No, the Subaru Tribeca is not dead yet.
#1
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
No, the Subaru Tribeca is not dead yet.
It surprises me somewhat, but Subaru (apparantly) is going to go ahead with at least a 2012 extension of the slow-selling Tribeca. This has been a controversial and unpopular vehicle ever since its U.S.-market debut, from the awkward-looking grille in the first couple of years to its appliance-like driving-manners. Of course, it has the superb Subaru AWD system for bad weather and the typical Subaru excellent build quality, but, IMO, little else. Driving one is about as interesting as watching paint dry.....it has about the same level of driver-feedback, and (though I generally don't believe in automotive stereotypes) would make a fitting vehicle for a librarian, dentist, or schoolteacher.
I took a 2011 model out for a brief test-drive recently at my local Subaru-shop while my Outback was getting some service. Needless to say, I wasn't very impressed......and, of course, didn't bother to write it up. I've never liked the Tribeca's interior, either, for several reasons. However, for those few who apparantly like the vehicle (or who don't care about its weaknesses) its rapid depreciation does make it a fairly good used-car buy, dollar-wise. In fact, I've sometimes recommended a used Tribeca as a (mechanically) reliable alternative to the more-expensive used Toyota Highlander, Nissan Murano, and Honda Pilot.
Anyhow, for what it's worth, there apparantly will be a 2012 version....after that, no promises. My guess is that, unless sales markedly improve in just the next year, it will be dropped from the American market for 2013.
Joe Spitz, a Subaru sales-rep on the West Coast, runs one of the best Subaru-information websites I've seen......he indicates there will be a 2012 model, and I've provided a link.
http://www.cars101.com/tribeca.html
(Original 2006 version)
(2011 version)
I took a 2011 model out for a brief test-drive recently at my local Subaru-shop while my Outback was getting some service. Needless to say, I wasn't very impressed......and, of course, didn't bother to write it up. I've never liked the Tribeca's interior, either, for several reasons. However, for those few who apparantly like the vehicle (or who don't care about its weaknesses) its rapid depreciation does make it a fairly good used-car buy, dollar-wise. In fact, I've sometimes recommended a used Tribeca as a (mechanically) reliable alternative to the more-expensive used Toyota Highlander, Nissan Murano, and Honda Pilot.
Anyhow, for what it's worth, there apparantly will be a 2012 version....after that, no promises. My guess is that, unless sales markedly improve in just the next year, it will be dropped from the American market for 2013.
Joe Spitz, a Subaru sales-rep on the West Coast, runs one of the best Subaru-information websites I've seen......he indicates there will be a 2012 model, and I've provided a link.
http://www.cars101.com/tribeca.html
2012s expected to arrive mid-late September 2011.
(Original 2006 version)
(2011 version)
Last edited by mmarshall; 08-23-11 at 07:06 PM.
#4
Lexus Champion
The Exiga is awesome...........though too bad it only comes in Right Hand Drive.
Still:
The Tribeca is not that bad though.
It's the only vehicle from Indiana that is exported overseas
Still:
The Tribeca is not that bad though.
It's the only vehicle from Indiana that is exported overseas
#6
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Agreed. Mechanically and build-quality-wise, it's a good vehicle, but it is dull and boring to drive (even by my somewhat stodgy, conservative standards), and the interior, for several reasons, does not impress me.
Well, they have to do something with the ones they build....Americans here are generally not buying them.
It's the only vehicle from Indiana that is exported overseas
#7
Cycle Savant
iTrader: (5)
I like how they changed the grill during the mid-cycle refresh. The car was not breathtaking, but it was well rounded and approachable. Only thing I didn't like were the alien-like taillights, but the car was fine.
The interior was always pleasing to me: all those swoopy lines kept visual interest, but without being too vulgar. Note how the silver trim follows linearly from the door through the steering wheel through the center console down to the armrest. The tri-colored dash creates a sense of layering; it would be too bland if it were all the same color. Seats are bland, but then again, seats are just seats.
It never was a master of anything. Being lackluster was its demise.
The interior was always pleasing to me: all those swoopy lines kept visual interest, but without being too vulgar. Note how the silver trim follows linearly from the door through the steering wheel through the center console down to the armrest. The tri-colored dash creates a sense of layering; it would be too bland if it were all the same color. Seats are bland, but then again, seats are just seats.
It never was a master of anything. Being lackluster was its demise.
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#8
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Agreed the new grille is much better. Subaru officials admit the original grille was a mistake.
The main problem with the interior is not so much the looks but the cheap- feel of some of the controls and hardware, which, in general, doesn't quite measure up to some other, slightly older Subarus. I also think there's way too much silver-painted plastic on the Y-shaped dash/console.
Well, let's give it credit where it is due. Like other Subarus, it does have reliability and an excellent AWD system.
The interior was always pleasing to me: all those swoopy lines kept visual interest, but without being too vulgar. Note how the silver trim follows linearly from the door through the steering wheel through the center console down to the armrest. The tri-colored dash creates a sense of layering; it would be too bland if it were all the same color.
It never was a master of anything. Being lackluster was its demise.
#9
Lexus Test Driver
I think Subaru is capable of figuring it out how to make a profitable SUV. They did it in the Forest, a SUV I think it's ugly and no one should buy it yet it's selling quite well!!
#10
Lexus Champion
A coworker has a Tribeca with the original pig snout design. She's got over 80K trouble free miles and loves the car.
Subaru needs to a car bigger than the Tribeca if they want a larger alternative to their line-up. The Outback has grown in size and is comparable to it but priced thousands less.
If Subaru made a minivan, it would give Toyota and Honda a run for its money. An outdoor oriented minivan would be a nice transition for loyal Subaru owners who have expanded their families. I know I would be interested.
Subaru needs to a car bigger than the Tribeca if they want a larger alternative to their line-up. The Outback has grown in size and is comparable to it but priced thousands less.
If Subaru made a minivan, it would give Toyota and Honda a run for its money. An outdoor oriented minivan would be a nice transition for loyal Subaru owners who have expanded their families. I know I would be interested.
#11
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
Although I don't like Subaru's (aside from the STI) they do make some really reliable cars. Those old wagons are tough as hell and will run forever with just regular maintenance. Gotta love the Indiana plant where they build the Subaru's too....!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6_Edf7YHM0
Interesting fact: 95% of Subaru's sold in the past 10 years are still on the road
http://www.carrsubaru.com/awards-for-subaru.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6_Edf7YHM0
Interesting fact: 95% of Subaru's sold in the past 10 years are still on the road
http://www.carrsubaru.com/awards-for-subaru.htm
#12
Lexus Champion
I think the biggest market of the Tribeca (outside of USA) is Australia
Which comprises more than 60% of all Right Hand Drive B9 Tribeca vehicles produced from Lafayette, Indiana
#13
Interesting fact: 95% of Subaru's sold in the past 10 years are still on the road
http://www.carrsubaru.com/awards-for-subaru.htm
Now the Tribeca needs some serious love or a serious price reduction in order to gain some ground.
#15
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My friend at work bought one last year and its a nice vehicle, but $40+k for a Subie is a bit steep... At that price point you start getting into more premuim brands. And most people want a better image than Subaru for that $.