I had an Explorer Sport (2-DR) so my Murano has much more room. One of the tests I did with the Murano was to bring my hockey stick to fit. In my Explorer, I could fit it at an angle across the floor. The Murano could do the same, so it passed. Another cool feature is the two handles on each side of the cargo bay that you can pull and have the rear seats fold flat.
As for backing up, I don't have the camera (wasn't available), but I was so used to the Explorer I could judge very well how far my bumper was to the car behind me. Right now, I have no clue with my Murano, and often have to get out and take a quick peek. The side mirrors are a decent size tho.
I agree with you that safety should be a high priority when we plunk down big dollars for our vehicle. I almost feel naked now if I ride in an older vehicle without airbags!
Steve made a good point that airbags may not protect infants, or toddlers. But be that as it may, I think that should the unthinkable happens, and you're involved in a serious accident, you would be in a much much better position to attend to your little ones if you have survived the crash. And I don't even want to think about the scenario of my kids being orphaned.
The problem with all the excitement over the B9 is that it seems to almost exclusively from Subie owners. With a few exceptions - like me for instance - few higher end or any other end buyers know about the B9 and that it could be a great alternative to the run of the mill higher priced SUV - XUV stuff out there.
They way they are starting - they may well canabize sales of the other models and increase the base as much as they could if the would let the rest of the world know about this great new model.
I'm not sure the B9 has the goods to sway the high-end SUV buyers to any significant degree. I don't mean to sound snobbish, but I've been mulling over trading in my TL for an SUV. And right now it a choice between the X3 and the X5. And while I'm reading about the B9 with interest, it is just that --- interesting reading. I don't think any rave review will pull my buying interest from the Beemers. I think it has the same problem as the Phaeton -- it is saddled with a non-premium brand name.
And I suspect the B9 is garnering similar reactions from ML, Cayenne, Land Rover, and even RX owners and potential owners.
However, like you said, Outback and Forester owners are getting hot and heavy over it, plus the guys cross-shopping Highlanders, Pilots and Muranos.
Perceptions are funny things. I drove a Volvo in the mid-70's when it was aimed at school teachers; sort of practical like a VW Bug, but safer. Now they tout themselves as an upscale brand but I still don't relate to them that way myself.
Back in that era, I had friends in Colorado who had one of the early Subbie wagons. It was great in the snow, but it wasn't any wider than a VW Bug and not much more spacious. That go anywhere perception didn't really morph over the decades; we just got Dundee, Navratilova and then Lance. If Subaru is going upmarket and getting away from the LL Bean outdoorsy crowd a bit, that could explain why Lance's contract isn't being renewed.
It may take a long time for some of us old timers not to picture Subarus in our mind's eye as gutsy wagons packed with camping gear with a bit of mud (and rust) around the fenders.
But my mind also sees Acuras as fancy lawn mowers, aka Hondas. Murano's are tall Datsun Z's (I had a Datsun wagon once, but the Murano doesn't remind me of that!). The Highlander makes me flash (fondly) on the classic AWD Tercel Wagons. I must be stuck in the 70's....
My enduring image of a Subaru is my college buddy's girlfriend's POS 1973 rusted out coupe that lost a wheel on the freeway one time. She was able to safely pull to the side of the road - good thing too, because she didn't have any airbags. That's a pretty big gap to bridge to get me into the door of a Subaru dealership to put down thirty five large on an SUV. Datsun and Toyota and Honda all had their share of the same types of things, but it was never a personal experience.
I think my memories of that old Colorado Subbie plus the many I rode in with Anchorage friends to go skiing and boating in back in the 80's were a big reason I wound up with my Outback when we needed a second car here. Those Alaska Subbies did rust a lot, but duck tape fixed that, and they were hard to kill.
Hey Tytnsfan1, do those child seats have built in air bags too? Having a kid on board will change your driving habits fast.
"I'm not sure the B9 has the goods to sway the high-end SUV buyers to any significant degree. I don't mean to sound snobbish..."
I'm coming from Toyota, Honda, and VW over the last 10 years...and had been seriously looking at the Highlander (yeah, for a day!) Touareg (more trouble than it's worth), Murano (too pricy compared to the standard B9 features, and OH,...that horrible front end!!! Road Shark!), BMW X5 (B9 handles better and X5 has less room, and high $) & Pilot (especially) & MDX (best next choice!) felt too much like a truck.
