I really like what Subaru has done with the Tribeca. To me, the original model has unattractive styling, weak performance, and is smallish for a mid-sized SUV. The updated version corrects the first two issues while adding some creature comforts and maintaining positive Subaru attributes.
I know it's now on our short list for the eventual replacement for our MDX. We'd look at the CX-9 and the upcoming Highlander and Pilot redesigns as well. But I'd expect the updated Tribeca to outperform the CX-9, be more reliable, and have a more capable AWD system.
The scope of change after only a short time is stunning, but very welcome.
CX9: I showed some parked in a lot to my wife and she didn't like it. I do, I think they're handsome.
I do have concerns about the new 3.5l Duratec, because the 2.5l Duratec had problems its whole life, and the 3.0l Duratec had problems early on.
The 6 speed auto is appealing, but again, it's unproven. And the entire powertrain is Ford, not Mazda (the CX7 is Mazda, though).
Still, I'm going to test drive one. We have a $25 offer from Mazda, so I'll probably go tomorrow to try one out.
Biggest concern? A dismal 16/22 mpg rating. I'm not sure I can get over that, to be honest.
Compare that to a Tribeca that is better now and projected to be 20/25 and that's a deal killer all by itself.
MDX: I love it. If Acura offered a $10,000 rebate I might even buy one. They're just too pricey now. You could get the old model for low $30s after discounts, now we're talking $40k! Less mileage, too.
Pilot: stiff ride, boring shape, bland drive. Mileage also a concern. Tribeca with AWD is more efficient than a FWD Pilot even with VCM, what gives? :confuse:
Highlander: drove the old one, found it boring. The new one with the 3.5l might be interesting, but it won't be here soon enough for me. It's due in the fall and I'll probably buy something in May or June. The new one looks OK but didn't wow me, so I'm not compelled to wait.
The Tribeca's 3rd row is small, but for me it's only for occasional use, i.e. car pooling little kids to schools and camps a couple of miles away. I'll take that trade off for the significantly better fuel economy.
Mike, the CX-9 has a wheelbase 4 – 5 inches longer than the Tribeca. It is indeed roomier—especially in the 3rd row, which has always been the Tribeca's downfall. I sat in one at the Washington Auto show.
At the very least I'd have to factor the cost of an extended warranty in to the price.
CX9s are also a bit pricey. Fitzmall has them for $30,669 to $36,635, and the cheaper ones are FWD. AWD starts at $31,544.
Keeping in mind I have $1100 Subaru Bucks, that means I could spend $32,644 on a Tribeca, which basically means I could get a lot more equipment.
Better value and better gas mileage are two huge factors for me. CX9 has an uphill battle for sure.
The only AWD Acadia at fitmall is $41,895! :surprise:
If I decide to be a cheapskate I may go back to an Entourage, under $26k for a Limited model. Hyundai finally issued a TSB to fix the shimmy/vibration those have on the highway.
Problem there is the wife isn't keen on the idea of a Hyundai (still). You know the saying, Perception lags behind reality. They're better but their rep still isn't up to par.
I saw a Sonata in my hood yesterday and I tell you it looks hot. Projector headlights, Silver, Tints, nice stock aluminum wheels, dual exhaust. If I wasn't stuck on AWD I'd have one of those for sure. Really really nice.
I bet the Outback Sport looks great. While the base Impreza came out a bit plain, I think the Sport will spice it up just enough to make things interesting.
As to the STI: Early reports indicated that it would be shown at the Frankfurt show in September, and be on sale around January. Now I'm hearing may be introduced at LA in January. Either way, it's about 10 or more months before being in showrooms.
I'm realy disappointed in the new Tribeca. As many of you have said the 3rd row is basically useless. A base Acadia has way more room (more than the CX9) and better mpg. It also has 4500lbs towing capacity and a 6 speed tranny. Price is roughtly the same with the base model starting $31k. The Outlook would even be less $$.
The Tribeca has to complete with the Ford Edge and CX7 I guess which means my Outback basically just as good. The 3 kids have to sit next to each other either way. With Gas predicted to hit nearly $4 this summer (this morning news) I'll take the Outback over the Tribeca. When it comes time to get rid of our Tahoe, it appears I have lots of choices the beat the Tribeca for space and mpg.
It's not a "new" tribeca, merely a re-surfacing and no, there isn't and probably won't be a Subaru to compete for business against a full-size SUV anytime in the future. That's why I bought my Armada....
