2001-2006 Mazda Tribute: Overview
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Cargo room
Cons
- Noise
- Control layout (2001-03)
Vehicle Highlights
Mazda's first sport-utility vehicle since the old Explorer-based Navajo was a slightly upscale version of the also-new Ford Escape. With an available V6 engine, it offered more power than a Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, or similar compact SUVs. Both the Tribute and the Escape were manufactured at a Ford plant, on a new purpose-designed Mazda platform but using Ford-sourced powertrains. The two makes used different styling and suspension settings. Like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, Tribute had carlike unibody construction and a fully independent suspension. The base DX four-cylinder edition came only with manual shift, using the same engine as Ford's Focus. Mazda borrowed the 3.0-liter V6 from the midsize Ford Taurus, making it optional for the DX and standard in the LX and ES. Only a four-speed automatic transmission was available with V6 power. Tributes came with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, which lacked low-range gearing but had a dashboard switch that locked in a 50/50 front-rear torque split. All-wheel drive automatically directed up to 50 percent of power to the rear wheels, if front-wheel slippage occurred. Standard wheels were 16-inch, and the rear liftgate had a separately-opening hatch window. LX and ES Tributes could have optional antilock braking and front side airbags, and came with 60/40 split-fold rear seatbacks. The ES also was fitted with leather upholstery.
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Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mazda Tribute ES AWD Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 55 |








