Mazda Tribute

2006 Mazda Tribute

The Mazda Tribute (Code J14) is a small crossover SUV based on the front-wheel drive Mazda 626 platform. It is the basis for the similar Ford Escape SUV, and is the main SUV on Ford's compact SUV CD2 platform. The Tribute and Escape debuted in 2001, offering front and all wheel drive and a choice of a 2.0 L Mazda 4-cylinder or Ford Duratec 3.0 L V6. It was also sold as the Ford Maverick in Europe with a Ford 2.0 L Zetec engine with manual transmission, or 3.0 L Duratec coupled to automatic transmission.

Mazda Tribute 2003

One main difference between the Tribute and the Ford Escape/Maverick is that the Tribute's suspension is tuned for a firmer ride than the Escape/Maverick, in order to correspond with Mazda's sporty image. The North American market Tribute and Escape are built at Ford's Kansas City assembly plant in Claycomo, Missouri, while the international models are assembled in Hofu, Japan.

2001

The Tribute made its debut at the 2000 Los Angeles Auto Show. In the United States, it filled the gap left by the Mazda Navajo (which was retired in 1994), while in most other countries it was the first Mazda-badged SUV ever sold.

Engine options:

• 2.0 L YF I4, 130 hp (95 kW)/183 Nm
• 3.0 L AJ V6, 200 hp (149 kW)/265 Nm

2005

Both the Escape and Tribute were refreshed for 2005. The base engine is now the Mazda 2.3 L MZR 4, and the top remains the 3.0 L Duratec V6. In North American built models, a floor mounted automatic transmission shifter replaced the column shifter. However, Japanese-built models continued with a column shifter. A hybrid version of the Tribute will be introduced for the 2007 model year.

Engine options:

• 2.3 L MZR I4, 153 hp/152 ft·lbf of torque
• 3.0 L AJ V6, 200 hp/193 ft·lbf of torque

The new 2007 Mazda Tribute for Asia Pacific.

A significantly facelifted version of the Tribute will be released in the second half of 2006 for Asia Pacific markets. The updated Tribute will feature a larger, bolder grille, with an enlarged Mazda emblem, as well as restyled front bumper and headlights. Side mirrors will feature integrated indicators.

On the inside, changes include a new floor mounted automatic transmission shifter, in place of the old column shifter (only for Japanese-built models; the US-built Tribute already gained a floor shifter in 2005). The dash has been updated with a brand-new radio and automatic climate control with digital read-out, on certain models.

Mechanically, the Tribute receives a 5-speed automatic in place of the previous 4-speed, and the rear drum brakes of the previous model have been replaced by disc brakes.

Engines remain the same, but the V6 has been modified to reduce fuel consumption by over 10%, while the 4-cylinder has improved mid-range torque and an electronic throttle. Both engines had been certified to meet Euro III emission regulations.

2008

North American Tribute revamped significantly, like its sibling Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner, with a fresh new looks. There had been a rumour that the Tribute and its siblings will be based on CD3 platform, but it appears that the CD2 Platform to stay.

The changes include a new grille, headlamps and tailgate, while the sides had been revised with cleaner, similar to Ford Escape, lines and rounder wheel arches. The interior was also upgraded with higher materials and better features.

External links

• [1] Mazda Tribute Model Page (Mazda USA)

Online Forums

• OzMazda.com - Australian Online Mazda Community

This page uses content from Wikipedia; see Mazda Tribute, which includes these contributors.