- suv 142,302
- 40 below average
- 3,495 fair
- Virginia Beach, VA
-
- autoshopper.com
- 40 below average suv 142,302 gasoline silver automatic
2002 mazda tribute review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. Among the best of the small suvs. introductionmazda tribute is among the sportiest of the small utilities. Mazda and ford worked jointly on developing the mazda tribute and ford escape and together they outclass the other small utilities. the mazda tribute delivers an excellent value for people who want the image and versatility of a sport-utility coupled with refinement and better on-road handling than truck-based utilities. The lx version can be equipped with a six-way power driver's seat. New standard features on all tributes include 16-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry and rear privacy glass. Thick bumpers, side cladding and wheel lip moldings smoothly integrated into the bodywork convey a sense of stability and refined ruggedness. Large multi-reflector headlamps with clear lenses and rear combination lamps with crystal lenses convey a sense of sportiness. A two-tone color scheme and minimal use of chrome create a clean appearance. The tribute is aerodynamically superior to several of its competitors. mazda tribute's external dimensions are comparable to those of the jeep liberty and honda cr-v. The front bucket seats and the rear bench seat are comfortable and of higher quality than those found in many suvs. Like many smaller suvs, the rear windows do not roll down all the way. the second-row seat folds down revealing a flat cargo floor and more than 74 cubic feet of cargo space. The lift gate window does not have to be closed before opening the rear hatch. A 12-volt power outlet is located in the rear of the cargo compartment. radio controls are easy to use and the heating, air conditioning and ventilation controls are simple. Cruise controls are mounted on the steering wheel. The instrument panel is straightforward and easy to read. Noise, vibration and harshness levels are low when underway. Visibility in all directions is very good. The shape of the tribute's hood and the seating position allow the driver to clearly see both front corners of the vehicle, an advantage over the honda cr-v, while narrow a- (front) and d- (rear) pillars minimize blind spots. A low bottom edge maximizes visibility out the rear window and there's no spare tire to block the view. leather seating surfaces and a six-way power driver's seat are standard on the es model. driving impressionthe tribute is an agile and powerful little suv. It handles better than other sport-utilities. Its sharp steering allows the driver to guide it precisely. At high speeds, the tribute is supremely stable. Handling response is relatively taut without that mushiness that characterizes suvs with big off-road tires and long-travel suspensions. the ride quality is smoother and more sophisticated than that of the other small sport-utilities in its class with firm damping and a well-controlled ride. It handles better on the road the a jeep liberty and it's more fun to drive than a honda cr-v or toyota rav4. steering response is direct and accurate without a big dead spot in the center. There's enough feeling in the steering to impart a sense of control. The tires provide respectable grip in paved corners. It isn't the smoothest v6 on the market, nor is it the roughest. The transmission shifts smoothly up and down appropriately for the situation and the engine's broad power band never lugs or strains. Mazda tuned the suspension for slightly more aggressive shifting and mapped it for quicker acceleration than the ford escape. Properly equipped, the tribute can tow trailers of up to 3500 pounds, which includes lightweight ski boats, atvs or snowmobiles. the tribute is more than capable of heading down remote two-tracks on trout fishing excursions. It isn't not a highly capable off-road vehicle, however. The jeep liberty is better for that. A switch on some models allows the driver to lock the torque split 50/50, which is useful when driving off road or on snow-covered roads. though it performs well on primitive unpaved roads, the tribute is not intended as a serious off-road vehicle. There is no traction control system nor is there a low-range set of gears. On the road, it is more sophisticated than the isuzu rodeo, mitsubishi montero sport, nissan xterra or suzuki vitara. And it costs less than a similarly equipped xterra. Bucket Seats✔ Anti-lock Brakes✔ CD Changer✔ CD Player✔ Sunroof/Moonroof✔ Air Conditioning✔ Alloy Wheels
3,495 Virginia Beach, VAVirginia Beach, VA at autoshopper.com