2008 Mazda Tribute

Styles

Overview

The Mazda Tribute has the boxy appearance of a trucklike SUV for 2008, yet it's oriented for on-road use and has a comfortable and very carlike interior. It's now available in three different trim levels-Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring. Front-wheel-drive is standard, but there's also an active torque coupling (ATC) four-wheel drive system (available only with automatic transmission) that can react quickly, sending more power to the wheels that have more traction, to altogether avoid wheel slip. The system works especially well in low-traction road conditions.

Two different engines are offered on the Tribute. A 153-horsepower, 2.3L four-cylinder is light and efficient, and comes with a five-speed manual gearbox or optional four-speed automatic with logic to help avoid hunting between gears on hills. Then there's a 200-horsepower, 3.0L V6. Among the three trims, four-cylinder models are designated with an "i," while V6 models have an "s."

The Tribute's interior has seating for five adults, and the newly redesigned center-console area is large enough to store a laptop. With the 60/40-split back seat folded forward, the 29.2 cubic feet of cargo space can be expanded to 66.3 for large cargo.

Front side air bags and side-curtain air bags are standard, as are dynamic stability control, and roll stability control. The braking system employs discs in front and drums in back, though a four-channel anti-lock system with electronic brakeforce distribution is standard across the line.

For 2008 a new electric power steering system is used, bringing a light feel at low speed yet more feedback at higher speed, along with improved efficiency. The fully independent coil-spring suspension with rack-and-pinion steering help provide good handling and roadholding, with enough durability and softness for unpaved roads.

Standard features on the base Tribute, called the Sport, include 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, air conditioning, remote keyless entry, power accessories, adjustable lumbar and height support for the driver's seat, and cruise control on vehicles with automatic. The Touring model adds a number of convenience features, including a roof rack, power driver's seat, and overhead console. At the top of the line, the Grand Touring model adds heated side mirrors, a power moonroof, leather seats (heated in front), a retractable cargo cover, and a seven-speaker sound system with six-disc changer.

Value

The 2008 Mazda Tribute mixes a boxy, more traditional SUV shape with a feel behind the wheel that's very carlike. With the four-cylinder engine, the Tribute is one of the most fuel-efficient small sport-utility vehicles, though the V6 is a better choice for those who plan to drive frequently with heavy loads or at high speed.

Mazda also claims that the interior fabrics in the Tribute Grand Touring are the first of any non-luxury SUV to be vinyl-free, and the Sport and Touring models have a fabric made with 35-percent recycled yarns.