A recent new Cayenne buyer I know regretted not knowing more about the Tribeca before purchase. Has test driven a Tribeca since Cayenne purchase and has agreed the $30,000 difference gave him the "cool" factor, a big bill, the ability to go places he never goes, not much more.
The Tribeca has won my confindence and soul. After extensive research & comparisons, and one inspriring test drive, this is the best XUV for myself and family. I could have spent alot more $ on a prestige, however unreliable plate, but the B9 has got the perfect combination of safety, luxury, space, comfort and mostly Subaru reliability. And for you front-end naysayers...I'm kinda ugly myself, & I like airplanes!
That said, I can hardy wait to drive one for more than a 1/2 hour! And if this B9 I ordered gives me any problems you can expect the ying/yang of this post x 10!!!.
So I've been cross shopping the B9 with the MDX. I know it may be a little crazy, and not exactly the fit for the board but here are my thoughts regardless. Great ride and handling. It doesn't use it's space as well as the MDX. [course the MDX is bigger] I didn't think the seats were as comfortable either. Better [more sporty] handling, allthough it still had a nice, quiet ride. More standard things that my wife would be in to, such as disc changer, dual climate. I'm in to the whole thing about it being some 3g's less than the MDX. Does anyone have any thoughts as to how well the quietness and quality of the ride will last? I know the car itself is very durable and reliable, but ride quality is a huge thing for my wife. I have owned 3 Acuras and they keep there ride quality very well. Not the best looking thing out there, but that would mean getting the volvo xc90. Hell will have a Culligan man before that happens. Can't really go wrong with either but thoughts and opinions are welcome.......Dan
Tribeca just got a glowing review in the Washington Post (print edition) today. They compared it favorably to Lexus, Mercedes, BMW, Land Rover, and Acura. Big thumbs up from them.
They need to get the word out, now. Brochures were not yet ready in dealers, that's repeating the same mistake they made with the Baja launch.
Steve: Subaru picked up that school teacher demographic once Volvo moved upscale, so they'd appear to be in a similar position as Volvo was a while back.
$35 large - not necessarily. The one I test drove had a no-haggle price under $30k, freight included.
Dan: with framed windows, perhaps a first for Subaru, that ought to keep wind noise from creeping up later on. The MDX probably has a softer ride if that's what you really want, but the Tribeca is lighter and sportier.
I drove an ML in the M Class Road Rally event that Mercedes hosted and can honestly say it has nothing on the Tribeca I drove earlier in the week. The ML350 just did nothing for me, it's not fast or sporty, and the interior reminded me too much of a TrailBlazer. Plus it leans like crazy in corners. The ML500 was nicer but still had way too much body roll.
I guess I'm a high-end SUV owner...just sold my V8 Toyota Land Cruiser and will pick up the Tribeca this week. I also own a Cooper S. I drove the car last week and must admit it was a great ride. I've also driven the X5 for long periods as well. It wasn't one thing that sold me on the car but the combination of the total package...style, handling, safety, and price. My Land Cruiser cost $55,000 and the quality was hard to beat but driving it became a "lumbering" exercise. It was amazing in off-road situations. I'll get back after I've driven the B9 for a few weeks.
Never owned a Subaru. Two Mazda RX-7s(83 & 88), Corolla, Toyota 4x4, Civic and Tribute. I Picked up my Tribeca on Saturday. Been happy all weekend. We actually were planning on moving from the low end small SUV (our second car, which we still have, is the 2003 Mazda Tribute) to the family Minivan. We had settled on either the Honda Odessy or the Toyota Sienna. Then I saw add for the Nissan Pathfinder that had an optional third row of seating. Googled "third row 7 passenger" and discovered the B9 Tribeca. I am still amazed at how little publicity there is on this. Found it by accident. The salesman at the dealership said we shouldn't plan to see ads out 'till mid to late June. Anyhow, started looking at all the SUVs that would save us from minivan hell and the Tribeca was the best fit. Murano only has five seats. We have two kids with accompanying car seats. That would limit us to one very skinny friend. With grandparents and friends visiting, we needed more seating. That knocked out the Nissan Murano. Highlander, MDX, Pathfinder and Pilot seemed to large and "Truck-like" for me. Plus, Honda needs a lot of help on it's interior. We test drove the CRV and the Pilot and I knew just getting in that we weren't interested. Once we started looking at the Tribeca standard features compared to similar vehicles (including Cayene and X5) and the performance was on par, it was and easy choice. Not to mention Lexus, Mercedes, BMW, Land Rover, and Acura are a lot more expensive. Friends of ours with the OB convinced us of the merits of Subaru's boxer engine. The test drive sealed the deal. We got the base model (no leather, no NAV, no DVD), but it has everything we need. The material for the non-leather seats is actually better than I had hoped (we had only test driven the tricked out model). The six/nine CD changer is NOT standard. Watch for that. Found out when I tried to load the second CD into the stereo on the way home. Drives like a sportscar. Don't feel like you're in a truck. We are very happy campers. Cross your fingers it lasts.
