Mazda Tribute 2001 - 2006 review

Overview

2005 Mazda Tribute. Photo: Mazda Canada

2005 Mazda Tribute Photo: Mazda Canada

Mazda Tribute is a nice-looking, roomy, functional moderately-priced mid-size car-based SUV. The Tribute was developed in association with Ford; Ford Escape is built on the same platform.

Available as front- or four-wheel drive, the Tribute offers car-like unibody construction with fully independent suspension and transversely-mounted 4-cylinder or V6 engine. Transmission choices include 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. The ABS is optional (standard from 2006). The Tribute has disk brakes in the front, drums in the back (late models have optional four-wheel disk brakes).

The interior is plain-looking, nothing fancy, but it feels comfortable and roomy. There is plenty of head room. Tall driver's position offers good visibility. The split rear seat can be easily folded flat (with headrests removed) for extra cargo room. The rear hatch window opens separately, which is a big plus.

Mazda Tribute handles very well for an SUV; it feels more like a car than a truck. The ride is firm and a bit noisy at highway speed. The 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine is responsive, but may feel a bit underpowered with a full load. The 3.0L V6 is smooth. Available four-wheel drive system provides good traction on a slippery road, although it's not designed for heavy off-roading.

In the NHTSA frontal crash test, the 2001-2004 Mazda Tribute has received five stars for the driver, four stars for the front passenger. The 2004-2006 Tribute has four stars for both the driver and the front passenger. In the NHTSA side crash tests the 2001-2006 Tribute has received five stars.

The engine

Mazda Tribute 2.3L DOHC 16-valve engine

Mazda Tribute is available with two engine choices:

The 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC 130-hp 4-cylinder Ford Zetec engine, which starting from 2005 was replaced with the 2.3L 153-hp 4-cylinder Mazda MZR engine.

The more powerful choice is the 3.0-liter 200-hp DOHC 24-valve Ford Duratec V6 engine.

Only the 2.0L engine has a timing belt that according to the owner's manual, needs to be replaced every 144,000 km (90,000 miles). Both the 4-cylinder 2.3L engine and the 3.0 V6 have a maintenance-free timing chain that does not require regular replacement. All three engines, although not completely trouble-free, are fairly reliable if maintained properly and don't have major problems.

Pros

- Good styling, perfect size
- Comfortable and spacious interior
- Functional design
- Good handling, maneuverability
- Not very expensive
- Powerful V6
- Rear seat folds flat

Cons

- Poor gas mileage for V6 models
- Early models have transmission shifter blocking the radio controls
- Ignition switch location
- Excessive road and wind noise at highway speed
- The quality and reliability could be better

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