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2008 Mazda Tribute Road Test

Picking a car is no easy task. I've been driving all different makes and styles

The Tribute was Mazda's first SUV, and even though it's been redesigned for '08, it still feels like it's the company's classic. (Photo: Mazda)

for many months, and I'm still no closer to deciding what to replace my truck-like SUV with when the lease comes due this spring. I think I still want an SUV, but there's the issue of gas prices, which are said to soar to over $4.00/gallon this summer according to some pundits. I like the convenience of SUVs – the extra cargo room, the towing capability, the high seated vantage point and the safety of being in a larger vehicle. Maybe that's why Mazda decided to hang on to three SUV/Cross Utility vehicles in 2008, so that there would be something for everyone. The CX7 and CX9 look and feel very different to the Tribute, which remains a traditional looking SUV. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to drive all three vehicles in a row, so it was fun to compare them and get a sense of what might appeal to different buyers.

The third vehicle I drove was the Tribute. This is definitely geared more to the “utility” in SUVdom (I think I just invented a new word.) I've said in previous reviews that I like boxy. Many people prefer the new rounded edges and sleek lines, which both CX7 and CX9 offer, and I have to admit that since driving those two cars, the look is growing on me. But there's

You can get the Tribute with either a V6, or a four-cylinder. Both are decent engines. (Photo: Mazda)

something about the boxiness of the Tribute that just works for me. I think it's the extra roomy feeling these vehicles offer. I like more head and shoulder room, and I definitely like having a rear end with higher roof lines, so that odd pieces of furniture fit without having to be disassembled. OK, I actually don't transport many odd pieces of furniture, but how about Christmas trees? Yes, you can strap them to the roof, but I'm lazy, and it's easier to just shove the thing in the back and secure the rear door with a bungy cord, or in the case of the Tribute allow the top end of the tree to protrude through the liftgate's rear window. Boxy SUVs like the Tribute are great for this sort of thing.

The Tribute was redesigned for 2008 to set it apart from the Ford Escape, although underneath the exterior they are basically the same. I've always liked the exterior design of the Tribute, and I think they have done a great job of keeping the style strengths, while making subtle improvements. A higher beltline gives the vehicle a more modern look,

Black and beige interior color scheme wasn't expected. It's sure different, though. (Photo: Mazda)

while the front grille, headlight and fog light placement and design have been modified slightly to give it a simple clean look. I like Mazda's minimalist approach.

Interior styling takes on a bolder appearance with new two-tone color combinations. The vehicle I drove had an interesting combination of charcoal and butter yellow. This was not so appealing to me, but one of my friends loved it. Stuff like that really comes down to personal preference. With an excellent layout of instrumentation and easy to find knobs and levers, the Mazda Tribute is ... well a “tribute” to intuitive design. I have one beef here; the heated seats don't stay heated. They turned off automatically after a few minutes, which really was a bummer (pun definitely intended.) If I want my bum warm for hours, then dammit the heated seats should stay on until I decide to turn them off!

Seating for five puts the Tribute into the small SUV category, but I never

The nice thing about the Tribute is that it doesn't feel particularly big to drive. (Photo: Mazda)

felt like it was small in terms of space. It's very roomy in all respects. Neither did it feel big and bulky, as the car ... pardon me, the sporty ute was easy to maneuver in and out of parking spots and nimble when it came to cornering or making u-turns. I didn't have much of an opportunity to test out the all-wheel drive system, which is optional on the GT, because the conditions I drove in were mostly city and highway. However, were I to purchase one, I would definitely do some road testing in front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive versions back to back. I have just experienced some pretty nasty road conditions in my own 4 wheel drive SUV, and I truly believe that stability and control come down to the tires that the vehicle is running on just as much or more than the drivetrain.

Comfort in the Tribute was never an issue, but I would say that that the CX7 and CX9 take a significant lead over the Tribute in this department. They are certainly more car-like, and the suspension in the Tribute is a lot stiffer. It doesn't glide over bumps like its siblings, so if you're looking for refinement, the Tribute may not be your best fit. However, if you're looking for a very versatile and sporty machine that will also tow your boat to your weekend cabin

A good deal of space is available, but the rear seats don't fold down in one action. (Photo: Mazda)

(provided it's not a 30-foot cabin cruiser), then hey, the Tribute is up to the task. The rear seats can be folded, and the seat cushions can be removed entirely, creating a generous cargo capacity of 66.3 cubic feet ... not bad for hauling those Christmas trees (OK, maybe dozens of red roses and boxes of chocolates are more in order for this time of year)! The leather trim on the GT is also sturdy and strong, so there is no need to worry about scratches or sap.

Power from the 3.0-liter V6 GT was adequate; making me happy I had the optional drivetrain. There's a substantial difference in performance between this and the 4-cylinder model, with the V6 rating at 200 horsepower versus 153 hp in the base model Sport I-4. For me, living with the four-cylinder model would be an issue, in that I hate the feeling of being underpowered, especially on the hills that we

New dash style is shared with the Ford Escape, its fraternal twin. (Photo: Mazda)

encounter on a regular basis around town. Additionally, a factor to consider between the engine options is towing capacity. The V6 will tow up to 3,500 pounds, whereas the smaller I-4 can haul less than half that load at 1,500 pounds. And as much as I dread the increase in fuel prices, I would not want to sacrifice power for a one-mile per gallon savings at the pumps. And that in mind, if you live amidst hills like me, the lower revving performance of the V6 most likely would cost no more to drive than the higher revving four-cylinder, and maybe less.

With all of the extras on the Mazda Tribute GT, like the active torque split all-wheel drive system, 7-speaker, AM/FM 6-CD changer audio system, auto headlamps, power sliding moonroof with sunshade, leather-trimmed upholstery and heated front seats, I would say that it's worth the extra dough, if your conscience and budget allow.

No matter what, when comparing price you've got to appreciate that the Tribute is a winner in this department. It is one of the lowest priced vehicles in its segment, even in the fully outfitted GT version, which means you get a lot of bang for your buck. A similarly outfitted Ford Escape is even more costly than the Tribute. Therefore, if your budget is guiding your conscience, this vehicle won't have you losing sleep at night.

How will the Tribute fit into my own purchase plans? It's a contender for sure. My conscience is steering me towards value, whereas a year or two ago I would have been more influenced by flash and how many looks I got while driving. I still like driving a vehicle that gets noticed and complimented, which is why the Tribute is in the running. It's got good looks, a great track record, and it's fun to drive. Why wouldn't it be? After all, it's a Mazda.

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