Dec 20, 2008 Subaru incorrectly sent all 07-08 Tribeca owners using MySubaru.com the VDC G sensor recall notice intended for some 08-09 model owners.  A 2nd email was sent to folks who shouldn't have gotten it.

December 10, 2008- new accessory iPod-iPhone interface for for Legacy, Outback, Tribeca.  iPod interface controls your iPod and iPhone through the factory stereo. Also recharges it except for 4th gen Nano and 2nd gen iPhone. Applicable on all Legacy, Outback, and Tribeca 2009-2008-2007 without Satellite radio or DVD system. Available factory or dealer installed

11/20/2006 crash test result:  Tribeca, Legacy GT sedan with Navigation, Forester XT Sports are on the list of only 13 cars that earned the top rating from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
7/19/06 a few accessory prices updated
7/7/06 photos added
6/9/06 2007 prices and options updated
6/5/06 2007 specs updated
5/2006  2007 Colors and model codes announced
2/10/06 Subaru announces changes for 2007,  delivery expected to start slowly in late June?
10/2005 Public consumer testing magazine rates the 2006 Tribeca and other SUVs (November issue). The Tribeca is a suggested buy.
9/12/2005 First Crash test results are in. The  2006 Tribeca gets 5 stars...

B9 stands for Boxer engine, 9th model (I think it's model). Originally called the B9X, changed to B9 Tribeca 12/17/2004. Yes, Tribeca as in the New York City neighborhood. Designed by Andreas Zapatinas of Subaru's Advanced Design. He has also designed for Fiat, Alfa Romeo, BMW. Notice any similarity?

standard 2007 Tribeca grill is chrome with black  (diamond gray shown)	2006 front grill is all chrome (silver shown)
optional 2007 mesh grill with SE package (grill, chromed alloys, satellite radio). also fits 06.  (Newport Blue shown)

new for 2007: aux (iPod) stereo plug is in the center console No factory Bluetooth is available on any model	2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca standard 18" alloy wheel 2007 optional SE package includes 18" chrome wheels	new for 2007: memory driver's seat from left: keyless remote, remote start, key back up beeper has hi-low-off control   Click for more 2007 Tribeca photos  including seating arrangements, interior shots
View through the back-up camera, standard with Navigation. Green lines indicate approximate vehicle width.  The bike in this photo is 11 feet away.		arrow points at the back-up camera,  standard with Navigation system
2007 Tribeca with optional back-up sensors, trailer hitch and rear bumper cover  (diamond gray shown).  note: you can tell this particular car doesn't have Navigation because there's no back-up camera		The front wiper de-icer heats up the lower windshield. (Outback with a little snow shown)

New SE option package with wire mesh grill, chrome wheels, XM radio, see options New horsepower testing methods drop the ratings but it's only the numbers that changed Gone: 7 passenger model with DVD (DVD still available with Navigation) Gone: Sunroof on base 5 passenger cloth model. Less:  Exterior color and interior color combinations reduced. No factory Bluetooth is available on any model New Stereo plug-in jack Wider rear view mirror Memory Driver's seat on Limiteds Rear View Camera, standard with Navigation Blacked-out grill (optional wire mesh grill on SE model) 'DRL'  light indicates when Daytime Running Lights are on Roll-Over Sensor pre-deploys side-curtain airbags if a roll-over is detected Brake Assist  improves response by analyzing foot pressure on brake pedal Re-tuned Suspension struts and rear stabilizer bar, adjusted for smoother ride Interior floor lights now standard on base cloth models (was standard on 2006 Limited)

New options Remote Starter, pre-wired Pre-Wired for XM Satellite radio, all you do is subscribe Cargo cover, retractable (photo below) SE package with chrome grill and wheels, XM radio. Roll-over sensor activates side airbags if a roll-over is detected Back-up Warning Sensor beeps faster as you get closer to object behind you, with 2 volume settings or Off. The control is in the passenger side cargo area. photo back up beeper with high-low-off volume control, by right rear wheel well. optional retractable cargo cover

this is the standard upper console 'Information Display' with trip computer, clock, stereo info, door display etc  (unless you get Navigation)

standard dual zone climate control  and heated seats on the Limited

2007, 2006 Cargo Capacity, Folding Seats All seats folded flat- 74.4cf behind 2nd row- 37.6cf behind 3rd row- 8.3cf Maximum Payload 1,464-1,560 pounds Seats fold down- middle row 40/20/40, rear row 50/50 Cargo Dimensions: unofficial and hand measured
	A 40" wide at bottom of gate, 44" at center B 16.5" C 44" to top of 3rd row headrests. D 67-78" the middle row slides app 8" so it's a range E 32" floor to roof F 21.5" G 43" H 18.5" I 13" J 18.5" K 56" many more interior photos