William, I am curious -- are you also considering the new MDX? I think the Tribeca (as good as it is in the 2nd iteration) is in a different category than the MDX. Tribeca is more practical and a better value, and more of a family hauler to me. The new MDX is shooting for the middle-upscale crowd with a sport/lux theme.
Not that I would recommend this vehicle to anyone with a family, but the GMC Acadia has a very usable 3rd row and decent cargo space behind. Even the leg room between the rows was acceptable, though it would not be a comfortable space for an adult on any trip longer than an hour or two. It is a typical GM "mobile living room," but I did find steering response and pedal feel *slightly* better than other recent GM products I have driven.
Overall, though, the car would be killed by the demands of a family. With children in the back seats, dropping rocks and whatever other kind of crud into the complex array of hydraulics built in under the 2nd row seats, the simple access to the 3rd row is doomed to be problematic.
My final assessment: fun to look at and explore, but would be a nightmare to own.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
I have to say that I am happy with the redesign. The old styling never bothered me, but the total use of super unleaded fuel was a really bad thing. Now, it has more horsepower and REGULAR unleaded. Oh, and did I see memory seats???
I am a very happy Outback owner with the needs of a homeowner. No kids; just the needs of the Home Depot, Coscco, BJs runs.
My 01 Outback Ltd should be fine with its 111,000 miles, but I can feel that new brakes are coming due again, possibly shocks, battery etc.
I have been looking at Chevy Tahoe's and the Honda Ridgeline. In my next auto, I really want those "creature comforts" that Subaru has been lacking with this and my last Outback. I will start looking over the features lists now that the new sites are up.
Honestly, I really like Subaru as a company and what they stand for, but wanted some more features for my money. The '08 Tribeca may have fit that all in one.
Let me respond to some of the comments Jay made about the Tribeca vs. Acadia:
3rd row is basically useless
For me it's all I need. In a pinch my kids can take a friend or two. I won't use it most of the time so I'm not adding too much bulk in terms of size or weight when they're not in use.
Acadia has way more room
True. I think it can fit 110 cubes, something like that, while the Tribeca is around 75 cubes. But if space is a priority the Sienna minivan fits 150 cubes. So it's +35 or so over the 'beca, but a van would be another +40, a bigger jump.
and better mpg
False. FWD gets 17/24, Tribeca gets 18/23 now, but is supposed to improve 10-15%. You might call it a draw compared to the 07 model but the 08 Tribeca ought to win this race.
4500lbs towing capacity and a 6 speed tranny
Apparently Subaru is testing the towing capacity and has not officially stated this yet. It'll be at least 3500# and that's more than I need, in fact my Forester has meet all my needs. Any more is just overkill, as I have no plans to buy a boat or anything close to that.
6 ratios is good, I guess. In fact GM's entire powertrain felt good, but so did the Tribeca I had on loan for a week. While the Lambda felt beefier, it also felt heavier, so I'd actually give the edge to the Tribeca in the overall driving experience. The Lamdas are heavy.
Price is roughtly the same
Not around here. Fitzmall usually has Acadias for $30-42k, with AWD mostly on the upper end of that scale. Right now they only have one and it's over $41k.
Maybe an Outlook would be cheaper, I test drove one that was around $30k but it was FWD, cloth, i.e. pretty basic. Realistically we'd be talking $35k for the equipment levels in a Tribeca 7 pass LTD, and I can get the Subie for a few grand less even before you factor the Subaru Bucks discount.
I liked the Outlook I test drove (see impressions earlier in this thread), but it feels full-sized and I prefer smaller vehicles. If you like 'em big them by all means, check 'em out. The driving experience just isn't very involving or rewarding.
Another issues I had were visibility, since the pillars are very wide. 06-07 Tribeca has the same issue, so a backup cam is on my wish list. 08 looks better, but I'd still like a backup cam, possibly aftermarket.
The big disappointment with the Saturn Outlook, though, was the 2nd and 3rd row seats. I test drove one with a 2nd row bench, and it's too low to the ground and not sufficiently padded. The middle position is decidedly uncomfortable.
Room aplenty, but the 3rd row is also not comfortable. The vehicle is FULL-SIZED and there are only 4 comfortable seating positions. That's rather pathetic.
May as well stick with your Outback, as you say. If you need to seat more than 4 people routinely and for long periods, they will complain in an Outlook, at least I would, so it's no better than the Tribeca in that regard.
