Mazda puts the “Zoom, zoom!” into the Tribute SUV for 2002

By Vince Bodiford
Automotive Editor

Introduced just a year ago, the Tribute was the first SUV to be added to Mazda’s line-up, and it is among the few vehicles that at first sight I just immediatly liked. Mazda’s highly successful “Wake up and drive” and “Zoom, zoom!” themes have driven U.S. sales to new highs for Mazda. After evaluating the new Tribute, which shares its platform with the Ford Escape and Land Rover Freelander, it’s clear that Mazda has waved its magic wand over an otherwise run-of-the-mill compact SUV platform.

Among the three brands on this platform, the Tribute fits right in the middle of the Ford and the Land Rover. The Ford is slightly more utilitarian, and the Land Rover more stuffy. Most sport utility vehicles come up short on the “sport” side of the equation, but the Tribute, in keeping with Mazda’s sporty theme, is as frisky as an SUV can get.

For 2002, the Tribute continues its availability in three trim levels - DX, LX and ES. We tested the high-end ES, which offers the biggest bang for the buck. Two engine choices are available for the LX and EX - a 200-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6 and a 130-horsepower, 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine. A four-cylinder engine is standard on the DX. Ours had the V-6. The Tribute is available with front-wheel drive or with an on-demand four-wheel-drive system that gives it all-road, all-weather capability.

The best part of our drive was its steering feel, handling and road manners. "Great handling is a Mazda signature, and the Tribute is no exception," said Yoshihito Nagamoto, Tribute program manager for Mazda. "In fact, the Tribute's steering feel is tuned to be similar to the Miata roadster. To achieve responsive handling and exceptional road feel in an SUV, usually off-road performance suffers. I'm particularly pleased that with the Tribute, you get it all: confident, high-performance on-road driving that is sophisticated and expressive, with a prominent five-point grille and large, chrome Mazda brand symbol up front. The sharp creases in the hood and fenders are in keeping with Mazda's, and real SUV credentials for reassuring off-road capabilities."

The styling of the 2002 Mazda Tribute is a "Contrast in Harmony" design philosophy, which blends contrasting design elements, such as soft and sharp, light and shadow and static and dynamic.Mazda’s expression of this in the Tribute is very well done. The Tribute looks ready to face any challenge, from the urban jungle to rugged mountain roads.

Inside, the Tribute offers seating for five, while also allowing sufficient cargo room behind the second seat. The Tribute's car-like qualities carry over to the interior, with a stylish instrument panel and reclining seatbacks for both the front and rear passengers. Visibility is exceptional, with a commanding view of the road ahead, and entry and exit is made easier by the Tribute's low step-in height and sizable door openings. Leather seating surfaces and a six-way power driver's seat are standard on the ES model. The Tribute features dual de-powered air bags, while front seat-mounted side air bags are a highly advised option, which help to protect the driver and front passenger in the event of a side impact.

The rear seatbacks fold down in a 60/40 split (LX and ES models) for greater cargo-carrying flexibility, and there are four tie-down hooks to secure cargo in the back. With the rear seat folded, there is 63.9 cubic feet of cargo area. Mazda says that’s enough room to easily accommodate 4x8 sheets of building materials with the liftgate window open - a trick I decided not to try.

Mazda makes no secret that the Tribute is designed to appeal to young adults with active lifestyles. Given the importance of music in the lives of these potential buyers, the Tribute comes standard with a 100-watt AM/FM/CD audio system. Ours as decked-out with the powerful 190-watt AM/FM/cassette/six-disc CD audio system, with seven speakers, including a 90-watt subwoofer. Which gives a new understanding to the term “turn it up.”

Like every Mazda, the Tribute comes with a three-year roadside assistance program, and is covered by a three-year/50,000-mile warranty that covers every part on the vehicle except those subject to normal wear. The Tribute is also covered by a five-year/unlimited-mileage corrosion warranty.

COMPARISON VEHICLES: Ford Escape, Land Rover Freelander, Jeep Liberty, and other SUV’s classed as “compact.”

PRICE AS TESTED: $23,915. nicely-equipped ES model with 4WD and automatic.

MILEAGE: EPA Estimates, 18-mpg city; 24-mpg highway. Actual about 28 mpg during our test.

HIGHS: Biggest bang for the buck in this shared platform, all things considered. Has an unmistakable “Mazda” feel. Great fuel economy. Good looks. Great driver.

LOWS: I would prefer a rear-wheel drive configuration instead of the front-wheel drive in the 4X2 model. Side air-bags should be standard.

LIFE’S A TRIP-ENJOY THE DRIVE. More reviews online at www.theweekenddrive.com. E-mail comments to vince@theweekenddrive.com. Remember, always drive safely, obey all traffic laws, never drive impaired, and wear your seat belts. Copyright © 2002 The Weekend Drive®.