2006 Subaru Tribeca

With its 2006 B9 Tribeca, Subaru officially enters the large-car market. Although wildly popular, the Outback and Forrester models had never offered more than 4-person seating. The Tribeca shatters that barrier with room for seven in one of its possible configurations. Manufactured in Indiana , the B9 Tribeca promises to only improve Subaru's already healthy reputation as a builder of quality cars, made in America .

The Tribeca looks bigger than it is. Its wheelbase measures out at 108.2, only 3 inches longer than the much more compact Outback model. The overall dimensions come in at 189.8 inches in length, 73.9 inches wide and 66.4 inches tall. The seven-spoke cast aluminum wheels hold 18-inch tires.

The B9 offers an all-aluminum V6, which offers 250 HP and 219 pounds-feet of torque. There is no manual option; all models come with a 5-speed automatic transmission with a Sportshift provision for manual gear changes. Towing capacity maxes out at around 3, 500lbs on properly-equipped models.

Inside, the B9 offers five-passenger and seven-passenger options.

The second row bench seat offers a 40/20/40 split, with each section able to recline independently. With a split third-row seat put in, two more passengers can be accommodated. With the third-row option, cargo space is obviously reduced, and accessing the third row isn't the easiest of tasks,

Interior styling is impressive and understated, offering aluminum accents and large easy-to-read electroluminescent dials, spaced cleverly to maintain clear sightlines while driving. A sizable navigation/information touchscreen comes standard, while rear entertainment options include a DVD player and a 9-inch screen for keeping backseat passengers happy. Also standard are a moonroof, heated front seats, keyless entry and a powerful CD stereo, which can also play mp3s.

Safety features include standard first row and second row curtain-type airbags, and the antilock brakes make use of electronic brake-force distribution. Safety is also improved by a tire-pressure monitoring system (no more fiddling with gauges!) and Subaru's Vehicle Dynamics Control electronic stability system.

For a vehicle that can haul 7 passengers, the B9 makes no concessions to handling and performance. Acceleration is good, and cornering offers no surprises. The automatic transmission is smooth and kicks in at appropriate speeds. The steering could be a little tighter, and some engine noise appears at high revs, but overall the experience of riding in a B9 is an appealing one. The model does nothing to damage Subaru's reputation for building solid cars.