Funny I'm drinking a coke myself. Just trying to finish up some tickets here. Here at the place where I am now we do a ton of stuff using the Remote Assistance, weird as my old shop did 100% at the desktop itself. I haven't gone to 1 desk today at all! Just the phone and remoting to their machines.
Ditto here Juice. I don't mind going out. I'm still trying to decompress from my trading job. Funny thing last week was my first full week here in the group. We are 4 techs supporting 2000+ users. I actually had the 2nd most tickets closed in the group behind the team leader. The manager sent an e-mail that the "new" guy was #2 out of about 20 folks in our group. Funny thing is I'm "slacking" a bit compared to my 12hr a day job!
I was #1 out of 6 techs when I was in an official Help Desk position. That helped me gain visibility. Then I offered to take over the support of the VPs on the top floor, and that helped even more.
When a department came looking for an IT guy and asked for the top producer, I was a shoe-in for the promotion. :shades:
I was also the 2nd out of the 6 techs to earn tenure, despite being the youngest and having the least experience.
A Help Desk is stressful, though. Don't burn out. Give it 3-5 years and start planning on what you want to do next.
Do you use the Armada to haul any gear? The Forester has come in handy in the past.
Nah we are big place here so there are actually union rules as to what we can move and can't move. I'm planning on being out of here shortly, just taking a breather from trading for a bit. Actually may go back to the electric company in the union as a test engineer, pay would be about the same as here but better benefits, more OT and pretty much job security.
I feel completely opposite of you. They ruined it and made it look like a Kia or Hyundai Santa Fe (low end cheap generic suvs)
It looks just like I thought it would for the most part. Boring and like everthing else. It made me think of a Chrysler Pacifica but i've seen ppl say Hyundai, Ford Escape, the whole gamut. So like i said, looks like everything else....literally, all in one.
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"
also wanted to add that they took one of the best and uniqure features of the headlights that had a great shape and were the only suv t hat had porsche like headlights that were on top of the hood instead of on the front like every suv. the only other one that has headlights like the 06 07 Tribeca is the Porsche Cayenne and thats good company to be in. coincidentally enough the headlights now look like kind of like the VW version of the Cayenne in the Touareg and you may think thats good company too but on the Tribeca it just looks boring plain and like every other. they took away one one of the best features.
It just needed an engine upgrade or an STI and/or turbo version. What ever happened to COBB super charged B9? i'm glad to have an 06 but now will have 08's trying to race me and beat me with better engine. If i could get my 06 supercharged it would be better then an 08.
also they take away the B9 which was the best part abotu the name. I have B9 on the back of mine and no TRibeca and that will stay in clear defiance of the 08.
ultimately though all the 08 is doing for an 06 owner who prefers the original design, is turning me onto a new vehicle sooner and away from Subaru. They didn't win me over much by introducing a model, i pay full price like 40k for after all said and done and then the next year for 07 add features that 06 early adapters are screwed out of and now a comlete redesign/reskin in 08. No matter if i like it better it just leavs us feeling swindled and like a guinea pig test group. Again all the 08 will do is push me out of my B9 and into a new vehicle of diff brand sooner then i otherwise would have.
Acura MDX here I come. Subaru it was nice knowing you for the first time and only for a couple years.
Don't have buyers remorse! I mean c'mon guy, you can't complain about being an early adapter and paying 40k etc. It's pretty sad that you paid 40k for a B9. I paid 34k for my Armada and the only options I don't have are the Nav and moonroof in it, and it too was a first model year 2004! Heck I also got 1% financing on it for 60 months. Of course I had the front brake issue cause the rotors were too small but they fixed the problem with larger rotors and caliper brackets they retrofitted to the 04s in mid 05.
Gee Mike, YOur info and mine are from different worlds. You could look to Consumer Reports archives to verify mileage and long range reliability from the late 80s and early 90s. I'm sure my 1990s experience is not particularly relevant to current models, but the mileage thing is current data (yes there are non-Subaru full time 4WDs by Ford and GM among many others.) Yes! GM did rescue Subaru...Simply a well known fact in the auto world. GM sold its interest in Subaru several years ago.
I suspect the second-gen MDX is too rich for my blood. We'd probably look for something more affordable.
The Tribeca's tight third row doesn't bother me; we've never used the MDX's third row. We like the roominess of the MDX, part of which is due to the vehicle's width. The cargo area behind the second row is really robust. There's a lot of room for occupants in the first and second rows. It makes long trips a lot easier. Obviously our Outback feels more intimate.
