Vehicle History Report
Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.
- • New Cars
2001 Mazda Tribute Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2001 Mazda Tribute Review:
2001 Mazda Tribute Review
This slightly upscale version of the Ford Escape is built by Ford on a new Mazda platform and uses Ford engines, though styling and suspension settings differ from Escape's. Like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, Tribute has unibody construction and independent suspension. It offers front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing but with a dashboard switch that locks in a 50/50 front-rear torque split. The base DX model comes with a 4-cyl engine and manual transmission. LX and EX have a V6/automatic combination that's optional for DX. LX and ES are eligible for optional ABS and front side airbags. Tribute has 16-inch wheels and a rear liftgate with separate hatch window. LX and ES have 60/40 split-fold rear seatbacks, and ES has leather upholstery. Tribute's performance and accommodations mirror those of similarly equipped Escapes.
Competition
Ignored in the past, compact SUVs are now some of the hottest-selling vehicles around. Though our Best Buy Honda CR-V doesn't offer true off-road ability and has milquetoast acceleration, it does mix ride comfort, cargo capacity, and versatility with all-weather traction.
Another car-based mini-SUV, the Subaru Forester, is our Recommended choice. Like the CR-V it doesn't have a low range for serious off-road use, it blends excellent on-road manners with SUV styling.
New this year are the Ford Escape and clone Mazda Tribute. We have been very impressed with early production models and may elevate these two to Best Buys after we get more seat time.
Another car-based mini-SUV, the Subaru Forester, is our Recommended choice. Like the CR-V it doesn't have a low range for serious off-road use, it blends excellent on-road manners with SUV styling.
New this year are the Ford Escape and clone Mazda Tribute. We have been very impressed with early production models and may elevate these two to Best Buys after we get more seat time.
News
This new model is just reaching showrooms, but keep checking back with us for updated information as it becomes available.
2001 Mazda Tribute Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Cargo room | Noise |
| Steering/handling | Control layout (automatic transmission) |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
Very taut over bumps, but without float or wallow at highway speeds.
| ES AWD | Class Average |
| 5 | 3.4 |
Very taut over bumps, but without float or wallow at highway speeds.
Steering/Handling/Braking
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.
| 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
Not quite car-quiet. No need to raise voices even at 75 mph, but wind roar is noticed, and tires whine on coarse surfaces.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 27 | |
| Average Score | 43 | |
| High Score | 60 |
2001 Mazda Tribute Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/25/2001
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| DX 4-cylinder 4-door wagon, 2WD | $17,210 | $16,087 | $540 |
|
|
|||
| DX 4-cylinder 4-door wagon, AWD | $18,910 | $17,672 | $540 |
|
|
|||
| DX V6 4-door wagon, 2WD | $19,545 | $18,267 | $540 |
|
|
|||
| DX V6 4-door wagon, AWD | $20,945 | $19,572 | $540 |
|
|
|||
| LX 4-door wagon, 2WD | $21,225 | $19,834 | $540 |
|
|
|||
| LX 4-door wagon, AWD | $22,425 | $20,953 | $540 |
|
|
|||
| ES 4-door wagon, 2WD | $22,230 | $20,770 | $540 |
|
|
|||
| ES 4-door wagon, AWD | $23,430 | $21,889 | $540 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
DX 4-cylinder
Powertrain
2.0-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, variable-assist power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, variable intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, map lights, automatic headlights, remote fuel door/hatch release, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, roof rack.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
215/70R16 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
DX V6 adds to DX 4-cylinder:
Powertrain
3.0-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
LX adds to DX V6:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, remote keyless entry, split folding rear seat, cargo cover.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
235/70R16 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
ES adds to LX:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, 6-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, overhead console.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Popular Equipment Pkg.
|
||
|
DX 4-cylinder
|
$700
|
$609
|
|
DX V6
|
$845
|
$735
|
|
Remote keyless entry, rear privacy glass, wheel lip moldings (DX V6), 235/70R16 tires (DX V6), alloy wheels.
|
||
|
Luxury Pkg.
|
||
|
LX, ES
|
$1,090
|
$948
|
|
Power sunroof, overhead console, Premium Audio Pkg.
|
||
|
Trailer Tow Pkg.
|
||
|
DX V6, LX, ES
|
$350
|
$305
|
|
Engine oil cooler, tow bar, hitch, trailer wiring harness.
|
||
|
|
||
Safety |
||
|
Front side airbags and antilock brakes
|
||
|
LX, ES
|
$495
|
$431
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Lighter and ashtray
|
||
|
DX 4-cylinder, DX V6, ES, LX
|
$28
|
$28
|
|
Premium Audio Pkg.
|
||
|
LX, ES
|
$505
|
$439
|
|
AM/FM/cassette, in-dash 6-disc CD changer, premium speakers.
|
||
|
Cassette player
|
||
|
DX 4-cylinder, DX V6, ES, LX
|
$200
|
$160
|
|
Floormats
|
||
|
DX 4-cylinder, DX V6, ES, LX
|
$70
|
$45
|
|
Caro mat
|
||
|
DX 4-cylinder, DX V6, ES, LX
|
$49
|
$35
|
|
Cargo net
|
||
|
DX 4-cylinder, DX V6, ES, LX
|
$35
|
$21
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Alarm system
|
||
|
DX 4-cylinder, DX V6, ES, LX
|
$115
|
$69
|
|
DX requires Popular Equipment Pkg.
|
||
|
Rear step bumper
|
||
|
DX 4-cylinder, DX V6, ES, LX
|
$89
|
$65
|
|
|
||
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
||
|
Wheel locks
|
||
|
DX 4-cylinder, DX V6, ES, LX
|
$30
|
$20
|
|
DX requires Popular Equipment Pkg.
|
||
|
|
||
2001 Mazda Tribute Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mazda Tribute 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 173.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 69.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3245 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 63.9 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.3 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.7 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.9 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.9 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.0 /121 | 3.0 /182 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 130 @ 5400 | 200 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 135 @ 4500 | 200 @ 4750 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 5-speed manual | 22/26 | --/-- |
| 4-speed automatic | --/-- | 18/24 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Mazda Tribute 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Also in the 2001 Mazda Tribute Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
Sell Your Car
Powered by:
-
MAKE -
CATEGORY
Acura
Aston Martin
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Buick
Cadillac
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Ford
GMC
Honda
Hummer
Hyundai
Infiniti
Isuzu
Jaguar
Jeep
Kia
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lotus
Maserati
Mazda
Mercedes-Benz
Mercury
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pontiac
Porsche
Rolls-Royce
Roush
Saab
Saturn
Scion
Smart
Subaru
Suzuki
Toyota
Volkswagen
Volvo
Subcompact Car
Compact Car
Midsize Car
Large Car
Premium Midsize Car
Premium Large Car
Sporty/performance Car
Premium Sporty/performance Car
Minivan
Full-size Van
Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Compact Pickup Truck
Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Premium Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Pickup Truck
Premium Compact Car
Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Exotic Car
