My biggest beef, however, was the position of the gear selector. When in Drive, the steering column mounted lever is so long it blocked my reach to the volume knob and other buttons to the stereo. Then when sitting back in my seat kept hitting it with my hand. All in all, it obstructed my reach to the all-important tunes! Give me a console mounted shifter instead.

Hands down, the Mazda Tribute is just a really well-made vehicle. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

Despite a few minor tiffs, the Tribute is a first class SUV for the price of economy class. Even my mom, who is the harshest critic of all, gave Mazda's sport utility her blessing because of the heated seats lighted vanity mirror. Hands down, it is just a really well-made vehicle. While that might not seem important to you, a girl has to have her priorities.

Specifications (ES):

• Price Range (MSRP): $34,240 - $36,315 (base model starts at $22,795)
• Body Type: 5-door SUV
• Layout: front engine, AWD
• Engine: 200 hp, 200 lb-ft, 3.0-L, 24-valve, SOHC V6
• Transmission: 4-spd auto
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/drum, ABS
• Curb Weight: 1,567 kg (3,455 lb)
• Acceleration (0 - 100 km/h): 9.7 seconds
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Cargo Volume (rear seats down): 1820 L (64.3 cu ft)
• Ground Clearance: 214 mm (8.4 inches)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 13.1 / 9.4 L/100 km (23 / 33 mpg) (V6 4WD)
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/80,000 comprehensive
• Direct Competitors: Chevy Tracker, Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa Fe, Jeep Liberty, Kia Sorento, Land Rover Freelander, Mitsubishi Outlander, Saturn VUE, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota RAV4
• Web Site: www.mazda.ca