Vehicle Overview

Ford owns a controlling interest in Mazda, so there's a close kinship between the popular Ford Escape sport utility vehicle and the related Mazda Tribute. Both SUVs were introduced for the 2001 model year and upgraded for 2005. When comparing the two, you'll find subtle styling differences, unique interior features in each and different suspension tuning.

Serving as the sportier member of the pair, the car-based Tribute attracts considerable interest even if its sales totals lag well behind the Escape's. Both models compete against the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

New Tribute i and s trim levels replaced the previous DX, LX and ES for 2005. A new 2.3-liter four-cylinder in i models produced 153 horsepower, versus 130 hp in the prior version. For the first time, four-cylinder models could be equipped with an automatic transmission. Little has changed for the 2006 model year.

Front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are available, but the Tribute and Escape aren't considered true offroad machines. Mazda says its intelligent full-time Active Torque Control Coupling four-wheel-drive system reacts faster than a hydraulic unit.

    See also:

    Advanced Key Suspend Function
    If one key is left in the vehicle or trunk and the second key is used to lock the vehicle, the functions of the advanced key left in the vehicle or the trunk are temporarily suspended to prevent t ...

    Convenient Use of the Hands-Free System
    qPhone book usage Phone book registration Phone numbers can be registered to the Bluetooth Hands-Free phone book. NOTE: Do this function only when parked. It is too distracting to attempt while ...

    Child Restraint Precautions
    Mazda strongly urges the use of child-restraint systems for children small enough to use them. You are required by law to use a child-restraint system for children in the U.S. and Canada. Check ...