A Tribute to the Mazda Tribute
The Mazda Tribute is a small crossover SUV based on the Mazda 626. The Tribute debuted in 2001, offering both front and all-wheel drive. The 2001 Mazda Tribute gear ratio offered crisp off the line response that would satisfy even the staunchest of performance guru. Of course the Mazda Tribute tuning performance it received at the factory helps out a lot with those of the line pulls; but you wouldn’t know it with its smooth driving capabilities and quiet ride. Looking over the Mazda Tribute gallery of available styles and colors I am quite impressed with all the options. One especially nice feature, albeit rather small is the Mazda Tribute bumper panel insert which gives the tribute its smooth sporty appearance above the other cross-over SUV’s in its class.
The Mazda Tribute review for all years has been of a rather positive feedback session; and best of all there are really no Mazda Tribute problems of the mechanical or aesthetic kind out of its five years of existence. You would actually think that will such a new concept there would at least be a few bugs in the works to need to iron out; but it looks like Mazda got this one perfected right off the assembly line.
Today with its slew of Mazda Tribute accessories and Mazda Tribute parts; this Mazda has become quite the sleeper on the late night drag sessions on Saturday nights. Rarely have I seen a Mazda Tribute used without the tell tale signs of feathering from occasional burnouts on the open asphalt. But who can blame these folks; after all this is a “sport” SUV, and the sport is not only referring to its looks, but also its performance.
Even if you only opt for the base line Mazda Tribute DX, such as the 2003 Mazda Tribute DX you still get the standard remote key entry (Mazda Tribute codes are alterable by your individual dealer), air conditioning, center console, and electronic mirrors. If there is one Mazda Tribute performance part worth looking into it would be the driving gloves, because actually this car comes so equipped it will be you who needs the upgrades to prepare yourself for this ride. On top of these great basic features you also have available to you as options, the 3.0 liter V-6 capable of 201 horsepower and a 4-wheel independent suspension that is guaranteed to really tighten things up around those corners.
The 2006 Mazda Tribute has been refreshed for the new year, but the big date to remember will be the new Mazda Tribute hybrid that will surface in 2007. The new hybrid has been said to be similar to the already released Ford Escape and Mercury hybrids; but built within a much more suitable chassis if you ask this reviewers opinion. The Mazda Tribute is a beautifully engineered sport SUV no matter which way you look at it, but my favorite view would be looking out from the inside, while seated in the drivers’ seat with both fists clenched around the steering wheel. Just waiting for the light to turn green!