I knew you'd like that Krisshna. I got a nice chuckle out of it, too.
Congrats to both of you new owners!
SoA hosted us for the "Tribeca Experience" today and we got to drive them on the road for a good while (90 minutes, though we alternated drivers). We also got to test them in a parking lot against competitors.
First course I took was Tribeca vs. Murano in a moose avoidance style test. Hard left, then hard right at 25mph. I went in the Tribeca first and it was uneventful. Then the Murano, and boy, I hardly made it, with lots of tire squeel and much more body roll. I was surprised, I really thought the Murano would be sportier. Maybe they leave that up to the FX.
One of the drivers actually got the Murano up on 3 wheels, though they might have been going faster.
Next we tested the Tribeca against the Pilot in a ride control test, basically driving over sand bags on alternate sides. The NVH of the bump itself was similar, but the Pilot rebounded more, like there was an echo after you hit the bump.
Finally I drove the XC90 and Tribeca around a slow speed slalom, and this was a massacre. The Tribeca drove around nicely while the Volvo struggled, it was like wrestling an reluctant Elephant.
Subaru did a great job tuning the Tribeca, I was really impressed. Do not cancel your orders!
I'd take a pound of salt with anything Warren Brown writes. His reviews have been chock full of factual errors for years under his ornate wordsmithing. Back half a decade ago, he was officiously advising BMW to ditch 323i in favor of starting the line-up with 328 because 323 interior was not up to luxury standards, all along without realizing that he was comparing a last-model year E36 323 coupe to a first-year E46 328 sedan; hence the difference was E46 vs. E36, the engine size had absolutely nothing to do with it; in fact, E46 323 sedan with the improved interior and E36 328 coupe with the old sub-par interior were offered in that very same model year.
Now in this article, he claims Forrester to be the first cute-ute, never mind RAV4 and CR-V came before it. Nor did he even realize apparently that Outback started as a body style variant of Legacy in 1995 model year, two full years before Forrester. So it was patentedly wrong for him to even suggested that Outback was a product developed after Subaru saw the success of Forrester. The rest of his article does not offer much substance, hence hard to prove wrong (or right, for that matter).
Sometimes I wonder if Mr. Brown even knows anything about cars, beyond the marketing brochures and his own metaphysics.
Just did a comparison btwn a B9 and Murano on Subaru's comparison page. Owning a Murano myself, I think that would be the closest comparison to the B9. Dimensions and features are very similar with the B9 superior in ground clearance, turning circle, cargo capacity, 7 passenger seating, a little more HP. And the Murano advantages are CVT, Xenon, memory seats/mirrors, lower weight, larger gas tank, power adjustable pedals, more low end torque, higher tow rating (B9 only 2000??). Since I have yet to drive the B9, I can't comment on it. I would say I am intrigued by the B9 and would look forward to some auto mag comparisons So far been very pleased with my Murano....
I think Subaru B9 and the upcoming Mazda CX-7 got their styling cues from the Murano - put them together, they have the same form. This must be the trend for the "crossover" segment.
The B9 towing capacity is 3500 lbs with the factory tow package, which includes a transmission cooler, harness and ball mount.
Towing anything above 2000 lbs at any significant distance with out a Tranny cooler on a vehicle like a Murano or B9 probably is not a good thing to do.
