Mazda’s ‘Tribute’ to quality
Teresa's View
Marketing Department Columnist
The Mazda Tribute got a styling makeover for 2008. Don’t worry. She’s still the same girl underneath, but with whiter teeth, a great new hairstyle and the latest chic clothing. I like the new look.
Mazda tends to tout the “sport’’ part of the Tribute sport-utility – you know, zoom-zoom and all. However, the automaker also deserves accolades for taking the “utility’’ part of SUV seriously. I counted nine storage areas in the front seat area alone, including the center console that’s large enough to stow a laptop.
Inside the revamped cabin, a two-toned color scheme highlights upgraded materials. Build quality also is notably improved. Our tester was remarkably free of squeaks and rattles.
Every 2008 Tribute is equipped with side airbags for front occupants and full-length side curtain airbags, plus anti-lock brakes, roll stability control, dynamic stability and traction control and a tire-pressure monitor. The Tribute also comes with my new favorite safety feature – 24-hour roadside assistance.
Four-wheel-drive Tributes – the SUV is also available in front-wheel drive – employ a sophisticated system that constantly monitors the vehicle’s speed and wheel-spin. Instead of simply transferring torque to the wheels with traction like typical systems, it anticipates the loss of traction to prevent slippage before it happens. Since it’s working 24/7, Mazda says it reacts faster to ever-changing road conditions than less advanced 4WD systems. Bonus. Because it’s applied only when needed, owners don’t take the usual 4WD fuel-economy hit.
The best part of the Tribute is its price. Two-wheel drive Sport trims start at less than $20K with destination charges.
What Is It?: The Mazda Tribute is a compact, four-door, five-passenger crossover sport-ute. It’s offered with a choice of engines – a four- cylinder version called the ‘i’ or a six-cylinder ‘s’ version – each in three trims: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring.
Gadget Rating: 7 out of 10. Even the most basic Tribute includes loads of standard comfort features, such as air conditioning, cruise control (automatic transmission models only), keyless remote, audio system with CD player and auxiliary audio jack, plus power windows, mirrors and door locks. The top-of-the-line Grand Touring trim steps up with heated outside mirrors, a sunroof, audio upgrade and leather-trimmed heated front seats. On the option side of the list, the kids will love the rear-seat DVD entertainment system. Kudos for the ultra cool “ice-blue’’ backlighting.
Grocery Sack Test: Thankfully, no one tried to shoehorn a third row into the Tribute, so there’s still good cargo space for gear and groceries. The sides of the cargo area bow out like those curved shower curtain rods, to provide precious inches of extra room. The rear seat folds forward, but not without some effort – headrests have to be removed and the seats tumbled to form a flat load floor.
Fuel Economy: According to the new EPA ratings, our six-cylinder tester gets a rather disappointing 18 mpg city and 24 highway. On the plus side, it takes regular fuel.
Wait For It: Want a sport-ute but feel it compromises your green status? No worries. A Tribute HEV (hybrid-electric vehicle) is promised for sometime next year.
Tribute Trivia: The Tribute is a close cousin to the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner.
Cheat Sheet: Ford Motor Company owns one-third of Mazda.
So, Where Are Ya From?: The Tribute is assembled in Kansas City, Mo.
