Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2001

Small SUV

Winner: Mazda Tribute

Why would Mazda jump into the already-crowded small-SUV marketplace? Obviously, they thought they could offer something different-or better than-the other guys. And they did. The result is the 2001 Mazda Tribute a spacious, sporty SUV that drives like a car but lets you safely navigate in the snow. It also offers the most powerful V6 engine in its class. Top this off with a sticker price that starts just above $17,000 (for a stripped DX) and you have a vehicle that straddles the best of both worlds: affordability with the low-end DX model or luxury with the leather-lined ES. Furthermore, it has a sporty, responsive feel but can seat five passengers and tow up to 3,500 pounds (assuming you've got the V6 engine with the optional towing package). Light-duty off-roading is even a part of its repertoire. The Tribute is also offered in three trim levels: DX, LX and ES. All versions offer you the choice of either the front-wheel-drive or the automatic four-wheel-drive system. Interesting options on the Tribute are side-impact airbags, a 190-watt sound system with a six-disc in-dash CD changer and a moonroof. While the interior is cheaply constructed of hard plastic (including the door panel tops - bah!), it is well laid-out and will probably take a beating without showing its age. Road noise is minimal and your choice of engines is either the weak 2.0-liter four cylinder delivering 130 horsepower or the 200-horse 3.0-liter V6. With the four-cylinder/five-speed combo, you can expect 23/28 mpg; the V6/automatic is good for 18/24 mpg. We have to doubt the Tribute's off-roading capability since it lacks a low-range transfer case, but nobody goes off-road anyway, right? There is stiff competition in this category, but Mazda has created a class-leading, stylish contribution. Not by standing out in any given category, but by doing everything well.