I agree one big advantage Murano has over B9 is the availability of a few "premium" features not (yet) available on the B9. What year is your Murano? I understand there were some quality and reliability issues in the first couple of years. I hope those have been "debugged" by now. How is yours holding up? Any concern with reliability of the CVT?
I have an '04 SL AWD. The '03 had alternator failure issues and a weak low speed steering issue. These were resolved in '05 models, which is why Consumer Reports rated the Murano "Best Pick".
I have not had any issues at all (knock on wood). Excellent ride (I drove an RX330 recently and I think the ride is the same), and the CVT is so smooth. Sometimes, I can't even hear it going, and I look down and I'm already at 90! On a Murano message board, there has been a few complaints of failed transmissions, but like any vehicle, I guess you get bad ones.
Overall I am very impressed as the Murano was also my first japanese vehicle. The only real annoyance I have is that the front wiper blade design is the worst I've ever seen. When at rest, they sit below the hood line, so you can't pull them up far enough to clear ice or remove snow. And this winter in Boston was horrible. I love the idea of B9's wiper defroster/de-icer. I've long complained why didn't any manufacture make that STANDARD!??!?! :confuse:
Let Subaru work out the first year glitches. Next year, Saab releases the 9-6, a crossover based on the B9 platform. Safe to say it'll be 2% more expensive . . . 200% more attractive, inside and out.
Yes, I imagine the grill design will be a source of controversy and debate for many moons. Subaru apparently was trying to emulate an airplane fuselage and wings. My initial impression, however, is that of the snout of a boar!
It took me a while to get used to the front end of the Murano before I even considered it (like almost a year)... now I like it cuz it reflects my smile when I drive it LOL... I think the B9 front end is similar, tho I'm still not sure what to make of it...
OK, I've thrown the Subaru into the fray of mid-sized, drivable sport-ute's that I'm looking for. But can this vehicle really compare to the style and refinement of the RX330? Amazingly enough- they're about the same price!
I want the RX330 for its luxury, reliability, resonable milage, and drivability- but I wish it had a little more off road capability. (I occasionally need it) I want the Mits Endeavor for its wonderful drivability and better off road capability, but I can't handle the bushed aluminum colored plastic center console and lack of high end features (for instance, nav). I want the Touareg, a truly excellent design- luxury, great drivability, style, design, off road- but it's gas milage sux, you gotta' get the V8 for sufficent power, and then it gets pricey. Plus, reliability is questionable. The new Cherokee and 4Runner- I don't know. I just don't want them. Sorry- no accounting for taste.
So- is the Tribeca the vehicle for me? I haven't driven one yet. They are, like all Subaru's a bit ugly- but if it's a great vehicle- I could grow to like it.
I'll be seriously in the buying mode this fall- so I've got a bit of time. Perhaps the Saab 9-7x (yes, I know it's a Trailblazer/Envoy/Ascender etc- but they supposedly improved the suspension and drivability) :confuse: :confuse:
If you are thinking about Touareg with navigation - be sure to insist on one with upgraded DVD based system. Other come with a CD system that requires 5 discs and it work and looks like something out of the stone age.
In our neck of the woods, a fully-loaded 7-passenger B9 would barely nudge the price of an absolutely base, no-option RX330. To me, the way the B9 is currently configured and equipped, including available options, it is not in the same class as the RX, or X5 3.0, or ML350, or XC90, or Touareg, etc. It is lacking some basic ingredients essential to be able run with that crowd.
It's competing with the Pilot, MDX (a bit), Murano, Highlander, X3 2.5 and to a lesser degree the cross-over wagons like the Outback, XC70
Keep in mind the base model has cloth seats and is FWD. Option it up, compare the two with the same equipment, and the Tribeca will cost at least a few grand less.
Any how, if you want luxury and a super soft ride, plus the cache of the Lexus name, the RX is popular for a reason. There's no 3rd row, but it does offer a hybrid option if you can afford the $50 grand price and can tolerate being on a wait list.
Tribeca has much better handling and is a lot sportier, but still gives you most of the luxury goodies and ambience, without the snobby badge. That can be good or bad depending upon how you feel about that.
Drive them both. I think that is where the Tribeca shines.
My reference was to the Canadian market where all RXs are AWD and leather-clad. No moonroof on "base" model though. In Canadian currency, a base RX is $50,200. I think a fully decked out B9 is around $48K.
