Topic: CD Article: 2008 Subaru Tribeca

[Autos_Editor]

Today's Test Drive:

Only two model years after its introduction, the Subaru Tribeca undergoes a much-needed facelift, says Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh. A new engine and chassis improvements also sweeten the deal, but beware the uncomfortable seats.  Second Opinion by Chris Chase.
   
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[Bubba]

The front end is still ugly.  Keep trying, Subaru.

[Frontier1]

I like it.

but should the writer use terms like "fugly" in their articles?

[Snowman]

At $41k it is expensive but less than the cult pricing by Honda for the Pilot. Toss in the no cost scheduled maintenance and it is a far better deal.

[initial_D]

I like it.

but should the writer use terms like "fugly" in their articles?

I was surprised to read that term. Isn't there more subtle and creative wording to describe unattractiveness?

Think the price is very competitive in its segment, considering the features in the vehicle, and the maintenance. Now if Subaru can off some good rates, there will be a few more than the of the B9s on the road.

[mmret]

At $41k it is expensive but less than the cult pricing by Honda for the Pilot. Toss in the no cost scheduled maintenance and it is a far better deal.

Agree, doesn't seem like that much for a vehicle in this segment. Top class AWD / Safety and a nice looking interior, plus the now entirely inoffensive looks...does the job.

[inco]

Subaru did a good thing revamping the Becky except for the grille. In retrospect I now prefer the quirky one they had. Even the Imprezza nose was cool. Everything else they did was good and holding the line on pricing is a deal maker for many.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Everything else they did was good

Except for the seats, apparently.

I think it looks pretty good, especially in that colour. Base model offers decent value.

[sailor723]

I guess I disagree with many here. The exterior is certainly better than before but I'm still not a fan of the "swoopy"  fighter cockpit style interior. I think that will look very dated in just a few years. Overall it's not a bad effort but certainly not a class leader.....Sort of an "also ran" in my books. 

Having said that I still haven't driven one so my opinion may well change if it turns out to have other strong points to offset my dislike of the dash. After all, all vehicles are compromises right?

I planning to look at some vehicles in Maine next month so who knows. I may like the Tribeca more in person. ....especially if one fully loaded is around 40K instead of 52+

[initial_D]

I guess I disagree with many here. The exterior is certainly better than before but I'm still not a fan of the "swoopy"  fighter cockpit style interior. I think that will look very dated in just a few years. Overall it's not a bad effort but certainly not a class leader.....Sort of an "also ran" in my books. 

Having said that I still haven't driven one so my opinion may well change if it turns out to have other strong points to offset my dislike of the dash. After all, all vehicles are compromises right?

I planning to look at some vehicles in Maine next month so who knows. I may like the Tribeca more in person. ....especially if one fully loaded is around 40K instead of 52+

Maine, shopping down south ... ?

After all, all vehicles are compromises right? --- first and foremost, the pocket book$. 

[ghost]

I like it.

but should the writer use terms like "fugly" in their articles?

I was surprised to read that term. Isn't there more subtle and creative wording to describe unattractiveness?

Think the price is very competitive in its segment, considering the features in the vehicle, and the maintenance. Now if Subaru can off some good rates, there will be a few more than the of the B9s on the road.

Bad form.    there are better adjectives than the colloquial word....

[Cord]

Subaru did a good thing revamping the Becky except for the grille. In retrospect I now prefer the quirky one they had. Even the Imprezza nose was cool. Everything else they did was good and holding the line on pricing is a deal maker for many.

"the Becky?" 

[inco]

Yes - and thank you!

[chrischasescars]

Subaru did a good thing revamping the Becky except for the grille. In retrospect I now prefer the quirky one they had. Even the Imprezza nose was cool. Everything else they did was good and holding the line on pricing is a deal maker for many.

"the Becky?" 

Loads of owners call it that in Subie forums.

As for fugly, it's what I would've written too. I'm actually surprised Greg left it in Jil's piece, as it's not the kind of thing he usually goes for.

I dunno, I like it, but it does imply some rudeness, it being a contraction of two words and all.

[initial_D]

A make up word, unproper grama.

[avtoller]

It actually isn't a contraction (no apostrophe), but it is a rude neologism. 

[ovr50]

Regardless of what the deal on the word is, the Tribeca would be very low on my radar screen if I were shopping for a new crossover of mid-size. There is nothing about the Tribeca that says "gotta have it". 

[thatguy]

At $41k it is expensive but less than the cult pricing by Honda for the Pilot. Toss in the no cost scheduled maintenance and it is a far better deal.

If you import this from the states (like I did a few weeks ago), you can get the base model for about $30K CAD, and the loaded 7 seat with navigation, backup camera, rear seat DVD player,etc. for about $38K CAD.  With the loaded model you end up saving over $15K after tax.  This makes it a MUCH more appealing vehicle.  Subaru Canada's prices are way too high.

[Snowman]

At $41k it is expensive but less than the cult pricing by Honda for the Pilot. Toss in the no cost scheduled maintenance and it is a far better deal.

If you import this from the states (like I did a few weeks ago), you can get the base model for about $30K CAD, and the loaded 7 seat with navigation, backup camera, rear seat DVD player,etc. for about $38K CAD.  With the loaded model you end up saving over $15K after tax.  This makes it a MUCH more appealing vehicle.  Subaru Canada's prices are way too high.

  You can’t import Subaru’s?

[thatguy]

You can’t import Subaru’s?

What are you talking about?  Its easy, and the warranty is still good (through a reimbursement program).  I imported the 2008 tribeca a few weeks ago and saved $15500 over the sticker price here.  I probably could have negotiated a few thousand off the sticker price here, but not $15000.  And buying in the states over the net, I didn't have to negotiate and still got my new vehicle below dealer invoice (which is easy to find out in the US since its on a bunch of different websites).