The CX-9 seems a bit too big for us. It'll come down to how roomy the Tribeca feels for occupants and cargo. The redesigned Pilot and Highlander would be contenders. But this might not be for a year or two.
I gotta disagree with you on the rescue. I never got that perception from anywhere in the "auto world." Picking up a minority share in the parent company (Fuji Heavy Industries) of a car company is not exactly a "rescue." Buying a company outright before it expires, after years of slumping sales amd massive debt.....that's a rescue (Jag, Saab). This was more like a pirate mission to pillage some tech, and to try to gain ground in the expanding Asian market. Here is one such example, taken from Business Week:
"When GM bought a minority stake in Fuji Heavy Industries a few years ago, it was to glom onto the great all-wheel-drive technology that the company puts into its Subaru vehicles. The notion was to co-develop some crossover wagons and small SUVs with the best AWD mechanicals in the business.
What GM found was a stubborn partner that would not cave in on its own engineering prowess featuring boxer engines to adapt to GM's systems."
So if GM was to the rescue, would you be so kind and give me ONE example significant thing GM did or provided to "rescue" FHI/Subaru? Subaru has its problems, as almost all fans here admit (unlike many GM/Honda fans, we don't claim the company is infallible and can do no wrong).
Oh - would you also provide ONE example of 4wd/awd vehicle from GM and Ford that has better mileage with similar capacity and engine power? You see - many other brands do have better mileage with their 2wd cars, but aside Toyota and Audi, I have to see a car with AWD/4WD, similar power and better mileage.
Also I believe GM bought Nissan's portion of Subaru when Nissan needed cash because of it's own problems. I'm not 100% on that but someone could correct me.
I have a 2006 Tribeca and am very pleased. Was wondering if anyone knows if Subaru has added a telescoping steering wheel to any of their 2008 models. That's the only feature I wish the 2006 had.
Can you give me one example of a subaru than can seat 5 for a long trip? Or one that has hybrid technology? or gets over 32mpg? How about E85? Maybe ethanol isn't the best long term solution, again its a choice. Brazil thinks its a good option.
How about any Subaru that has 400hp and 400lbs of torque and gets 28mpg? Ok so the Vete isn't AWD and costs just a bit more.
Get this my 2001 Outback doesn't even have variable speed wipers! Domestic cars got that in the 80's.
Other than the boxer engine and the AWD system, everything else is one step behind. Subaru has already proven it can't complete without AWD. How many of us really need the AWD and more horsepower?
With all the stability and traction control devices avaliable its arguable AWD isn't a big safety feature. In fact wasn't there a study that showed good tires on front wheel drive performed as well as AWD except for acceleration?
As gas prices increase more and more people will weigh AWD vs better mpg. I'll guess Subaru has all its eggs in a shrinking basket.
You think that a vette gets 28mpg? If you drive 65 on the highway in 6th gear, maybe.
Also if you don't need AWD, don't buy a Subaru, but AWD has a distinct advantage, why do you think a lot of racing organizations BAN it? Not because of it's inefficient gas milage for sure....
Thats just it 99.9% of us don't race. In legal drivng on the roads AWD is not needed except for rare weather conditions. Even then a good set of winter tires will do just as well as the AWD. Besides in most winter and slippery conditions its mostly looking out for the AWD/4x4 thats going too fast to stop.
EPA says the vette does. Just like everyone gets 27mpg in their 2.5i Outback.
Let me know when you stop faster with AWD. Its also debatable if cornering is any better with AWD on wet or slippery roads. I've seen both arguments. Acceleration is better with AWD.
Ok I'm not going to argue this point as it's lost on you. Given 2 cars with the same tires, AWD will handle better, wet, dry, snow, sleet, dry roads with gravel, etc. While you are correct braking is the same, if you don't get into a situation where you need to brake in the first place, then the brakes don't matter. If you think racing isn't a reflection on real life, then I can't help you, 90% of everything you see in cars today was developed on the race track.
How much seat time do you have behind an AWD car? I suspect it is not that much and you are going strictly off of 3rd party reading and conjecture.
Comments
wonder why subaru didn't try mazda approach a bigger suv for 7 seater.
I know it's now on our short list for the eventual replacement for our MDX. We'd look at the CX-9 and the upcoming Highlander and Pilot redesigns as well. But I'd expect the updated Tribeca to outperform the CX-9, be more reliable, and have a more capable AWD system.
