For the love of a transmission
Two engines are offered. Basic models get a 153 hp 2.3L 4 cylinder while others can be equipped with a 200 hp 3.0L V6. Transmission choices are between a 5-speed manual (2.3L only) and a 4-speed automatic (only one available with V6). I tested a Tribute with the 3.0L V6 and I can say that it does perform well. It certainly feels more at home in the Tribute than working for the Five Hundred or even the Mazda6 for that matter. It is not the most refined motor and for that reason, it is perfect for the Tribute. The sad story has the 4-speed automatic as the main character. It is slow witted, poorly geared for both performance and economy. The proof is that together, they combined for a fuel consumption average of close to 14.5L per 100 km which is really not great.
Although front disc and rear drum brakes sound like a step back from previous truck's 4-wheel disc setup, the brakes work extremely well. There was on odd knocking and thumping noise coming from the steering column before reaching the lock. It did not hamper the electrically assisted steering which is light without being to precise.
The Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape are fairly competent on the road. The suspension is a little stiff and repeated road-surface irregularities are translated into a hoppy rear-end. On the other hand, a smooth portion of tarmac will make the Tribute feel comfortable and stable.
Should still be #1
I cannot imagine that the new Escape and Tribute will lose any ground to another compact SUV any time soon: the 08s are already all over the place. It still has all the goods including space, power and looks and a Hybrid version. On the surface, buyers are getting quite a bit for their hard-earned dollars.
The Tribute's price range is from $23,295 to about $32,000 for a GT with AWD and options.
Interior volume
Equipment
Fit and finish
Cheap interior plastics
Outclassed 4-speed autobox
Unacceptably high fuel consumption (V6)
Competitors:
Nissan X-Trail, Subaru Forester, Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson / Kia Sportage, Saturn VUE, Chevrolet Equinox / Pontiac Torrent, Jeep Liberty / Dodge Nitro, Mitsubishi Outlander, Jeep Patriot
photo:Philippe Champoux
Two engines are offered. Basic models get a 153 hp 2.3L 4 cylinder while others can be equipped with a 200 hp 3.0L V6. Transmission choices are between a 5-speed manual (2.3L only) and a 4-speed automatic (only one available with V6). I tested a Tribute with the 3.0L V6 and I can say that it does perform well. It certainly feels more at home in the Tribute than working for the Five Hundred or even the Mazda6 for that matter. It is not the most refined motor and for that reason, it is perfect for the Tribute. The sad story has the 4-speed automatic as the main character. It is slow witted, poorly geared for both performance and economy. The proof is that together, they combined for a fuel consumption average of close to 14.5L per 100 km which is really not great.
 |
| The 3.0L V6 and 4-speed transmission should join gas-guzzlers anonymous. |
Although front disc and rear drum brakes sound like a step back from previous truck's 4-wheel disc setup, the brakes work extremely well. There was on odd knocking and thumping noise coming from the steering column before reaching the lock. It did not hamper the electrically assisted steering which is light without being to precise.
The Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape are fairly competent on the road. The suspension is a little stiff and repeated road-surface irregularities are translated into a hoppy rear-end. On the other hand, a smooth portion of tarmac will make the Tribute feel comfortable and stable.
Should still be #1
I cannot imagine that the new Escape and Tribute will lose any ground to another compact SUV any time soon: the 08s are already all over the place. It still has all the goods including space, power and looks and a Hybrid version. On the surface, buyers are getting quite a bit for their hard-earned dollars.
The Tribute's price range is from $23,295 to about $32,000 for a GT with AWD and options.
 |
Interior volume
Equipment
 |
Fit and finish
Cheap interior plastics
 |
Outclassed 4-speed autobox
Unacceptably high fuel consumption (V6)
Competitors:
Nissan X-Trail, Subaru Forester, Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson / Kia Sportage, Saturn VUE, Chevrolet Equinox / Pontiac Torrent, Jeep Liberty / Dodge Nitro, Mitsubishi Outlander, Jeep Patriot
photo:Philippe Champoux
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