Cheap Interior, Marginal Room Mar Otherwise Impressive SUV
Written: Aug 09 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Standard Subaru reliability and traction.
Cons: Chintzy plastics; ridiculous rear legroom.
The Bottom Line: Stick with the Highlander or the Pilot; the Subaru just isn't in the same league.
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| mattthegeek's Full Review: 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca |
I've always been a fan of Subarus, but have never appreciated the look or stance of the Forester. Notwithstanding the ugly nose (that apparently will be adopted across the entire Subaru product line), I was very much looking forward to the TriBeCa. At least until I saw one up close and personal.
The Star-Wars style interior looks great and is probably ergonomically sound, but all it takes is a few minutes of playing with the buttons and knobs before you become disappointed with the cheap plastics and poor actuation. The temperature- and fan speed-control circles feel particularly chintzy. Subaru should take a page from Honda's book when it comes to interior plastics. The TriBeCa interior just doesn't seem durable.
The prospect of stuffing seven people into a TriBeCa is ludicrous. I wouldn't even consider the seven-passenger model because rear seat room is so compromised. Even the five-passenger model offers dissapointing rear seat room if the front passengers push their seats back (as I must, being 6'5"). I have a Toyota Highlander now, and its rear seat is much more accomodating, even with the front seats all the way back.
Also disappointing is the fact that the nav system is apparently only available in the seven-passenger model.
I'm sure that this Subaru, like all others, will provide years of reliable service together with spectacular foul-weather handling. It's a non-starter for me, though, due to the poor quality and feel of the switchgear, together with the lack of legroom for rear occupants.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
mattthegeek
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Reviews written: 1
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