IMHO, the B9 missed the mark on some of the amenities. If you want to play in this league, you have got to have memory seats, auto up/down windows, HID, standard leather, tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Some will say, no big deal, can live without them. True, but they are sort of like the "entrance requirements" for this class. They are what separate the contenders from the pretenders. And add to that the fact that, at this time, the Subaru brand is still a relatively pedestrian brand name. Combined, you have a very player, but one who is not quite ready for prime time.
I've driven the Tribeca three times this week and I feel I know the car well. I had ordered a Lexus 400h and it was waiting for me, but each time I drove it I felt a little carsick! It just sways a bit left and right and perhaps the new car smell had something to do with it, and so I was not a happy camper.
The Tribeca does not make me carsick. It handles wonderfully - that is it's strongest point. It is underpowered if you want a little ooomph with that handling. Most important, it doesn't have the amenities I would like in a car of that price. For example, no compass, only one auto down window instead of four up and down (Subaru can't claim safety unless Lexus and other are unsafe, cuz they have them), prewired for bluetooth, a stereo system that looks good but does not really sound very good - it is harsh and unmusical. Memory seats would have been nice too. There should have been a standard rear backup camera or warning system as this is a safety feature and you can't see out the back of the vehicle very well at all. The driver's seat is pretty good up through your back, but the headrest butts forword and your shoulders are kept from making contact with the seat, at least mine were and I'm 5'10". Add in the lack of power, not so hot gas mileage and limited cruising range and you have to wonder if the good handling alone and good looks of the car (it grows on you quickly) are enough to sustain the relationship.
So, if you are brave enough to jump in now and support Subaru, in short order you will probably find some of the features being added to the next generation and you, who took the chance at the outset, will be out of luck.
The Lexus has every feature I could have wanted BUT, what good is it if I get nauseas each time I get inside and drive away. The Subaru put a smile on my face while I was driving it so that counts for something - and it is very smooth and quiet.
Buying a car is tricky these days cause you still can't get what you really want too easily.
Was that the same 400h you drove every time? I'm curious if the dealer checked the air pressure. Often the tires are inflated rock hard to prevent flat spotting in transit and the prep techs often forget to adjust them at the dealer.
That's the nice thing about buying a used car (or an older home, or even clothes from the thrift shop) - all the carpets, fabrics, vinyl and other materials have had six months to outgas the formaldehyde and other stuff that makes up new car smell.
I actually drove four different cars from three dealers just to see if the problem was with a specific car. On one I don't recall feeling that sway, on the other three I most definitely did. I think it has to do with the height a bit, as I am not used to SUV's (I have a Forester), the suspension, the tilt of the window and the smells of the new car.
I did ask about the tire pressure and was assured that they were inflated properly, but I never checked for myself. The whole thing was unusal because who ever thinks that a new car, or old one for that matter, will make them unable to drive it for this reason.
i know my previous ford windstar swayed like crazy in the mountain roads here and made everyone green. my great handling odyssey with its firmer suspension has cured this nicely.
Comments
As for backing up, I don't have the camera (wasn't available), but I was so used to the Explorer I could judge very well how far my bumper was to the car behind me. Right now, I have no clue with my Murano, and often have to get out and take a quick peek. The side mirrors are a decent size tho.
Highlander is leading the pack in the Most Researched Vehicles category here.
Steve, Host
Steve made a good point that airbags may not protect infants, or toddlers. But be that as it may, I think that should the unthinkable happens, and you're involved in a serious accident, you would be in a much much better position to attend to your little ones if you have survived the crash. And I don't even want to think about the scenario of my kids being orphaned.
Good luck with your car hunting.
They way they are starting - they may well canabize sales of the other models and increase the base as much as they could if the would let the rest of the world know about this great new model.
And I suspect the B9 is garnering similar reactions from ML, Cayenne, Land Rover, and even RX owners and potential owners.
However, like you said, Outback and Forester owners are getting hot and heavy over it, plus the guys cross-shopping Highlanders, Pilots and Muranos.
Back in that era, I had friends in Colorado who had one of the early Subbie wagons. It was great in the snow, but it wasn't any wider than a VW Bug and not much more spacious. That go anywhere perception didn't really morph over the decades; we just got Dundee, Navratilova and then Lance. If Subaru is going upmarket and getting away from the LL Bean outdoorsy crowd a bit, that could explain why Lance's contract isn't being renewed.
