subaru's number down a little bit, but Lexus' numbers plunged to 215hp, nearly 30 horses behind the Subaru you claim isn't even "adequate". So what is a 215hp Lexus, then? Torture?
Actually, it's the class best seller.
So your theory about HP being the reason for the Tribeca not selling well is dead and buried.
Sounds to me like you should be saying Lexus is inadquate, not Subaru. They just went to a bigger engine, but so is Subaru.
Bottom line is you probably think Subaru should have tuned that engine more, even if it did require premium fuel, to go chasing Acura and Lexus and Infiniti.
Well, maybe they will, with an STI or some other special upgrade version. But you're forgetting who Subaru's customer is. They can afford an Acura and a Lexus, but they simply choose to spend less, being very secure about who they are, and having nothing to prove. Most don't wan't to give the oil companies any more money than they have to, so a balance that include fuel efficiency is just as important as performance.
That doesn't matter to you? Fine, but realize that it does matter to most Subaru Crew members, and I know a lot of them. :shades:
:applause:
Even if I do put a deposit on an '08 Tribeca at fitzmall to gaurantee that I get one of the first ones, the actual purchase will still be contingent on a thorough test drive. If at that point I'm not happy, I'll buy something else.
If I am, and I get it, then I'd really have noone to blame but myself for making the wrong choice.
We live in a world where noone seems to accept personal responsibility. If you make a mistake, it was your parents' fault, or you were neglected as a child.
C'mon folks, it's your money. Ultimately you make the decision on what to buy. Sure we make some compromises, but it's up to you to make the best decision with the information available to you at the time.
The H6 engine in bman's Tribeca did not suddenly lose power and get slower. It was like that all along. He finds it slow now, so why wasn't it slow the day he bought it? Perhaps his standards have changed?
So trade it in. It's your money, your decision, your fault, your car, your perception of the vehicle's performance. The one and only person to credit or blame is you, not Subaru. :P
-mike
The 'beca was a new venture for me- as what I really had an an emotional attachment to the Touareg. A nice vehicle, for sure, but I felt it just wasn't practical to haul that extra 1000 lbs with me for around town driving. The 'beca drove great, had a much better road feel than its competition, plenty of room, features and luxury- and a way way better price (especially since they were going at a discount) than the RX.
Sure- it's not blazing fast. But, for my driving style, plenty fast enough. I've got a motorcycle for when I feel the need for speed.
All that in mind- if it were a regular sipping 3.6L with 20/25mpg and more power- I would have been willing to pay more for the vehicle!
Now *that* was funny.
At least if you give one of those as a gift to your spouse, you don't need a box to put it in, only a ribbon.
I feel an emotional pull to the Tribeca because the design is very unique. I kinda like that you don't see yourself coming and going.
Can't wait to see the new one. I hope they don't overcompensate and play it too "safe" with the new design.
Ah but Richard Hammond of Top Gear said it was a horrible family car - it scared the children and they refused to get into it.
You have one of the best handeling SUVs and by far the safest.
On march 13th I was driving in the center lane of the NJ tpk. when a jerk in the left lane cut me off. His lane was slowing down due to congestion. I saw him begining to move over and honked the horn. He stopped!! - halfway into my lane.
I hit the brakes but the car behind me was fishtailing and to avoid being hit I would have continue and go around the car in front of me.....before the greyhound bus coming up in the right lane!!!
I put it into sport and floored it. Remember I was accelerating while going around a car.
My Tribeca responded perfectly,securely,and without hesitation to pull me out of a life threatening situation.
I have no Idea what happened behind me. I'm lucky that I visualy caught all the events in the correct order, however, I truly believe any other brand would have sustained damage.
I hope you never have to experience what I did - so take your Tribeca on a winding mountain road and enjoy the excellent handling.
If not for Juice and the Subaru crew I would have never leased a Tribeca. (I have a Forester too)
Charlie
The 'beca handles and STOPS in sportscar territory.
Just as bman33 did - I could find fault with every product on the market. I don't think he dislikes his Tribeca as much as he really wanted a different vehicle.
Bman33 - it here some truth to this???
In Juice's defence - In Subaru's american products there is more common engineering between models compared to GM. A chevy Aveo has nothing in common with a Corvette. Therefore one can make fairly accurate assumptions for Subaru after test driving the cars.
Let's move on - any new info on the NY show??
I'll be going - I'd like to meet the people of the crew -
Keep me posted.
Charlie
Bob
-mike
Bob
Charlie
I figure I'll try to get to Bob's by 8am, maybe, so we'll be there around noon or 1. Stay 'til maybe 6pm (?) to see all the cars, then head home and arrive at about 11pm.
For me the day is even longer, as I take an hour or so to get to Bob's house, and then drive home and arrive around midnight.
We ate at this nice deli a couple of blocks away last year, that place was cool. Any suggestions in that 'hood? Let's meet up if we can, but keep in mind it's pretty hard to us to schedule the day so you'll have to be flexible.
I can't believe noone has broken the embargo and showed Tribeca pics yet. WRX, too. It's like the best kept secret in years!
-mike
This problem seems to happen in the mornings. Whenever I take the car out and I stop at a light. When I put my foot on the accelerator to go, the engine roars but it won't go anywhere or seem to get into gear for a bit....like it's cold. However, I don't live in a cold climate. I really need to take it in...what type of problem do you think this is and can this be easily fixed? My car has 2,000 miles on it.
Thanks for any help.
Bob
-mike
Bob
-Mike
jeffmc, "Subaru Crew - Future Models II" #19208, 3 Apr 2007 12:58 am
like the bigger rear qtr panel windows and the yellow turn signal lens.
It still has some personality, too, the fender flares are still there, as are the character lines along the shoulder.
That plus the engine have me sold, I'm in.
Thanks. A.
Jerry
Jerry: you got me! I'd rather not get white, black, or green. Any other color would be OK.
We have 2 green cars now, and black and white are both hard to keep looking clean.
Should be on the roads in May or early June, I suspect.
Well, I just came across a pretty good source.
Basically, the turbos are reputed to fail in the mileage range of 120-150k, and rebuilding the turbo involves not only rebuilding the whole engine but also removing the entire front end of the car. :sick:
The costs with labor run in to the thousands, and this is why the 2.7T has the reputation I'd heard about before and mentioned.
For the RS4, Audi employed Cosworth for tuning, who took the standard S4 2.7T engine from 250hp to 380hp, and they had to change:
* cylinder heads
* intake manifold
* injectors
* crankshaft
* crank main bearings
* rods
* rod bearings
* pistons
* exhaust manifold
Keep reading, we're not done yet!
* intercoolers
* larger K04 turbos
Basically the factory didn't have much faith in the stock engine when they boosted power levels, and pretty much changed everything.
Cobb supercharged a Subaru Tribeca and they basically added the blower and an intercooler. They deemed the internals beefy enough for this duty, bone stock. :shades:
not surprised at all but definitely dont like it. NOw i just wish i had waited for the 07 for the design i like and the minor upgrades. wont be worth getting an 07 now even though will be able to get for less once 08's are out. but if i'm going to get something new it would be a diff model at this point.
prob just going to get the interior side molding for my 06 to fit the 07 retractable cargo cover even though they 150 each plus the cargo cover and install. not worth going for the 07 at any point. just keep the 06 for another year or 2 then get something new and looks like it wont be a subaru.
i hope it works out for them though and they reel in more customers with the conservative looks then they lose like me.
This just makes the 06 and 07 even more rare and special. I still love the design more then anything else that has come out to date and still get ton of compliments. The 08 wont get any compliments other then "oh nice standard basic run of the mill typical looking suv"