2001 Mazda Tribute: Road Test

Archived Review

2001 Mazda Tribute 

Select a Trim ▼

  • MSRP: $17,210 -$23,430
  • Invoice: $16,087 -$21,889

Previous Year's Reviews

View Another Vehicle

Our road test for the 2001 Mazda Tribute includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Mazda Tribute from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Mazda Tribute, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Mazda Tribute help you decide if a 2001 Mazda Tribute is right for you.

Advertisement

ACCELERATION

ES AWD Class Average
5 3.5

No 4-door compact SUV has as much power as the V6 Tribute/Escape. Acceleration is satisfying at all speeds and the automatic transmission shifts smoothly. We have not tested a 4-cylinder model.

FUEL ECONOMY

ES AWD Class Average
5 4.8

Extended-use-test AWD V6 Tribute is averaging 19.5 mpg over its first 16,362 mi., including several long highway trips. Test V6 AWD Escapes averaged 18-19.2 mpg. We haven't had an opportunity to measure economy with the 4 cyl.

RIDE QUALITY

ES AWD Class Average
5 3.4

Very taut over bumps, but without float or wallow at highway speeds.

STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING

ES AWD Class Average
5 3.9

Steering is notably direct, and directional stability is impressive even in gusty crosswinds. Body leans and nose plows in fast sharp turns, in typical SUV fashion, but Tribute is otherwise balanced and confident in changes of direction.

QUIETNESS

ES AWD Class Average
5 3.2

Not quite car-quiet. No need to raise voices even at 75 mph, but wind roar is noticed, and tires whine on coarse surfaces.

CONTROLS

ES AWD Class Average
5 4.9

Climate and audio systems are high on the dashboard, within easy reach, and with large, simple controls. The automatic-transmission's column stalk is long and a little awkward, and there's no independent control for air recirculation or air conditioning.

ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)

ES AWD Class Average
6 4.9

Generous head room even with intrusion from the sunroof housing. Those with long legs will have to move the passenger seat well back, but overall, the cabin feels spacious and airy.

ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)

ES AWD Class Average
5 3.5

Roomier and more comfortable than any other compact SUV. Seat is tall and supportive, leg and toe room exceed that in the average midsize SUV, and a nearly flat floor helps center-position comfort. Step-in is taller than most in class, but doorways are wide.

CARGO ROOM

ES AWD Class Average
7 6.8

Wide, tall cargo hold is the largest in this class. Rear seatback easily folds flat after headrests are removed. Standard separate opening liftgate window is a nice touch.

VALUE WITHIN CLASS

ES AWD Class Average
10 4.7

Substantial feel, roomy, comfortable, even fun to drive, Tribute and Escape are compact SUV all-stars. Priced in the mid-$20,000 range full equipped, they're also sensible alternatives to any number of midsize SUVs, especially truck-based wagons less efficient in their use of space and fuel.

Total Score

ES AWD Class Average
58 43.6

Total Score: 58

Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
27
Average Score
43
High Score
60

Car Buying Resources

Trade-in Calculator

Research how much your car is truly worth.

Trade-in Calculator

Used Cars

Search online classifieds and find a local dealer.

Search Local Listings

Vehicle History Report

Get a CARFAX Vehicle History Report. The first...

Get a CARFAX report

What's Under the Hood?

Learn about how cars work.

Learn Things

Insurance

We're dedicated to making insurance easier.

Get Insurance

Sell Your Car

Reach over 8 million buyers.

Sell Your Car

Search
Local Listings


to

submit

Vehicle
History Report

CARFAX

FREE CARFAX Record Check

Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.

Go
Advertisement
Advertisement