It may take a long time for some of us old timers not to picture Subarus in our mind's eye as gutsy wagons packed with camping gear with a bit of mud (and rust) around the fenders.
But my mind also sees Acuras as fancy lawn mowers, aka Hondas. Murano's are tall Datsun Z's (I had a Datsun wagon once, but the Murano doesn't remind me of that!). The Highlander makes me flash (fondly) on the classic AWD Tercel Wagons. I must be stuck in the 70's....
Steve, Host
Are you wearing your leisure suit, with a gold chain, and "Stayin Alive" is playing on your turntable as you read this? :P
Nah, he's STILL playing it on his 8-track. Turntables are too modern for Steve. :P
DaveM
Steve, Host
Steve, Host
Hey Tytnsfan1, do those child seats have built in air bags too? Having a kid on board will change your driving habits fast.
Steve, Host
I'm coming from Toyota, Honda, and VW over the last 10 years...and had been seriously looking at the Highlander (yeah, for a day!) Touareg (more trouble than it's worth), Murano (too pricy compared to the standard B9 features, and OH,...that horrible front end!!! Road Shark!), BMW X5 (B9 handles better and X5 has less room, and high $) & Pilot (especially) & MDX (best next choice!) felt too much like a truck.
A recent new Cayenne buyer I know regretted not knowing more about the Tribeca before purchase. Has test driven a Tribeca since Cayenne purchase and has agreed the $30,000 difference gave him the "cool" factor, a big bill, the ability to go places he never goes, not much more.
The Tribeca has won my confindence and soul. After extensive research & comparisons, and one inspriring test drive, this is the best XUV for myself and family. I could have spent alot more $ on a prestige, however unreliable plate, but the B9 has got the perfect combination of safety, luxury, space, comfort and mostly Subaru reliability. And for you front-end naysayers...I'm kinda ugly myself, & I like airplanes!
That said, I can hardy wait to drive one for more than a 1/2 hour! And if this B9 I ordered gives me any problems you can expect the ying/yang of this post x 10!!!.
They need to get the word out, now. Brochures were not yet ready in dealers, that's repeating the same mistake they made with the Baja launch.
Steve: Subaru picked up that school teacher demographic once Volvo moved upscale, so they'd appear to be in a similar position as Volvo was a while back.
$35 large - not necessarily. The one I test drove had a no-haggle price under $30k, freight included.
Dan: with framed windows, perhaps a first for Subaru, that ought to keep wind noise from creeping up later on. The MDX probably has a softer ride if that's what you really want, but the Tribeca is lighter and sportier.
I drove an ML in the M Class Road Rally event that Mercedes hosted and can honestly say it has nothing on the Tribeca I drove earlier in the week. The ML350 just did nothing for me, it's not fast or sporty, and the interior reminded me too much of a TrailBlazer. Plus it leans like crazy in corners. The ML500 was nicer but still had way too much body roll.
-juice
This one is radioactive, so I'm guessing it's it.
Washington Post
Interesting comment by Warren Brown in the review that all these SUVs derive from the 1946 Willys Wagon (and later the Wagoneer).
Steve, Host
SWAMPY, YOU GOT ANYTHING BETTER THAN THIS ?
Two Mazda RX-7s(83 & 88), Corolla, Toyota 4x4, Civic and Tribute.
I Picked up my Tribeca on Saturday. Been happy all weekend.
