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2002 Mazda Tribute Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2002 Mazda Tribute Review:
2002 Mazda Tribute Review
Interior revisions keynote 2002 changes to this slightly upscale version of the Ford Escape. Tribute shares its platform and Ford engines with Escape, but has different styling and suspension settings. Like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, Tribute has unibody construction and independent suspension. Sixteen-inch wheels and a rear liftgate with separate hatch window are standard. Tribute offers front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive that lacks low-range gearing but has a dashboard switch that locks in a 50/50 front-rear torque split. The base DX model has a 4-cyl engine with manual transmission. LX and ES models have a V6/automatic combination. LX and ES can get optional ABS and front side airbags and come with 60/40 split-fold rear seatbacks; ES also has leather upholstery. In addition to revised front seats, the '02 interior changes include reshaped steering-column transmission and wiper levers intended to improve access to dashboard controls. LX and ES models also gain steering-wheel audio controls.
Competition
Ignored in the past, compact SUVs are now some of the hottest-selling vehicles around. Though our Best Buys, the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Mazda Tribute don't offer true off-road ability, they do mix ride comfort, cargo capacity, and versatility with all-weather traction. The V6 Tribute/Escape offers more power, comfort, and space than any in its class.
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, but it blends excellent on-road manners with SUV styling.
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, but it blends excellent on-road manners with SUV styling.
News
Tribute sells nowhere near as well as the Ford Escape, but that's only because parent Ford has more dealers and builds more Escapes to suit. Despite that limitation, Mazda's first compact SUV has so far been a creditable seller, amassing some 39,500 deliveries through the third quarter of 2001.
Like Escape, Tribute is still a relative newcomer, so industry moles see no basic change in either version for the next few years. Tribute, however, is the junior partner here, and will thus be denied the hybrid powertrain option being planned for Escape in the 2003 model year.
Like Escape, Tribute is still a relative newcomer, so industry moles see no basic change in either version for the next few years. Tribute, however, is the junior partner here, and will thus be denied the hybrid powertrain option being planned for Escape in the 2003 model year.
2002 Mazda Tribute Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Cargo room | Noise |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
No 4-dr 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-cyl model.
| ES AWD | Class Average |
| 5 | 3.5 |
No 4-dr 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-cyl model.
Fuel Economy
Extended-use-test AWD V6 Tribute averaged 19.5 mpg over its 24,308 mi. test, including several long highway trips. Test AWD V6 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 averaged 19.5 mpg over its 24,308 mi. test, including several long highway trips. Test AWD V6 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 |
| 4 | 3.7 |
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. In typical SUV fashion, body leans and nose plows in fast, sharp turns, but Tribute is otherwise balanced and confident in changes of direction.
| ES AWD | Class Average |
| 5 | 3.7 |
Steering is notably direct, and directional stability is impressive even in gusty crosswinds. In typical SUV fashion, body leans and nose plows in fast, sharp turns, but Tribute is otherwise balanced and confident in changes of direction.
Quietness
Not car-quiet, and you may need to raise voices at 75 mph. Wind roar is noticed, and tires whine on coarse surfaces.
| ES AWD | Class Average |
| 4 | 3.3 |
Not car-quiet, and you may need to raise voices at 75 mph. 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. But there's no independent control for air recirculation or air conditioning. The original automatic-transmission column shift lever was long enough to interfere with the driver's ability to see and reach some audio and climate controls. We haven't had an opportunity to test the new, shorter, reshaped lever.
| ES AWD | Class Average |
| 5 | 4.8 |
Climate and audio systems are high on the dashboard, within easy reach, and with large, simple controls. But there's no independent control for air recirculation or air conditioning. The original automatic-transmission column shift lever was long enough to interfere with the driver's ability to see and reach some audio and climate controls. We haven't had an opportunity to test the new, shorter, reshaped lever.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Revised seats firm and supportive. Taller riders may want more head room in sunroof-equipped models, but it's otherwise generous. 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 | 5 |
Revised seats firm and supportive. Taller riders may want more head room in sunroof-equipped models, but it's otherwise generous. 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 well-shaped. Tribute's leg and toe room exceed that of many larger SUVs, 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 | 3.7 |
Roomier and more comfortable than any other compact SUV. Seat is tall and well-shaped. Tribute's leg and toe room exceed that of many larger SUVs, and a nearly flat floor helps center-position comfort. Step-in is taller than most in class, but doorways are wide.