top
start options 

2007 OPTION PACKAGES, individual options below How to read: MSRP (invoice) these factory or port installed prices, subject to change, correction optional rear bumper cover, trailer hitch, cargo tray (more hitch photos)
option	5 passenger	5 passenger Limited	7 passenger	7  passenger Limited	7 passenger Limited, Navigation	7 passenger Limited, DVD & Navigation
Special Edition Package Chromed Mesh Grill, Chromed 18"  Alloy Wheels XM Satellite radio.  $1,995 - $700 discount= $1,295  ($1,100) Note: the mesh grill is available  as a part and can be dealer installed,  part #J101SXA150. It also fits 2006 models	A	A	A	A	A	A
Popular Eq Group 1: Auto Dimming Mirror/Compass, Security System Shock Sensor: $293 ($190)	A	A	A	A	A	A
Popular Eq Group 2: Aero Crossbars and Splash Guards $359 ($214)	A	A	A	A	A	A
Protection Group 1 (5 pass) Rear Bumper Cover, Front Bumper Underguard All Weather Rubber floor mats, 2 rows, $303 ($195)	A	A	--	--	--	--
Protection Group 2 (7 pass) Front Bumper Underguard Rear Bumper Cover All Weather Rubber floor mats, 3 rows, $328 ($211)	--	--	A	A	A	A
Cargo Area Convenience Group 3 (5 pass) Cargo net, rear Cargo Tray Cargo Area Spotlight $167 ($102)	A	A	--	--	--	--
Cargo Area Convenience Group 4 (7 pass) Cargo net, rear Cargo Tray Cargo Area Spotlight $142 ($86)	--	--	A	A	A	A
Convenience Group 1 (not avail with DVD player) Puddle lights Rear dome reading light, $314 ($205)	A	A	A	A	A	--
model	5 passenger	5p Limited	7 passenger	7 passenger Limited	7 passenger Limited Navigation	7 passenger Limited DVD & Navigation

top

top

Slate Gray, Desert Beige interior, both have dark carpeting
(leather shown)

color chips
color availability by model and interior colors below

Newport Blue Pearl	2007 B9 Tribeca color sample chips.  Actual colors will vary
Harvest Gold Metallic	Diamond Gray Metallic  a rich, metallic darker gray
looks much whiter than this	lighter than this, a pale green

top
Emergency: towing, dashboard warning lights, jump starts, flat tires
Always call a professional like Subaru's Roadside Asistance 800 261-2155 or your own emergency service folks. And read the owner's manual.
Information here is unofficial and subject to change and correction, and a Subaru trained mechanic should repair or diagnose any and all issues!

Towing your Tribeca: Tow on a flat bed truck only. However if you have no choice but to tow on the ground there's potential transmission damage, keep the speed under 20mph and the distance under 31 miles, and any damage probably won't be covered by the warranty!

DRL  indicates that the Daytime Running Lights are on when the headlights are off

Low fuel light comes on with app 2.6 US gallons left.

Low tire pressure light TPMS- steady illumination when a tire is low, flashes there's a problem with the system. Take to mechanic.

VDC off light comes on when you have temporarily disabled the VDC system or when there's a problem with the system. Take to mechanic.

AWD light (AWD = all wheel drive) flashes if the vehicle is driven with mismatched or low tires which is always bad on an all-wheel-drive.

Indicates the transmission fluid is too hot. Slow down and avoid hard driving, hills, stop-go traffic etc. Take to mechanic.

Indicates rear differential fluid is too hot. Park, let it cool down and if the light goes out it's ok. Take to mechanic.

Indicates that there is a problem. Or a loose gas cap. Anyway, slow down and take to mechanic.

Jump starting
1.Connect one jumper to the positive (+) terminal on the dead battery and connect the other end to the positive (+) terminal of the good booster battery.
2. Connect one end of the other cable to the negative terminal of the good battery and clamp the other end of the cable to the strut mounting nut.

Flat tires
The Tribeca has TPMS Tire pressure monitoring. When a tire's pressure drop below appr. 27psi a dashboard warning light goes on. It doesn' t say which tire so check all of them.  Using compressed tire inflator sealant may help get you home etc but will damage the TPMS sensor. When a tire or wheel is replaced, the sensor has to be programmed.
The spare is outside under the back.
To lower the spare, remove the subfloor storage lid in the cargo area, take out the jack and remove an access cover and cap. Get the hex-headed hoist shaft tool in the tool kit and fit it into the hole and put the wheel lug nut wrench onto it and turn it counter clockwise. Be sure to remove (not simply keep it open) the subfloor storage lid before turning the wheel nut wrench, otherwise the lid may be damaged. To replace the spare just wind it back up until you hear a few clicks and make sure the tire is tight.

Articles more news, links and articles

5/16/2006 Cobb Tuning supercharges a Tribeca, gets 320 HP and 270 lb-ft of torque, plus adds bigger brakes, upgraded suspension and more! Cobb (of SLC, Utah) performance upgrades are available for a number of Subaru models. In the Seattle area, Mike Corbin's Smart Service is a local independent Subaru service dealer who not only provides everyday mechanical expertise but is also the total performance specialist!