We actually were planning on moving from the low end small SUV (our second car, which we still have, is the 2003 Mazda Tribute) to the family Minivan. We had settled on either the Honda Odessy or the Toyota Sienna. Then I saw add for the Nissan Pathfinder that had an optional third row of seating. Googled "third row 7 passenger" and discovered the B9 Tribeca. I am still amazed at how little publicity there is on this. Found it by accident. The salesman at the dealership said we shouldn't plan to see ads out 'till mid to late June. Anyhow, started looking at all the SUVs that would save us from minivan hell and the Tribeca was the best fit. Murano only has five seats. We have two kids with accompanying car seats. That would limit us to one very skinny friend. With grandparents and friends visiting, we needed more seating. That knocked out the Nissan Murano. Highlander, MDX, Pathfinder and Pilot seemed to large and "Truck-like" for me. Plus, Honda needs a lot of help on it's interior. We test drove the CRV and the Pilot and I knew just getting in that we weren't interested. Once we started looking at the Tribeca standard features compared to similar vehicles (including Cayene and X5) and the performance was on par, it was and easy choice. Not to mention Lexus, Mercedes, BMW, Land Rover, and Acura are a lot more expensive. Friends of ours with the OB convinced us of the merits of Subaru's boxer engine. The test drive sealed the deal. We got the base model (no leather, no NAV, no DVD), but it has everything we need. The material for the non-leather seats is actually better than I had hoped (we had only test driven the tricked out model). The six/nine CD changer is NOT standard. Watch for that. Found out when I tried to load the second CD into the stereo on the way home. Drives like a sportscar. Don't feel like you're in a truck. We are very happy campers. Cross your fingers it lasts.
Congrats to both of you new owners!
SoA hosted us for the "Tribeca Experience" today and we got to drive them on the road for a good while (90 minutes, though we alternated drivers). We also got to test them in a parking lot against competitors.
First course I took was Tribeca vs. Murano in a moose avoidance style test. Hard left, then hard right at 25mph. I went in the Tribeca first and it was uneventful. Then the Murano, and boy, I hardly made it, with lots of tire squeel and much more body roll. I was surprised, I really thought the Murano would be sportier. Maybe they leave that up to the FX.
One of the drivers actually got the Murano up on 3 wheels, though they might have been going faster.
Next we tested the Tribeca against the Pilot in a ride control test, basically driving over sand bags on alternate sides. The NVH of the bump itself was similar, but the Pilot rebounded more, like there was an echo after you hit the bump.
Finally I drove the XC90 and Tribeca around a slow speed slalom, and this was a massacre. The Tribeca drove around nicely while the Volvo struggled, it was like wrestling an reluctant Elephant.
Subaru did a great job tuning the Tribeca, I was really impressed. Do not cancel your orders!
-juice
Now in this article, he claims Forrester to be the first cute-ute, never mind RAV4 and CR-V came before it. Nor did he even realize apparently that Outback started as a body style variant of Legacy in 1995 model year, two full years before Forrester. So it was patentedly wrong for him to even suggested that Outback was a product developed after Subaru saw the success of Forrester. The rest of his article does not offer much substance, hence hard to prove wrong (or right, for that matter).
Sometimes I wonder if Mr. Brown even knows anything about cars, beyond the marketing brochures and his own metaphysics.
And the Murano advantages are CVT, Xenon, memory seats/mirrors, lower weight, larger gas tank, power adjustable pedals, more low end torque, higher tow rating (B9 only 2000??).
Since I have yet to drive the B9, I can't comment on it. I would say I am intrigued by the B9 and would look forward to some auto mag comparisons
I think Subaru B9 and the upcoming Mazda CX-7 got their styling cues from the Murano - put them together, they have the same form. This must be the trend for the "crossover" segment.
Towing anything above 2000 lbs at any significant distance with out a Tranny cooler on a vehicle like a Murano or B9 probably is not a good thing to do.
I have not had any issues at all (knock on wood). Excellent ride (I drove an RX330 recently and I think the ride is the same), and the CVT is so smooth. Sometimes, I can't even hear it going, and I look down and I'm already at 90! On a Murano message board, there has been a few complaints of failed transmissions, but like any vehicle, I guess you get bad ones.
Overall I am very impressed as the Murano was also my first japanese vehicle. The only real annoyance I have is that the front wiper blade design is the worst I've ever seen. When at rest, they sit below the hood line, so you can't pull them up far enough to clear ice or remove snow. And this winter in Boston was horrible. I love the idea of B9's wiper defroster/de-icer. I've long complained why didn't any manufacture make that STANDARD!??!?! :confuse:
My advice?
Let Subaru work out the first year glitches. Next year, Saab releases the 9-6, a crossover based on the B9 platform. Safe to say it'll be 2% more expensive . . . 200% more attractive, inside and out.
9-6 is an unknown at this point. GM wants to fit a diesel in their Saab crossover, so they might use the Equinox' platform instead.
