Introduction

It's a well-worn cliche, but the Mazda Tribute puts some sport in sport utility. Responsive handling and brisk performance from the available V6 engine make the Tribute one of the sportiest of the compact SUVs. The 2005 model line has been recast to complement the rest of the Mazda lineup. A new Tribute i model comes with a new four-cylinder engine that's available with a new five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. The Tribute s features a powerful V6 and four-speed automatic. Both models are available with a new four-wheel-drive system that uses electronics in place of last year's hydraulic system to better split power between front and rear tires according to driving conditions. The 2005 Mazda Tribute gets a more polished look, as well. A new front fascia and other styling revisions add zest to what was already one of the better looking contenders in the class. The suspension has been revised for improved handling. Available side-impact airbags and curtain airbags enhance safety. Mazda Tribute delivers an excellent value for drivers who want the versatility of a sport utility, but with the superior refinement and on-road handling of a car-based utility can offer. Mazda and Ford worked jointly on developing the Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape and they share much in common, but the Mazda offers sportier handling.

Walkaround

The Mazda Tribute has an aggressive look due to its forward-tilted stance, short overhangs and wide track. Thick bumpers, side cladding and wheel lip moldings, all tweaked and massaged for a slightly different look for 2005, are smoothly integrated into the bodywork to give the Tribute a sense of stability and refined ruggedness. Large multi-reflector headlamps with clear lenses and rear combination lamps with crystal lenses add a sporty dash. In terms of external dimensions, the Tribute sits in the middle of its class. The Honda CR-V is the longest overall (at 181 inches) with the RAV4 the shortest (167 inches), leaving the Tribute smack in the middle (174). Tribute's wheelbase is five inches longer than the Toyota RAV4's wheelbase (the distance from front tire to rear tire). Similarly, the Tribute's track (the distance between the left and right tires) is wider than the RAV4's. A longer wheelbase and wider track tends to offer better stability. The CR-V is six inches narrower than the Tribute.

Interior Features

The middle ground on exterior size means the Tribute fares about the same inside. It trails virtually all the competition in headroom and hiproom and lands about in the middle in legroom. It feels roomier than it is, however, an indication of good packaging and design. The lower dash flows smoothly around the front-seat knee wells. Interior door panels are economically crafted to yield maximum elbowroom. Tribute's front bucket seats are comfortable and of higher quality than those found in many SUVs. New for 2005, all five seating positions have three-point seatbelts and adjustable head restraints. However, rear-seat passengers will discover that the Tribute's rear windows do not roll down all the way, as in many small sport utilities. The 60/40 split-fold rear seat allows multiple combinations of people and stuff. Folding the rear seat reveals a flat cargo floor and nearly 67 cubic feet of cargo space. The Tribute will accommodate 4x8-foot sheets of plywood, if you don't mind flipping open the rear hatch glass and letting the plywood stick out the back. The glass does not have to be closed when opening the rear hatch. Switchgear is straightforward. Radio controls are easy to use, and the heating and air conditioning controls are simple. Cruise controls are mounted on the steering wheel. The instrument panel is straightforward and easy to read. The center panel is matte finish and trimmed in brushed aluminum. Visibility in all directions is very good. The shape of the Tribute's hood combines with its seating position to allow the driver to clearly see both front corners of the vehicle, an advantage over the Honda CR-V. Narrow A-pillars (front) and D-pillars (rear) minimize blind spots. The low bottom edge of the rear window maximizes visibility, and there's no spare tire hanging off the liftgate to block the view.