Tracy Mazda

• Introduction  »
• Interior / Walk Around  »
• Driving Impressions  »
• Summary

Driving Impressions

The all-aluminum 3.0-liter V6 engine gets the job done, and its 240 horsepower is plenty for the Mazda Tribute. Realistically, we don't feel it needs more. The Tribute cruises easy at freeway speeds, even up long grades, without straining. The engine is smooth, quiet, and works well with the electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission, which has a ratio for any driving situation.

The 2.5-liter, four-cylinder is Mazda's bread-and-butter engine, and is well proven. Its 171 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque might be plenty enough for many owners, although it can tow only 1,500 pounds. It delivers better fuel economy than the V6 and costs less to purchase, and if you don't plan on towing or carrying heavier loads, the four-cylinder engine should be just fine.

We have no complaints whatsoever with the ride. We put 272 miles on the Tribute, over familiar terrain that sometimes bumps us around in other vehicles. We were able to forget about those bumps while driving the Tribute, with its wide track and independent suspension, which has MacPherson struts in front and multi-links in the rear. The suspension tuning feels quite refined, and there's no uncomfortable little tipping, wallowing, weaving, shaking, or anything like that. Underway, the Tribute is quiet enough for easy conversation, without much road noise from either the tires or the V6 engine.

The handling is steady, tight and nimble around town. The Tribute has electric power rack-and-pinion steering, which helps make it easy to parallel park. The front fenders are squared, which makes it easy to see the front corners when parking; and good visibility with no blind spots out the back is another virtue. There's a tight enough turning radius, which we tested once to catch a parking space on the opposite side of the street.

We haven't driven the Tribute HEV hybrid, but we have driven the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner in their hybrid versions (which are identical to the Tribute), and we think it's a very good system. It's essentially seamless, and all you have to do is drive it. The electronic controls take care of managing everything, including when the gasoline engine is shut off to conserve fuel, and it requires no special care or attention on the part of the driver. Plus, it delivers great fuel economy, particularly in city driving.

The Tribute has a significant level of standard safety equipment. The Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control and Roll Stability Control will all help to reduce the chances of a crash before it happens. And occupant protection is well covered by the frontal airbags, side airbags, and side-curtain airbags for all outboard passengers.

Go to Summary