Tribeca has a similar D-pillar to the Murano, the but Murano is more rounded off at the sides and edges, up close they look a bit different.
Personally I think Subaru took a Porsche Cayenne shape, added Murano D-pillars, and an upside down Alfa Romeo grille.
I also see resemblance to the Maserati Kubang SUV concept, if you recall that wild one.
-juice
-juice
I also think the Tribeca would look better with a mesh grille insert, preferably black, not chrome.
-juice
I want the RX330 for its luxury, reliability, resonable milage, and drivability- but I wish it had a little more off road capability. (I occasionally need it)
I want the Mits Endeavor for its wonderful drivability and better off road capability, but I can't handle the bushed aluminum colored plastic center console and lack of high end features (for instance, nav).
I want the Touareg, a truly excellent design- luxury, great drivability, style, design, off road- but it's gas milage sux, you gotta' get the V8 for sufficent power, and then it gets pricey. Plus, reliability is questionable.
The new Cherokee and 4Runner- I don't know. I just don't want them. Sorry- no accounting for taste.
So- is the Tribeca the vehicle for me? I haven't driven one yet. They are, like all Subaru's a bit ugly- but if it's a great vehicle- I could grow to like it.
I'll be seriously in the buying mode this fall- so I've got a bit of time. Perhaps the Saab 9-7x (yes, I know it's a Trailblazer/Envoy/Ascender etc- but they supposedly improved the suspension and drivability)
:confuse: :confuse:
It's competing with the Pilot, MDX (a bit), Murano, Highlander, X3 2.5 and to a lesser degree the cross-over wagons like the Outback, XC70
Any how, if you want luxury and a super soft ride, plus the cache of the Lexus name, the RX is popular for a reason. There's no 3rd row, but it does offer a hybrid option if you can afford the $50 grand price and can tolerate being on a wait list.
Tribeca has much better handling and is a lot sportier, but still gives you most of the luxury goodies and ambience, without the snobby badge. That can be good or bad depending upon how you feel about that.
Drive them both. I think that is where the Tribeca shines.
-juice
IMHO, the B9 missed the mark on some of the amenities. If you want to play in this league, you have got to have memory seats, auto up/down windows, HID, standard leather, tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Some will say, no big deal, can live without them. True, but they are sort of like the "entrance requirements" for this class. They are what separate the contenders from the pretenders. And add to that the fact that, at this time, the Subaru brand is still a relatively pedestrian brand name. Combined, you have a very player, but one who is not quite ready for prime time.
The Tribeca does not make me carsick. It handles wonderfully - that is it's strongest point. It is underpowered if you want a little ooomph with that handling. Most important, it doesn't have the amenities I would like in a car of that price. For example, no compass, only one auto down window instead of four up and down (Subaru can't claim safety unless Lexus and other are unsafe, cuz they have them), prewired for bluetooth, a stereo system that looks good but does not really sound very good - it is harsh and unmusical. Memory seats would have been nice too. There should have been a standard rear backup camera or warning system as this is a safety feature and you can't see out the back of the vehicle very well at all. The driver's seat is pretty good up through your back, but the headrest butts forword and your shoulders are kept from making contact with the seat, at least mine were and I'm 5'10". Add in the lack of power, not so hot gas mileage and limited cruising range and you have to wonder if the good handling alone and good looks of the car (it grows on you quickly) are enough to sustain the relationship.
So, if you are brave enough to jump in now and support Subaru, in short order you will probably find some of the features being added to the next generation and you, who took the chance at the outset, will be out of luck.
The Lexus has every feature I could have wanted BUT, what good is it if I get nauseas each time I get inside and drive away. The Subaru put a smile on my face while I was driving it so that counts for something - and it is very smooth and quiet.
Buying a car is tricky these days cause you still can't get what you really want too easily.
That's the nice thing about buying a used car (or an older home, or even clothes from the thrift shop) - all the carpets, fabrics, vinyl and other materials have had six months to outgas the formaldehyde and other stuff that makes up new car smell.
Steve, Host
It's a matter of preference.
-juice
I did ask about the tire pressure and was assured that they were inflated properly, but I never checked for myself. The whole thing was unusal because who ever thinks that a new car, or old one for that matter, will make them unable to drive it for this reason.
Steve, Host