MAZDA TRIBUTE Review

Summary:

What we like: Standard safety features

What we don't like: Mediocre braking

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MAZDA TRIBUTE review in detail:

With a stronger grille and revised bumper shape, Mazda gave its Tribute 4WD a major facelift late in 2006. Extensive exterior and interior revisions have freshened the Tribute, but its aging chassis and stale driving dynamics can't match newer compact SUVs.

Like the closely related Ford Escape, the Tribute's engines and chassis carry over virtually untouched. In reality, the Tribute has the soul of a Ford Escape, sharing much of that compact SUV's DNA. That was hardly a bad thing, as it shared a comfortable carlike driving experience, and a useful cargo- and people-hauling interior.

The Tribute has a slightly more solid feel than before due to the underside of the body being strengthened at the time of the facelift. This extra strength also provides a more stable platform from which the suspension can operate, meaning a more precise feel through the steering and better road grip.

However, inside of the cabin is where most of the changes in the latest Tribute can be found. The never-popular column-mounted gearshift has gone, replaced by a more conventional floor shift. This gives the cabin a sportier feel as well as making it more pleasant to use.
The centre of the dash has received a major redesign and new trim materials give a sportier flavour.

In crash tests, the 2008 Mazda Tribute earned an unusually low score, just three out of five stars, for driver protection in head-on collisions. Front passenger protection is rated at five stars, however, as is front and rear occupant protection in side impacts.

A new electric power steering system delivers surprisingly good road feel and response. Handling is respectable, with the SUV remaining flat through corners and composed in quick transitions. Ride quality is relatively smooth, making this SUV a suitable choice for commuting or hauling around the family. Nevertheless, many competitors are more refined and fun to drive than the Mazda Tribute. Braking is also disappointing with rear drum brakes standard on all trim levels.

The Tribute has been made more desirable in the value for money stakes, as is often the way with a vehicle that's getting on in years, and comes with plenty of gear for a comparatively modest price.