Road Tests: Long-Term Test

Video highlights of this vehicle

It's always a happy occasion when Road Test Editor Liz Kim gets a go in the Mazda Tribute for the month; from its energetic drivetrain to its refined nature and amenities, the Tribute is always one of her more longed-for vehicles in our fleet. "I'm always amazed by how easy I'm able to launch this mini-ute," she said. "From just about any speed, throttle response is immediate and satisfying. This is one 'truck' that makes you want to drive it fast. It gives no hint of the instability associated with a high center of gravity, like a Nissan Xterra does, nor does it feel heavy and cumbersome, like a Jeep Liberty. Basically, you get close to the nimbleness of a Toyota RAV4, thanks to its unibody construction and four-wheel independent suspension, only it feels like it's been keyed up by a pitcher of Red Bull."

Her only complaint was a minor quibble discussed previously — the loose engagement of gears due to weak detents in the transmission. "You've really gotta be mindful of noting what gear you're in — twice I stomped on the gas while the tranny was in neutral, because I thought it was already in drive."

Associate Editor Warren Clarke also drove the Tribute this month, after his Suzuki Sidekick was sidelined for a few days due to starter trouble. He enjoyed tooling around town in the Tribute, and appreciated the ute's good looks and power. "I like the fact that Tributes aren't as common a sight on the freeways of L.A. as some other SUVs," he says. "It makes driving one feel rather special. A neighbor of mine also dug the looks of the ute and commented that he couldn't remember having ever seen one like it."

Most of all, though, Clarke was blown away by the horses under the ute's hood. "I really appreciated the Tribute's power. My Sidekick has a paltry 95 horses, compared to the Tribute's 200. Needless to say, I really noticed the difference. Passing was a breeze, and merging into freeway traffic was never a problem." But this speed was not without its downside. "Boy, does this baby suck gas!" commented Clarke. "I was shocked to discover that I'd gone through almost a whole tank's worth in just a couple of days of commuting to and from work."

However, all was not well in the Tribute lovefest that usually occurs on a monthly basis. Road Test Coordinator Neil Chirico noted that the ABS light would go on intermittently and suggested that it be taken to the dealer ASAP. Miss Kim decided that she should see the light for herself before trying to explain the problem to the dealer. Over the weekend, not only did the light go on, but the ABS would engage even when she came to a rolling stop; its harsh pulse vibrated through the pedal and made an unceremonious racket in the cabin.

Monday morning, bright and early, she called Santa Monica Mazda; they kindly allowed her to bring the Trib in without an appointment. The service advisor called later that afternoon and said that the SUV needed to be in overnight to diagnose the problem. Days passed, nights came and went, new parts had to ordered, and when all was said and done, we were sans Tribute for an entire week. Luckily, at Edmunds.com, we usually have enough test vehicles so that editors aren't left car-less — we know that most people aren't that lucky.

As it turns out, the problem was that the toothed sensor ring, which gives information on wheel speeds to the ABS computer, had detached from the back side of the rotor assembly. Santa Monica Mazda called the Mazda Technical Center, which advised them to replace the entire right front half shaft. All of it was done without cost to us, of course, as the Tribute's drivetrain is covered for 3 years/50,000 miles.

The Tribute has been a part of our long-term family for just over a year now and, aside from a few minor issues, has managed to please the Edmunds crew with its jovial road manners and eye-catching good looks. Keep tuned in to see if it'll hold up until its lease runs out in December.

Current Odometer: 24,848
Best Fuel Economy: 14.5 mpg
Worst Fuel Economy: 20.5 mpg
Average Fuel Economy (over the life of the vehicle): 18.1 mpg
Body Repair Costs: None
Maintenance Costs: None
Problems: ABS ring loosened; half shaft replaced.