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Road Tests: Long-Term Test
Long-Term Test: 2001 Mazda Tribute ES-V6
August 2001
By editors at Edmunds.com
Date Posted 12-16-2002
Video highlights of this vehicle
The month of August saw the Tribute (twin
to the Ford Escape) mostly in the service of Peter Steinlauf, Edmunds.com's beloved
President and CEO. He had nothing but nice things to say about our mini-SUV, lauding
its powerful engine and comfortable interior. He, like our editors, found fault
with the overly long and misplaced shifter, which blocks the radio controls. However,
this hasn't prevented him from appreciating the Mazda: "My daughter has one and
will buy another," he stated.
The de facto Tribute-sitter for the month, Road Test Editor Liz Kim, didn't
have as much time in it as she would have liked, thanks to the veritable caravan
of press vehicles traipsing through our underground garage.
Liz has always been torn about the attributes of this cute ute, which she views
as an insidious attempt by automakers to get truck-bashers like herself to soften
up their calcified hearts. She detests the amount of fuel the thing quaffs, yet
she often found herself petting it affectionately. When confronted with this flagrant
traitorousness, she hemmed and hawed, "Well, the thing is just so much fun to
drive. It has that special combination of engine, transmission and brakes that
all cooperate to make the driving experience a pleasurable one. It really feels
like you're driving a sedan, and a sporty one at that."
Having recently participated in a six-vehicle mini-SUV comparison test, Liz can
say unequivocally that, of the vehicles tested, the Tribute/Escape twosome is
the most fun to drive on road. There are different kinds of SUVs for different
types of customers, and her experience with the Tribute served to drive that point
home.
For those who actually intend to take their vehicle on off-road adventures, a
low-range transfer case, lots of suspension travel and numb, slow steering are
positive aspects, as the Nissan Xterra and Jeep Liberty proved. These are liabilities
during around-town driving, however, as they add weight and detract from driving
fun. The Trib, meanwhile, has precise, direct steering, a taut (some may say harsh)
suspension and an on-demand four-wheel-drive system, which is good enough for
dirt roads. Liz suggests that consumers do their research before settling on a
new vehicle; for buyers like herself, who believe that nature should not be molested
by those who can't get there on their own two feet, the Tribute/Escape is a livable
compromise.
"Usually, when I'm stuck in a truck for the month, I'm glad to finally be shorn
of it. This time, however, I was bereft that my term was ending," Liz concludes.
High praise indeed.
Current Odometer: 20,095
Best Fuel Economy: 21.5 mpg
Worst Fuel Economy: 17.7mpg
Average Fuel Economy (over the life of the vehicle): 18.7 mpg
Body Repair Costs: None
Maintenance Costs: None
Problems: None
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