Full Test: 2001 Mazda Tribute


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NAVIGATION

	Road Test
	Summary
	Specifications and Performance
	Stereo Evaluation
	Second Opinion
	Consumer Commentary

PHOTOS

(Enlarge photo)
This is not the best sounding system I've heard, but it gets high marks for user friendliness and ergonomics. (Photo by Scott Jacobs)

VEHICLE TESTED

2001 Mazda Tribute ES V6
(vehicle detail)

Ups: Drives and handles as well as a typical sedan, powerful V6 makes short work of highway on-ramps, pleasant interior is functional and roomy.

Downs: There have already been several recalls, bland styling, chintzy interior door handles, shifter blocks key radio controls when in Drive.

Base MSRP of Test Vehicle: $23,540 (including destination charge)

Options on Test Vehicle: ABS with Side Airbags ($495); Luxury Package ($1,090 — includes premium audio package and power sliding glass moonroof); Towing Package ($350 — includes Class II towing preparation, trailer hitch receiver with 3500-pound towing capacity, engine oil cooler and wiring harness).

MSRP of Test Vehicle: $25,475 (including destination charge)

Road Tests: Full Test

Full Test: 2001 Mazda Tribute
Stereo Evaluation
By Miles Cook
Date Posted 03-20-2001

System Score: 7.25

Components. This system has wonderful ergonomics throughout. Not only does the radio have an excellent position in the upper dash, but it's outfitted with great controls. For example, it has a large round volume knob that is ridged and has a great tactile feel. The radio also boasts wide button spacing and a user-friendly topography, although some of the buttons are a little "flat" and could use a little more definition. The head unit has a built-in six-disc CD changer as well as a cassette deck.

Speaker-wise, the rear doors contain a pair of 5x7 full-range speakers. The front doors have the same size, but these are rolled off electronically to accommodate a pair of tweeters tucked in the front corner of the doors. The system also contains an 8-inch subwoofer in the passenger side rear quarter panel. Very nice.

Performance. As you can imagine, with all the speakers in this vehicle it's likely to sound pretty good, and it does. The subwoofer adds a nice rear fill of bass. The tweeters are a little less impressive in terms of sound quality, although they produce a very accurate stereo image in the front seat. Most instruments, such as sax, horns, acoustic strings and drums sound slightly above average, but with a lack of detail in the midrange.

Best Feature: In-dash six-disc CD changer.

Worst Feature: A largely useless knob on the right that would have made a great tuning knob. Its only function is to control bass, treble, balance and fade.

Conclusion. This is not the best sounding system I've heard, but it gets high marks for user friendliness and ergonomics. Drop in some better speakers and a small amp and this thing would crank. — Scott Memmer