Opinions on Mazda Tribute?

[Shovelhead]

Daughter and Wifey are trying to find new ride for Daughter.

Drove the Rav... . it's OK... ... kinda small, kinda $$$$.

Drove a Mazda Tribute today, they both liked the ride, handleing, etc.

Tried a search on Yahoo... ... it seems to get pretty good write-ups from Motorweek, Edmunds etc.



I figured I'd try a larger audience that doesn't "suger-coat" results for corporate $$$$.

Howzeabout it?



Yeah I know... ... but she doesn't want a CTD Pick-up. :{

 

[JR2]

Then get her a Diesel Bug Diesel Dynamics had a bombed on for sale a while back. 3 inch exhaust, custom injectors, gauges, what more could she want... .

 

[Shovelhead]

JR2,

I've tried to push the diesel-side ..... but she's got SUV on the brain.

Where's that dang VW diesel SUVwhen you need it?



Dang ejumacated kids... ... . cain't teeech 'em nuttin':-laf



What the heck, it's her car payment.



I'm trying to make sure she gets something reliable so's I don't end up spending my weekends under the hood of her car.

The CTD's gettin' jealous.

 

[Wayne M.]

I think the Mazda Tribute is also the Ford Escape or Explorer. Kinda like a Mazda B pickup is really a Ford Ranger. Look closely, choose wisely. I would look at a Suzuki or a Chev Tracker.

 

[duaneparks]

Yes, a Mazda Tribute is mechanically identical to the Ford Escape. I've driven both and like the Mazda better. Of the two (one Ford, one Mazda), the Mazda handled better, seemed to have more pep, had a higher level of fit and finish, and had a better warranty.



And it looks better, but that's subjective.



I have no real world experience with either, I was just trying to help out a female friend when she was car shopping, that's how I happened into the drivers seat of the two.



Personally, if I were in the market for an SUV or SUV-like vehicle, I'd consider a Subaru Forrester or a Honda CRV. Both have really good reliability records and are great performing vehicles.



Hope this helps.



Duane

 

[jweir]

Shovelhead,



We bought a Tribute for my wife to drive... we looked at the Honda CRV and some of the other SUV's and ended up with the Tribute. At the time we looked, the CRV was only available with the 4 cyl. and I wanted to have a v-6. We have had the car for about a year and have only about 6000 miles on it, so I can't tell you a lot about it. ( we ALWAYS take the truck when going somewhere!!! ) I have noticed that the front rims get REAL black from the brake dust, they must be real soft pads

I was impressed with the premium sound system, 6 disc changer and sub woofer makes it sound good. So far there have been no problems with the rig and no trips back to the dealer for warranty work. All in all, based on my experience, I would recommend the rig to people looking for that type of SUV, and they are in a decent price range.



As usual, just my opinion



Jim

 

[Shovelhead]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I did a search and it seems several people have had sudden engine cutout problems with the 2002 model year.

Especialy when going downhill .

semms a little bizare, but overall the "Car Guys" who write the articles have found very few problems.



So I guess it will get my blessing.

Still wish it was a diesel though