The scope of change after only a short time is stunning, but very welcome.
I do have concerns about the new 3.5l Duratec, because the 2.5l Duratec had problems its whole life, and the 3.0l Duratec had problems early on.
The 6 speed auto is appealing, but again, it's unproven. And the entire powertrain is Ford, not Mazda (the CX7 is Mazda, though).
Still, I'm going to test drive one. We have a $25 offer from Mazda, so I'll probably go tomorrow to try one out.
Biggest concern? A dismal 16/22 mpg rating. I'm not sure I can get over that, to be honest.
Compare that to a Tribeca that is better now and projected to be 20/25 and that's a deal killer all by itself.
MDX: I love it. If Acura offered a $10,000 rebate I might even buy one. They're just too pricey now. You could get the old model for low $30s after discounts, now we're talking $40k! Less mileage, too.
Pilot: stiff ride, boring shape, bland drive. Mileage also a concern. Tribeca with AWD is more efficient than a FWD Pilot even with VCM, what gives? :confuse:
Highlander: drove the old one, found it boring. The new one with the 3.5l might be interesting, but it won't be here soon enough for me. It's due in the fall and I'll probably buy something in May or June. The new one looks OK but didn't wow me, so I'm not compelled to wait.
The Tribeca's 3rd row is small, but for me it's only for occasional use, i.e. car pooling little kids to schools and camps a couple of miles away. I'll take that trade off for the significantly better fuel economy.
That's my current thinking for now.
Bob
Juice if you get a Ford Driveline, I'll disown you as my long lost brother! I don't want to hear complaints of transmission problems if you get one!
-mike
CX9s are also a bit pricey. Fitzmall has them for $30,669 to $36,635, and the cheaper ones are FWD. AWD starts at $31,544.
Keeping in mind I have $1100 Subaru Bucks, that means I could spend $32,644 on a Tribeca, which basically means I could get a lot more equipment.
Better value and better gas mileage are two huge factors for me. CX9 has an uphill battle for sure.
The only AWD Acadia at fitmall is $41,895! :surprise:
If I decide to be a cheapskate I may go back to an Entourage, under $26k for a Limited model. Hyundai finally issued a TSB to fix the shimmy/vibration those have on the highway.
Problem there is the wife isn't keen on the idea of a Hyundai (still). You know the saying, Perception lags behind reality. They're better but their rep still isn't up to par.
-mike
I currently own an MPV for 5 + years & had 0 problems with its 3.0 duratech engine.
wrx info is on subaru.com.....i really like the sedan looks, it is great !!!!
I know that Ford and GM had a joint venture on a 6 speed auto and I figured this was it. I guess not?
Is it a JATCO? They're owned by Nissan, correct?
http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/2594
More Subie show blogs:
http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/.ee99c8c
http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/2590
Bob
-mike
Bob
Bob
The Tribeca has to complete with the Ford Edge and CX7 I guess which means my Outback basically just as good. The 3 kids have to sit next to each other either way. With Gas predicted to hit nearly $4 this summer (this morning news) I'll take the Outback over the Tribeca. When it comes time to get rid of our Tahoe, it appears I have lots of choices the beat the Tribeca for space and mpg.
-mike
Bob
http://www.subaru-global.com/2007new_york.html
One of the Tribecas is a 5-passenger, the other a 5+2.
Bob
Craig
Overall, though, the car would be killed by the demands of a family. With children in the back seats, dropping rocks and whatever other kind of crud into the complex array of hydraulics built in under the 2nd row seats, the simple access to the 3rd row is doomed to be problematic.
My final assessment: fun to look at and explore, but would be a nightmare to own.
I am a very happy Outback owner with the needs of a homeowner. No kids; just the needs of the Home Depot, Coscco, BJs runs.
My 01 Outback Ltd should be fine with its 111,000 miles, but I can feel that new brakes are coming due again, possibly shocks, battery etc.
I have been looking at Chevy Tahoe's and the Honda Ridgeline. In my next auto, I really want those "creature comforts" that Subaru has been lacking with this and my last Outback. I will start looking over the features lists now that the new sites are up.
Honestly, I really like Subaru as a company and what they stand for, but wanted some more features for my money. The '08 Tribeca may have fit that all in one.
