2006 B9 Tribeca is a winner
Written: Jul 02 '05
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Pros: Interior room, exterior styling, available options, comfort
Cons: third row seat has limited usefulness, red back-lighting on the dash
The Bottom Line: This new Subaru is a winner in every category. If you need a 4/5-passenger vehicle, especially with AWD, put it on your short list. I love it.
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| mikejl's Full Review: 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca |
I have been interested in this vehicle since I first heard about it in late 2004. I even attended the Auto Show in Pittsburgh just to see it. My anticipation level was sky-high by the time the first models arrived in the local showroom, and I have not been disappointed in the least.
I am a long-term Subaru owner, so I had some favorable bias to begin with. That said, I don't see how anyone could not like this car, given the realities of what it is.
It is a larger, more luxurious and more stylish Subaru than any that have come before it. It has ample room for five adults. The third-row seat is adequate only for small children, no matter what a salesman might say.
The looks, especially the front end, are a matter of taste. I think it looks great. Others might disagree.
I bought the 7-passenger Limited model, so my remarks are necessarily based on it. The separate driver/passenger automatic climate controls in the front and the rear-seat A/C do a superb job of cooling the car in 90+ degree temperatures.
I have the Rear Seat Entertainment system (DVD) and the Navigation system. I thought both were pretty pricey options and I probably wouldn't have ordered either one. The car I bought has both, though, and I'm glad now that I spent the extra bucks. Neither is going to be very useful if you don't drive long distances with family in the back, but if you do, they will certainly increase your enjoyment of the trip.
The ride quality is superb. The suspension soaks up all but the most jarring of bumps. Road noise is kept to a minimum. The front and second-row seats are both very comfortable over long distances. Not too hard and not too soft, as Goldilocks would say, but just right.
Power and pep (pick up) are more than adequate. This is not a big V8 or a turbo-charged engine, but you won't be left behind when the light changes and you won't be struggling to maintain interstate speeds on even the baddest hills. The EPA rating of 23 mpg for highway driving is probably conservative. 24-26 is certainly possible, depending on the terrain, the load and your driving habits.
With the third row seat folded down, there is plenty of room for four adults and luggage for a week (or more). That's based on personal experience, having just returned from a trip covering almost 1800 miles.
With a couple of minor exceptions, like the red back-lighting in the dash at night, I really love everything about this car. Fit and finish are excellent. The electro-luminescent gauges exude class. The power, performance and styling are first-class. It's luxurious, comfortable and fun to drive.
If you're in the market for a four or five passenger SUV or minivan, check out the 2006 B9 Tribeca before you make your decision. Take it for a test drive. It might just be the car you're looking for.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 38900
Condition: New
Model Year: 2005
Model and Options: 7-passenger Limited
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Epinions.com ID:
mikejl
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Reviews written: 1
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