My understanding—and this is from someone deep within SOA—that the 3.6 engine should have been part of the original Tribeca package, but Subaru, being as small as they are, simply didn't have the "manpower" to do both the 3.6 engine and the (then) all-new Tribeca all at once.
 
Also, the restyled Tribeca is essentially the stillborn Saab 9-6x (the second Saabaru) that never materialized because GM got rid of Subaru. Again, I've had this confirmed by a couple of people deep within SOA. I did a blog on this a while ago over on Straightline.
 
http://66.160.188.111/Straightline/2590
 
It saved a lot of development costs and the timing was perfect, as the Tribeca was not selling. So this made it a quick, easy and cheap fix.
 
It's also a bit ironic that the controversial original styling is now being "missed," as I've read a number of comments from people who prefer the original distinctive look to this new bland look.
 
Karl, does Edmunds plan on doing a long-term test on this Tribeca, or better still, the all-new WRX when it arrives?

Karl, how much of the Tribeca's sluggish sales profile would you attribute to its mediocre performance as opposed to its styling?

Count me in on the group who liked the styling of the original - it had style!
 
My wife and I looked at the 5 seat version at the end of last summer to replace her 4Runner. She dismissed it because while the interior was unique and stylish, the materials didn't pass the visual and touch test - cheap - so we never even drove it. It doesn't look / sound like this has been addressed. I say, leave the exterior, improve the interior materials (call Hyundai for tips) and improve the drivetrain (though I never drove the original).
 
Glad the Saab version never got off the ground ("born from jets" :-)) although I guess the Saab name can't get much more watered down than it is already. I still like the mid to late 80's 900 Turbo - wouldn't mind having one.

Glad Subaru have made the changes that were needed within 2 years of launch.
 
Karl - are you planning on posting your views of the Saturn Vue which you tested earlier but were embargoed until May 25th?

I think you are sick of crossovers and there is no pleasing you. I agree, except I kinda like the CX-7.
 
Karl,
Were you charged double on the labor for the GT?

I think the Tribeca's weak sales were mostly from the controversial styling, as few people got past that enough to discover the weak/raspy drivetrain (or, if they got past the exterior styling the interior turned some off, as mentioned above). Again, the improvement to the drivetrain does far more to help the Tribeca than the watered-down styling does to hurt it. In this market segment "safe" is probably always a better bet than "controversial."
 
I'll try to post something on the new Vue on that post -- if I can remember enough specifics to justify a comment. I know I wasn't blown away by the cars engine or driving dynamics, but certainly an improvement over the last version (if you're thinking, "that's not saying much" you're right).
 
No resolution ot the GT's labor work yet. I took it in last week and it ran fine and they'd "couldn't repeat problem" with the stalling or find a vacuum leak in the fuel system. Grrr...
 
I'm going to put an update in the GT's long-term blog right now.

"...they've bailed on the traditional Subaru take-it-or-leave-it styling..." You nailed it right there.
 
I see plenty of the "old" 'becas daily and I look at each and every one. I may pass two dozen RXs and Pacificas, but I don't see them.

I agree with you boxer - the current Tribeca always turns my head and have felt from the first one I saw that they look much better in person than in photos.
 
Karl, I hope you get a resolution to your GT issues soon. It's too bad that there isn't a way to get it serviced on the same level that it was engineered and built. I take it that you are dealing with a "regular" Ford dealer? It was nagging issues with my/our Fords, both with the vehicles and incompetent service, and the depreciation which has moved me/us away from the brand - after having nothing but blue ovals in my veins for most of my life. The GT is a GREAT car - no doubt - I just hope the dealer service is up to the task over time.

Any articles coming soon regarding dealer's customer service, ethics, etc.? I suspect there is some pent up animosity, and possibly praise.

I know it's hard to create something completely unique every time, and taking risks with styling rarely pays off. But... does it have to look EXACTLY like a Hyundai Santa Fe? They are all starting to look the same to me as well.

It doesn't look like the Hyundai Santa Fe in my opinion. As Bob mentioned earlier, it looks like the Saab 9-6x that never saw the light of day.
 
Think about it. A facelift for its third model year is pretty soon (except for the second-generation Impreza which got one in US MY2004 and MY2006). Using what Saab had already done must have surely reduced the time and development cost of getting the facelifted 'Beca out for MY2008. I was hoping the 9-6x would be mentioned in the full test, but it wasn't.