Mazda Tribute

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Mazda Tribute
Australia-spec Mazda Tribute
Manufacturer Mazda
Ford Motor Company
Production 2001-present
Predecessor Mazda Navajo
Successor Mazda CX-7 (In Japan)
Class Compact SUV
Body style(s) 5-door SUV
Layout Front-engine, front-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive
Platform Ford CD2 platform
Wheelbase 2620 mm (103.1 in)
Related Ford Escape
Mercury Mariner

The Mazda Tribute (Code J14) is a compact made by Japanese automaker Mazda since 2001. It is jointly developed with Ford Motor Company and based on the front-wheel drive Mazda 626 platform, which is in turn the basis for the similar Ford Escape on the CD2 platform. The Tribute is priced below the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner in Ford's CD2 SUV lineup.

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. Ford Escape was also sold as the Ford Maverick in Europe with a Ford 2.0 L I4 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.

Contents

[edit] Debut (2001-2006)

First generation
2005-2006 Mazda Tribute (US)
Production 2001-2006
Assembly Hofu, Japan
Claycomo, Missouri
Engine(s) 2.3 L 153 hp (114 kW) I4
3.0 L 203 hp (151 kW) V6
Transmission(s) 5-speed G5M manual
4-speed CD4E automatic
Length 2001-03: 173.0 in (4394 mm)
2004-06: 174.4 in (4430 mm)
Width 2001-03 DX: 70.8 in (1798 mm)
2001-03 LX & ES: 71.9 in (1826 mm)
2004-06: 72.0 in (1829 mm)
Height 2001-03 DX: 69.3 in (1760 mm)
2001-03 LX & ES: 69.9 in (1775 mm)
2004-06: 70.0 in (1778 mm)

The Tribute made its debut at the 2000 Los Angeles Auto Show. In the United States, it somewhat filled the gap left by the Mazda Navajo, a rebadged Ford Explorer, (which was retired in 1994), while in most other countries it was the first Mazda-badged SUV ever sold. The Ford plant in Claycomo, Missouri assembled Tribute for the North American market, alongside Ford Escape. The Mazda plant in Hofu, Japan and the Ford Lio Ho plant in Taiwan assembled Tribute for their respective markets.

Engine options:

[edit] Revisions for 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 decided to halt production after the 2006 model year for the Tribute, and a hybrid version of the Tribute has been introduced alongside the next generation Tribute as a 2008 model.

Engine options:

  • 2.3 L MZR I4, 153 PS (114 kW)/206 N·m (152 ft·lbf)
  • 3.0 L AJ V6, 203 PS (150 kW)/261 N·m (193 ft·lbf)

[edit] Major revision

[edit] Asia-Pacific (2007-present)

Second generation (Asia-Pacific)
2006-2007 Mazda Tribute Luxury (Asia-Pacific)
Production 2007-present
Assembly Jhongli, Taiwan
Engine(s) 2.3L I4
Transmission(s) 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase 103.1 in (2619 mm)
Length 173.2 in (4399 mm)
Width 71.9 in (1826 mm)
Height 69.5 in (1765 mm)

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

On the inside, changes included a new floor mounted automatic transmission shifter, in place of the old column shifter (Asis-Pacific model only; US-built Tribute gained the floor shifter in 2005). The dash was updated with a brand-new radio and automatic climate control with digital read-out, on certain models.

Mechanically, the rear drum brakes was 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.

Starting with model year 2007, Mazda stopped selling and producing Tribute in Japan, and replaced it with similar sized CX-7, later on in 2007, Mazda Australia also discontinued the Tribute, the absent of the Tribute being filled by the Mazda CX-7. For other Asia-Pacific markets, the production of Tribute was shifted to the Ford Lio Ho plant in Jhongli, Taiwan, which also produces Tribute's twin, Ford Escape, for the Asia-Pacific markets.

[edit] North America (2008-present)

Second generation - North America
2008 Mazda Tribute (US)
Production 2008-present
Assembly Claycomo, Missouri
Engine(s) 2.3L I4
3.0L V6
Transmission(s) 4-speed automatic
5-speed manual
Wheelbase 103.1 in (2619 mm)
Length 174.9 in (4442 mm)
Width 71.1 in (1806 mm)
Height 67.7 in (1720 mm)

For the 2008 model year, the Tribute was significantly revamped, like its sibling Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner, with a new look. Originally set to be renamed the Mazda CX-5, the vehicle kept the Tribute name.

The changes are significant, but fall short of "clean sheet" redesign, as the vehicles remained on the old CD2 platform, and kept the old 2.3l MZR I4, and 3.0l AJ V6 engines. As a cost saving measure, the rear brake was reverted back to drum brake. Also, the firmer "sporty" suspension is gone and both the Tribute and Escape ride much more soflty, with noticeably worse handling than earlier models.

The 2009 Model is expected to receive an engine upgrade in the 4 cylinder, the 2.5 that will be used in the Mazda 3s and the Mazda 6i for 2009 will be carried over to the Tribute.

Visible changes include all new sheet metal and interior. Unlike the first generation of the Tribute, which had unique exterior and interior from its siblings, the new model only differs from its siblings in the "nose" (front fenders, hood, and front fascia), tail lights and detailing. Notable changes to the exterior include higher belt line, and more pronounced wheel arches. Overall the car was to look larger and more substantial than the previous model. The interior was upgraded using all new components and higher quality materials.[1]

A new addition was the Hybrid model which was previously only available on the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner.

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.[2]

[edit] External links

[edit] References

  1. ^ Sneak Peek: 2008 Ford Escape. Detroit News. Retrieved on April 19, 2006.
  2. ^ New CX-9 is Mazda's latest crossover. Montreal Gazette. Retrieved on January 21, 2007.
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