March 2007 - Luxury Car Sales
Entry-Level
1. 3 Series - 11,259
2. G35 - 7,992
3. ES350 - 7,444
4. TL - 5,769
5. IS - 5,077
6. CTS - 4,881
7. C Class - 4,486
8. A4 - 3,783 (creamed by two different Lexus)
9. MKZ - 3,626
10. 9-3 - 1,981
11. S60 - 1,702
12. X-Type - 285
Mid-Level
1. 5 Series - 4,315
2. E Class - 4,019
3. M - 2,768
4. GS - 2,103
5. STS - 1,555
6. S80 - 1,392
7. A6 - 1,038 (1/4 of Dame Edna Bimmers sold)
8. RL - 719
9. S-Type - 479
10. 9-5 - 369
Upper-Level
1. LS - 3,134
2. S Class - 2,440
3. 7 Series - 1,450
4. XJ - 397
5. A8 – 362 (lost to Jaguar?!)
6. Phaeton - 3
7. Q45 - 2
Audi's just not a player here.
BMW 3 outsold G35 by 41%, too.
Should we be surpised Subaru chose to go with BMW's creases and concave panels? :confuse:
9. MKZ - 3,626
10. 9-3 - 1,981
11. S60 - 1,702
12. X-Type - 285
I mean that's a riot!
-mike
3rd row is basically useless
For me it's all I need. In a pinch my kids can take a friend or two. I won't use it most of the time so I'm not adding too much bulk in terms of size or weight when they're not in use.
Acadia has way more room
True. I think it can fit 110 cubes, something like that, while the Tribeca is around 75 cubes. But if space is a priority the Sienna minivan fits 150 cubes. So it's +35 or so over the 'beca, but a van would be another +40, a bigger jump.
and better mpg
False. FWD gets 17/24, Tribeca gets 18/23 now, but is supposed to improve 10-15%. You might call it a draw compared to the 07 model but the 08 Tribeca ought to win this race.
4500lbs towing capacity and a 6 speed tranny
Apparently Subaru is testing the towing capacity and has not officially stated this yet. It'll be at least 3500# and that's more than I need, in fact my Forester has meet all my needs. Any more is just overkill, as I have no plans to buy a boat or anything close to that.
6 ratios is good, I guess. In fact GM's entire powertrain felt good, but so did the Tribeca I had on loan for a week. While the Lambda felt beefier, it also felt heavier, so I'd actually give the edge to the Tribeca in the overall driving experience. The Lamdas are heavy.
Price is roughtly the same
Not around here. Fitzmall usually has Acadias for $30-42k, with AWD mostly on the upper end of that scale. Right now they only have one and it's over $41k.
Maybe an Outlook would be cheaper, I test drove one that was around $30k but it was FWD, cloth, i.e. pretty basic. Realistically we'd be talking $35k for the equipment levels in a Tribeca 7 pass LTD, and I can get the Subie for a few grand less even before you factor the Subaru Bucks discount.
I liked the Outlook I test drove (see impressions earlier in this thread), but it feels full-sized and I prefer smaller vehicles. If you like 'em big them by all means, check 'em out. The driving experience just isn't very involving or rewarding.
Another issues I had were visibility, since the pillars are very wide. 06-07 Tribeca has the same issue, so a backup cam is on my wish list. 08 looks better, but I'd still like a backup cam, possibly aftermarket.
The big disappointment with the Saturn Outlook, though, was the 2nd and 3rd row seats. I test drove one with a 2nd row bench, and it's too low to the ground and not sufficiently padded. The middle position is decidedly uncomfortable.
Room aplenty, but the 3rd row is also not comfortable. The vehicle is FULL-SIZED and there are only 4 comfortable seating positions. That's rather pathetic.
May as well stick with your Outback, as you say. If you need to seat more than 4 people routinely and for long periods, they will complain in an Outlook, at least I would, so it's no better than the Tribeca in that regard.
Crazy stuff.
-mike
Hey, how 'bout a new motto for Audi:
We suck less than Jaguar (in most segments)!
Sorry guys, I'm off tomorrow so this is my "Friday" and I'm feeling kinda silly. :P
-mike
I was #1 out of 6 techs when I was in an official Help Desk position. That helped me gain visibility. Then I offered to take over the support of the VPs on the top floor, and that helped even more.
When a department came looking for an IT guy and asked for the top producer, I was a shoe-in for the promotion. :shades:
I was also the 2nd out of the 6 techs to earn tenure, despite being the youngest and having the least experience.
