2008 Mazda Tribute Review
The Tribute is a crossover SUV that debuted for 2001. It shares a platform with and is very similar to the Ford Escape, but has been sport-tuned, as is the Mazda tradition. The Tribute was refreshed for 2005, upgrading the engine and ditching the column shifter. The Tribute is all-new for 2008.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
Combining sporty with utility is no easy task, and one that most so-called SUVs rarely do. However, the Mazda Tribute, while no speed demon, proves that it can be done. However, you’ll pay top dollar for that tighter handling, and it’s string of recalls makes us question its reliability.
What’s New For 2008:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
The 2008 Tribute is too new for long-term reliability to assessed. J.D. Power does not yet have initial reliability available. The Tribute experienced some problems in 2001 that included rough idling, coolant leaks, and engine stalling. However, the previous Tribute was recalled 13 times, with 10 of those being related to the 2001 model. Expect below average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The Tribute only earned an average of four out of five stars in government frontal crash tests, but it earned five stars for side impacts. It only received three stars for rollover. IIHS reports are not yet available. Standard safety equipment includes full side airbags, tire pressure monitoring, and traction and stability control. 4WD is available.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Loaded with safety features
+ Great handling
+ Sporty ride
Cons
- Mind-boggling number of recalls
- Mediocre crash test scores
- Poorly priced
Head-To-Head Competition:
The 2007 Honda Pilot costs the same, and while its arguably less attractive, it’s much more reliable, while maintaining all of the Tribute’s features. The Hyundai Tucson has all the features, plus reliability and a great warranty, and costs $1,000 less. However, the Tribute is a good alternative to the incredibly similar Mercury Mariner, costing about $2,000 less.
What Others Are Saying:
“…the Tribute remains highly competitive with other compact SUVs, offering a high content level, a spacious rear seat and the choice between front-wheel and four-wheel drive.” – J.D. Power
“The Tribute is admirably designed and built for its intended use and environment – the everyday real world of urban and suburban streets and highways and traffic, with an occasional uncrowded backroad thrown in for relief.” – The Auto Channel
“In testing the Escape and Tribute-which we lump together because they’re essentially identical-we gave them high marks for overall competence, impressive passenger capacity, and brisk performance. They were less impressive in subjective areas such as general ambiance-they feel insubstantial and trucky-and personality, which they lack.” – Car and Driver
Read more about the 2008 Mazda Tribute at the Mazda manufacturer web site.