Cargo Room
Not the largest among compact SUVs, but plenty roomy. Rear seatbacks fold flat once the headrests are removed and the seat bottoms tilted forward. Standard separate-opening rear glass is an added convenience.
| ES AWD | Class Average |
| 7 | 6.7 |
Not the largest among compact SUVs, but plenty roomy. Rear seatbacks fold flat once the headrests are removed and the seat bottoms tilted forward. Standard separate-opening rear glass is an added convenience.
Value within Class
Tribute aims for a more-conservative and slightly more-upscale audience than its Escape sibling. But both are solid, spacious, and rewarding to drive. Each costs in the mid-$20,000 range fully equipped, making them high-value alternatives to many truck-based SUVs that may be larger on the outside, but don't have significantly more interior space and use more gas.
| ES AWD | Class Average |
| 10 | 5.4 |
Tribute aims for a more-conservative and slightly more-upscale audience than its Escape sibling. But both are solid, spacious, and rewarding to drive. Each costs in the mid-$20,000 range fully equipped, making them high-value alternatives to many truck-based SUVs that may be larger on the outside, but don't have significantly more interior space and use more gas.
Total Score
| ES AWD | Class Average |
| 56 | 44.6 |
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 27 | |
| Average Score | 44 | |
| High Score | 62 |
2002 Mazda Tribute Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 09/19/2001
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| DX 4-door wagon, 2WD | $18,155 | $16,968 | $540 |
|
|
|||
| DX 4-door wagon, AWD | $19,855 | $18,554 | $540 |
|
|
|||
| LX 4-door wagon, 2WD | $21,485 | $20,076 | $540 |
|
|
|||
| LX 4-door wagon, AWD | $22,685 | $21,195 | $540 |
|
|
|||
| ES 4-door wagon, 2WD | $22,715 | $21,222 | $540 |
|
|
|||
| ES 4-door wagon, AWD | $23,915 | $22,341 | $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
Powertrain
2.0-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, variable intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, map lights, automatic-off headlights, remote fuel door/hatch release, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, roof rack.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
215/70R16 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
LX adds to DX:
Powertrain
3.0-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, steering-wheel radio controls, 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 |
|
Luxury Pkg.
|
||
|
LX, ES
|
$1,090
|
$948
|
|
Power sunroof, overhead console, AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, premium speakers.
|
||
|
Trailer Tow Pkg.
|
||
|
DX V6, LX, ES
|
$355
|
$310
|
|
Engine-oil cooler, tow bar, Class II trailer hitch, trailer-wiring harness.
|
||
|
|
||
Safety |
||
|
Antilock brakes
|
||
|
LX, ES
|
$250
|
$218
|
|
Front side airbags
|
||
|
LX, ES
|
$250
|
$218
|
|
Requires antilock brakes.
|
||
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
6-way power driver seat
|
||
|
LX
|
$250
|
$218
|
|
Premium Audio Pkg.
|
||
|
LX, ES
|
$505
|
$439
|
|
AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, premium speakers.
|
||
|
Cassette player
|
||
|
DX, ES, LX
|
$200
|
$160
|
|
In-dash 6-disc CD changer
|
||
|
DX, ES, LX
|
$500
|
$400
|
|
Automatic day/night rearview mirror
|
||
|
DX, LX
|
$230
|
$185
|
|
Floormats
|
||
|
DX, ES, LX
|
$70
|
$45
|
|
Cargo mat
|
||
|
DX, ES, LX
|
$49
|
$35
|
|
Cargo net
|
||
|
DX, ES, LX
|
$35
|
$21
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Rear spoiler
|
||
|
DX, ES, LX
|
$250
|
$220
|
|
Tubular side steps
|
||
|
DX, ES, LX
|
$350
|
$270
|
|
Alarm system
|
||
|
DX, ES, LX
|
$115
|
$69
|
|
Rear step bumper
|
||
|
DX, ES, LX
|
$89
|
$65
|
|
Black pearl emblems
|
||
|
DX, ES, LX
|
$150
|
$120
|
|
Complete black pearl emblem pkg.
|
||
|
DX, ES, LX
|
$285
|
$230
|
|
Black pearl emblems plus hood and liftgate bezels.
|
||
|
|
||
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
||
|
Wheel locks
|
||
|
DX, ES, LX
|
$30
|
$20
|
|
|
||
2002 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. | 15.3 |
| 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 | 22/25 | --/-- |
| 4-speed automatic | --/-- | 18/23 |
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 |
| Rollover Resistance | 3 |
| 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 2002 Mazda Tribute Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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