A Help Desk is stressful, though. Don't burn out. Give it 3-5 years and start planning on what you want to do next.
Do you use the Armada to haul any gear? The Forester has come in handy in the past.
-mike
It looks just like I thought it would for the most part. Boring and like everthing else. It made me think of a Chrysler Pacifica but i've seen ppl say Hyundai, Ford Escape, the whole gamut. So like i said, looks like everything else....literally, all in one.
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"
also wanted to add that they took one of the best and uniqure features of the headlights that had a great shape and were the only suv t hat had porsche like headlights that were on top of the hood instead of on the front like every suv. the only other one that has headlights like the 06 07 Tribeca is the Porsche Cayenne and thats good company to be in. coincidentally enough the headlights now look like kind of like the VW version of the Cayenne in the Touareg and you may think thats good company too but on the Tribeca it just looks boring plain and like every other. they took away one one of the best features.
It just needed an engine upgrade or an STI and/or turbo version. What ever happened to COBB super charged B9? i'm glad to have an 06 but now will have 08's trying to race me and beat me with better engine. If i could get my 06 supercharged it would be better then an 08.
also they take away the B9 which was the best part abotu the name. I have B9 on the back of mine and no TRibeca and that will stay in clear defiance of the 08.
ultimately though all the 08 is doing for an 06 owner who prefers the original design, is turning me onto a new vehicle sooner and away from Subaru. They didn't win me over much by introducing a model, i pay full price like 40k for after all said and done and then the next year for 07 add features that 06 early adapters are screwed out of and now a comlete redesign/reskin in 08. No matter if i like it better it just leavs us feeling swindled and like a guinea pig test group. Again all the 08 will do is push me out of my B9 and into a new vehicle of diff brand sooner then i otherwise would have.
Acura MDX here I come. Subaru it was nice knowing you for the first time and only for a couple years.
-mike
Yes! GM did rescue Subaru...Simply a well known fact in the auto world. GM sold its interest in Subaru several years ago.
I suspect the second-gen MDX is too rich for my blood. We'd probably look for something more affordable.
The Tribeca's tight third row doesn't bother me; we've never used the MDX's third row. We like the roominess of the MDX, part of which is due to the vehicle's width. The cargo area behind the second row is really robust. There's a lot of room for occupants in the first and second rows. It makes long trips a lot easier. Obviously our Outback feels more intimate.
The CX-9 seems a bit too big for us. It'll come down to how roomy the Tribeca feels for occupants and cargo. The redesigned Pilot and Highlander would be contenders. But this might not be for a year or two.
"When GM bought a minority stake in Fuji Heavy Industries a few years ago, it was to glom onto the great all-wheel-drive technology that the company puts into its Subaru vehicles. The notion was to co-develop some crossover wagons and small SUVs with the best AWD mechanicals in the business.
What GM found was a stubborn partner that would not cave in on its own engineering prowess featuring boxer engines to adapt to GM's systems."
Oh - would you also provide ONE example of 4wd/awd vehicle from GM and Ford that has better mileage with similar capacity and engine power? You see - many other brands do have better mileage with their 2wd cars, but aside Toyota and Audi, I have to see a car with AWD/4WD, similar power and better mileage.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
-mike
Bob
How about any Subaru that has 400hp and 400lbs of torque and gets 28mpg? Ok so the Vete isn't AWD and costs just a bit more.
Get this my 2001 Outback doesn't even have variable speed wipers! Domestic cars got that in the 80's.
Other than the boxer engine and the AWD system, everything else is one step behind. Subaru has already proven it can't complete without AWD. How many of us really need the AWD and more horsepower?
With all the stability and traction control devices avaliable its arguable AWD isn't a big safety feature. In fact wasn't there a study that showed good tires on front wheel drive performed as well as AWD except for acceleration?
As gas prices increase more and more people will weigh AWD vs better mpg. I'll guess Subaru has all its eggs in a shrinking basket.
Also if you don't need AWD, don't buy a Subaru, but AWD has a distinct advantage, why do you think a lot of racing organizations BAN it? Not because of it's inefficient gas milage for sure....
-mike
EPA says the vette does. Just like everyone gets 27mpg in their 2.5i Outback.
Bob
Its also debatable if cornering is any better with AWD on wet or slippery roads. I've seen both arguments.
Acceleration is better with AWD.
How much seat time do you have behind an AWD car? I suspect it is not that much and you are going strictly off of 3rd party reading and conjecture.
-mike
-mike