Mazda Tribute

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Mazda Tribute

Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Parent company	Mazda
Production	2001-present
Assembly	Hofu, Japan Claycomo, Missouri
Predecessor	Mazda Navajo
Class	Compact SUV
Body style	5-door SUV
Layout	FF layout/All wheel drive
Platform	Ford CD2 platform
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	2620 mm (103.1 in)
Related	Ford Escape Mercury Mariner
Similar	Hyundai Tucson Mitsubishi Outlander Subaru Forester

First generation

Production	2001-2006
Engine	2.3 L 153 hp I4 3.0 L 203 hp V6
Length	4395 mm (173.0 in)
Width	1825 mm (71.9 in)
Height	1750–1775 mm (68.9–70.0 in)

Second generation

Production	2008-present
Engine	2.3L 153 hp I4 3.0L 200 hp V6
Length	174.9 in
Width	71.1 in
Height	67.7 in

The new 2007 Mazda Tribute for Asia-Pacific

The Mazda Tribute (Code J14) is a compact SUV built by the Japanese automaker Mazda since 2001. It is based on the front-wheel drive Mazda 626 platform, which is in turn the basis for the similar Ford Escape on the CD2 platform. In the Mazda lineup, the Tribute is its entry-level offering.

The Tribute and Escape debuted in 2001, offering front and all wheel drive and a choice of a 2.0 L Ford Zetec 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.

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 left hand drive Tribute/Escape/Maverick are built at Ford's Kansas City assembly plant in Claycomo, Missouri, while the right hand drive versions are assembled in Hofu, Japan.

1 2001
2 2005
3 2007
4 2008
5 External links
6 References

[edit] 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, 129 PS (95 kW)/183 N·m (135 ft·lbf)
3.0 L AJ V6, 203 PS (149 kW)/265 N·m (195 ft·lbf)

[edit] 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. Mazda has recently decided to skip the 2007 model year for the Tribute, and a hybrid version of the Tribute will be introduced alongside the next generation Tribute.

Engine options:

2.3 L MZR I4, 153 PS/206 N·m (152 ft·lbf)
3.0 L AJ V6, 203 PS (149 kW)/261 N·m (193 ft·lbf)

[edit] 2007

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 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.

[edit] 2008

For the 2008 model year, the Tribute will be revamped significantly, like its sibling Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner, with a new look. Originally set to be renamed the Mazda CX-5, the vehicle will keep the Tribute name. 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.^[1] Another report suggested that the Tribute and its siblings could be based on EUCD platform, on which the Land Rover Freelander is based.^[2]

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^[3]

The 2008 Mazda Tribute (non-hybrid) was first unveiled at the 2007 Montreal auto show, and the 2008 Mazda Tribute went on sale in March 2007 ^[4] .

Surprisingly, the Tribute/Escape will revert to rear drum brakes for the 2008 model year.