This won't shock anyone, but the Mazda Tribute is just a re-badged version of the Ford Escape. It's got the same engines, same transmissions and same capabilities, and the only major difference is in regard to suspension tuning. The Tribute gets a stiffer ride than the Ford. Zoom-zoom, and all that.
When it launched in 2001 alongside the Escape, it was bigger than a CRV or a Rav4, as well as somewhat more rugged looking as well.
Why look for a used Tribute? As an alternative to something like most other 'Cute Utes' with which it shared its market, there are a few key benefits.
Unlike the CRV, Rav4 or Outlander, you can actually take Tribute through some fairly decent off-road trails thanks to plentiful clearance and an intelligent all wheel drive system that knows what it's doing.
There was a V6 engine available too- namely a three-liter unit with 201 horsepower. You may find this engine noisy and unrefined- though it gets the Tribute moving along just fine and delivers reasonable fuel economy in the process. There's also a two-liter inline four cylinder engine, as well as a larger 2.3 liter four cylinder with 120 or 153 horsepower, respectively. The choice of four-cylinder engines depends on the year you're shopping in- with the larger and more powerful unit coming to market in 2005.
Automatic or manual gearboxes could be matched with the four cylinder engine, though the V6 came standard with a four-speed automatic. Two or four wheel drive models were available. If you plan to stick it to winter driving conditions or go off-roading in your spare time, look for a Tribute 4x4. If you just want a visual substitute for a minivan, the 2 wheel drive model will do you fine.
The entire machine rides a unibody structure with four-wheel independent suspension for a reasonably comfortable and car-like ride in the type of machine that can often leave occupants jarred and shaken. Steering is also car-like, and towing of up to 3500 lbs. was possible.
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| 2001 Mazda Tribute |
When it launched in 2001 alongside the Escape, it was bigger than a CRV or a Rav4, as well as somewhat more rugged looking as well.
Why look for a used Tribute? As an alternative to something like most other 'Cute Utes' with which it shared its market, there are a few key benefits.
Unlike the CRV, Rav4 or Outlander, you can actually take Tribute through some fairly decent off-road trails thanks to plentiful clearance and an intelligent all wheel drive system that knows what it's doing.
There was a V6 engine available too- namely a three-liter unit with 201 horsepower. You may find this engine noisy and unrefined- though it gets the Tribute moving along just fine and delivers reasonable fuel economy in the process. There's also a two-liter inline four cylinder engine, as well as a larger 2.3 liter four cylinder with 120 or 153 horsepower, respectively. The choice of four-cylinder engines depends on the year you're shopping in- with the larger and more powerful unit coming to market in 2005.
Automatic or manual gearboxes could be matched with the four cylinder engine, though the V6 came standard with a four-speed automatic. Two or four wheel drive models were available. If you plan to stick it to winter driving conditions or go off-roading in your spare time, look for a Tribute 4x4. If you just want a visual substitute for a minivan, the 2 wheel drive model will do you fine.
The entire machine rides a unibody structure with four-wheel independent suspension for a reasonably comfortable and car-like ride in the type of machine that can often leave occupants jarred and shaken. Steering is also car-like, and towing of up to 3500 lbs. was possible.
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| There was a V6 engine available too- namely a three-liter unit with 201 horsepower. |