| The Mazda Tribute is a prime example of a jointly | | | | The most current version of the Tribute now sports a |
| developed vehicle that truly shines. | | | | base 2.3L I4 engine, though there are reports that the |
| Built from the same platform that underpins the Mazda | | | | 2.5L I4 now found in the Escape will soon become |
| 626, the Tribute was designed by teams of Mazda | | | | available in the Tribute. That new Ford engine deliver |
| and Ford designers who also developed the Ford | | | | more horsepower, better torque, and even improved |
| Escape and, later, the Mercury Mariner. The Mazda | | | | fuel economy. A 3.0L V6 producing 200 horses is still |
| version is the lowest price of the three models and | | | | available, the engine of choice for people who prefer |
| features a sportier suspension. | | | | all wheel drive. Transmissions offered include a five |
| When it originally made its debut in 2001, the Tribute | | | | speed manual transmission and a four speed |
| featured a 2.0L I4 engine with an optional 3.0L V6 | | | | automatic. Electric power assisted rack and pinion |
| engine. Available in front and all wheel drive, the small | | | | steering is standard. |
| SUV was slotted in as the brand's smallest SUV. Prior | | | | On the outside, a roof rack is standard as are 16-inch |
| to its introduction, the only SUVs sold by Mazda were | | | | alloy wheels and privacy glass. The rear liftgate |
| rebadged versions of Ford products, namely the | | | | window swings high and out of the way, allowing even |
| Mazda Navajo which was based on the Ford | | | | a tall person to access the cargo area or place items |
| Explorer. Ford owns 38% of Mazda, hence the | | | | inside. |
| business relationship. | | | | Base price for the 2wd model is $19,730 while the |
| With a seating capacity for five passengers, the | | | | Grand Touring model with AWD and a V6 engine tops |
| Tribute's interior room offers abundant space for a | | | | out at $27,635. A hybrid model is also available, its |
| small SUV. Flexible rear seating and an abundant | | | | price starts at $30,695. |
| cargo area provide plenty of carrying room with five | | | | Main competitors for the Tribute include the Honda |
| storage areas within reach of the front passenger. A | | | | CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and the all-new Volkswagen |
| premium four-speaker 100-watt AM/FM/CD audio | | | | Tiguan. End of the model year incentives are now in |
| system comes standard with upgraded sound | | | | place for 2008 Tributes, but expect to receive some |
| systems available as is a rear seat entertainment | | | | sort of discount or special financing should you choose |
| system. Power windows and doors as well as keyless | | | | a 2009 model. |
| entry are standard. | | | | |