The Mazda Tribute is back, and better than before.
After a one-year hiatus, for 2008 the Mazda Tribute has been redesigned from the inside out, with only the engine and chassis carried over from its previous incarnation.
Built by Ford Motor Co. with Mazda tweaks, the Tribute is a fraternal twin of the Ford Escape, and delivers comfort, versatility, performance and a touch of luxury.
The final golf tournament of the year at The Home Course in Dupont near Fort Lewis was a perfect exercise to demonstrate the Tribute’s many assets. At the end of the day, it was unanimous: the Mazda Tribute held up much better than our golf games.
Four golf bags, various duffels and other paraphernalia deemed essential fit nicely into the Tribute’s rear cargo hold with room to spare. And the 90-minute drive down I-5 became more treat than chore as all four passengers were pampered by the comfy, cozy, extra-quiet cabin.
Powered by Ford’s Duratec 3.0-liter DOHC six-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, Tribute delivers plenty of power and acceleration. With independent front and rear suspension and a front stabilizer bar, even at 65 miles per hour the Tribute felt like it was only going 45 or 50 mph.
The engine generates 200 horsepower and 193 lb-ft of torque, and has an EPA fuel economy rating of 18 mpg for city driving and 24 mpg on the highway.
Tribute is offered in i Sport, Touring and Grand Touring, and s Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels. A hybrid will be available soon.
What sets Tribute apart from its pantheon of competitors is value and handling. It drives more like a car than an SUV. Its handling is steady, tight and nimble around town, benefiting from MacPherson struts in the front and multi-links in the rear.
One of the new mechanical features is electric power rack-and-pinion steering, which helps make the Tribute a breeze to parallel park and to squeeze into the Herald’s extra-tight parking spots.
Visibility is excellent with no blind spots to be had, and the turning radius is tight enough to make a U-turn in the width of a typical city street.
Safety is another area worth bragging about when it comes to the all-new 2008 Tribute. It delivers peace of mind, which is priceless. The extensive list includes electronic stability control, rollover control, traction control, tire pressure monitoring system, front and side airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags. Tribute earned five-star government safety ratings in side, front and rear crash tests.
Mazda crams a vast array of creature comforts into the Tribute to create value par excellence. Standard features include air conditioning, six-way power driver’s seat, power windows, power door locks, keyless entry, four-speaker audio system with CD player, center console with covered storage, cruise control, overhead console with dual storage bins, roof rack with crossbars, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels and an anti-theft security system.
The only major stand-alone options are an upgraded sound system, tow package and electronic all-wheel drive. Bike racks and other accessories are available from individual dealers.
Without a lot of fanfare or flair, Mazda engineers deliver “The SUV for Your Real Life.” In the case of the 2008 Tribute, that statement is more than a slogan — it rings true.
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