Mazda Tribute

The Mazda Tribute is essentially a repackaged Ford Escape - that's not a bad thing however, as the Ford Escape provides a precise car like driving experience and useful utility with good passenger and cargo space. The new 2009 model uses the same power train and chassis as the previous model but has undergone a cosmetic makeover both internally and externally. The Tribute is possibly the least sporty - in terms of appearance - of any Mazda model and hardly reflects the Mazda’s "zoom-zoom" marketing campaigns. Despite some freshening up of the model for 2009, it is hard to escape the fact that this platform has been in production since 2001 and was not exactly cutting edge when it was introduced. Although the Tribute is far from a bad SUV, it is certainly nowhere near the class leaders. Overshadowed completely by the likes of the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and even Mazda's own CX-7 model! It is reasonably cheap and therefore appeals to those on a tight budget. This basic "i" version comes equipped with 16-inch alloys, A/C, power windows and mirrors, cruise control and a CD player with audio auxiliary input. It is also available in 4 or 6 cylinder engines (2.3L 153hp inline-4 and a 3.0L 200hp V6). It is worth noting that, due to the age of the design, the Mazda Tribute scored a very low 3 stars in head on collision crash tests.