10/31 We're not sure what's so "progressive" about this crossover SUV/wagon-type vehicle, but it's pretty cool nonetheless, from ign.com
10/21 10/21 Hispanic Community Newspaper, HispaniaNews.com 'Al fin, a vehicle made for Colorado, B9 Tribeca'
10/7/05 CanadaFreePress.com on the Tribeca
9/27/05 Tribeca Turbo Diesel for Europe? Subaru and Saab working with Porsche
9/2/05 Oops.. Columnist Richard Farago doesn't like the Tribeca but an over-the-top review gets him in trouble with his SF newspaper employer. Read the original review at jalopnik.com. Here's his homepage http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/resumes.html
8/10/05 Motor Trend on the 2006 line-up and a review of the Tribeca
July 2005 Automobile.com
May-June 2005 Washington Post, USA Today,  Edmunds.com, Autoweek, AutoChannel, Chicago Sun-Times, Post Gazette
April 2005- Motor Trend,  Boston Globe, globeandmail.com, Race and Ace "win a Tribeca" golf contest May 7th Bend, Oregon;
March  2005-  Car and Driver
 

Speed test
July 2005 Motor Trend
0-60mph 8.9sec; 1/4 mile 16.7 @ 84.1 mph; 60-0 braking 124ft

Notes and comments from yours truly

on the 2007
Fewer color combinations and model choices? Yes, there were far too many 06 choices
Memory Seat is a must have and long overdue
Good: brake assist, roll-over sensor, remote starter, back-up sensor,
iPod plug in? Lots of people ask for it
Wait and see: suspension refinements
Back up camera with Navigation is good for safety and worth having, besides it's cool.
Blacked out grill: some folks liked the 2006 chrome grill, some didn't. Now there are 2 choices, 3 counting the 06 chrome grill which should fit.
SE Model with chromed alloys, grill and XM radio? Ok.

Things they didn't fix? Still no tailgate key, no ashtray- even though I don't smoke may folks do, besides that's where you put parking meter change
 

on the 2006
A winner but not pefect...
the good impressions
The look This isn't a Toyota or BMW and I like it! Sure I've heard comparisons to Edsel, Alfa etc but who cares, it's different and stands out a bit.
The ride A Subaru with a smooth quiet ride, comfortable seats, easy access dashboard, many cool features.
Safety When safety is important, the Tribeca is impressive with  6 standard airbags, VDC all wheel drive, tire monitoring, 4 channel ABS and more
Features Many features, it's really very well equipped, a good value in all models, especially the lower priced ones when compared to other similar SUVs.
Navigation system, a 1st for Subaru, works well.
Cupholders galore.
Handling: Turns on a dime, fits into tight parking spaces like a small car, and corners securely without being top-heavy or tippy at all. This is a sporty SUV!
Acceleration is strong, freeways are no problem. The Sportshift automatic transmission responds quickly and smoothly.
Seating: good visibility of the front corners which is important.
Lighting: lots of interior lighting... the lights under the front seats for middle row access are well conceived, as is the red dot night-light by the overhead map lights and pale blue center console cupholder lights. IMHO the optional Puddle Lights are a big hit and may be a small thing to some folks but they're fun and a 'Subaru Difference'.
Hood with struts, long overdue.
your comments?

the bad impressions
The silly: can we just call it Tribeca or do we have to use the B9 which makes it sound like a vitamin pill.
Minor concern: no keyhole in the tailgate or way to manually unlock/open the tailgate from the front, so emergency access to the cargo area when the car is locked and the battery dead becomes a safety concern, esp if you have medicine or a pet locked back there (don't).
Missing: where is the memory seat, 8 way passenger seat, reverse-gear mirror drop-down, and telescoping steering wheel that should be standard on the Limiteds?
And where-oh-where is the ashtray? Really I can't find it, this has to be an oversight... where am I supposed to put parking meter change? UPDATE August 18: an ashtray in now optional, fits in the cupholder!

More idle thoughts: The key and remote keyfob should be combined into one unit because they are unnecessarily large and clunky.
The US navigation doesn't switch to Celcius. Canada gets C, US gets F.
The navigation screen should be recessed more to block the sun, and the touch screen shows fingerprints. Oh well...
Sterero needs iPod plugs (there are none) and more power.
The glovebox is too small for more than the owner's manual but there's lots of storage pockets to make up for it. Why is it so small anyway?
Rear headroom is tight and it's really more of a 5+2 than a true 7 passenger.
Rear cargo cover? Works but could be better.
your comments?

This 100% unofficial page by Joe Spitz who is solely responsible for all information.
Information subject to change and correction, not responsible for typos, errors, omissions.
Tips, comments welcomed.
homepage, contact

Many thanks, Joe
top