2003 Mazda Tribute: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Mazda makes antilock brakes standard on the top-line ES model and adds minor interior cosmetic revisions to this slightly upscale version of the Ford Escape for 2003. 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. For '03, ABS remains optional on the LX and unavailable on DX. LX and ES come with 60/40 split fold rear seatbacks; front side airbags are optional on LX and ES only. The ES has leather upholstery. Tribute's performance and accommodations mirror those of comparably equipped Escapes.

COMPETITION

Though our Best Buys, 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. CR-V has a bit more on-road refinement and cargo space.

Another car-based mini-SUV, Subaru Forester is a 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. The Jeep Liberty may lack some of the advantages of more-carlike SUVs, but it leads the pack in off-road ability. It's Recommended as an affordable, capable competitor.