Mazda's Sport Utility GT.

For 2005, Mazda has introduced the refreshed version of its popular compact SUV, the Tribute. First made available for the masses in 2001, it shares just about everything with the Ford Escape except for the logo on the front grille. To compete with the likes of the popular Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV-4 and Suzuki Vitara (Chevrolet Sidekick), Ford along with Mazda, decided to create their own version of the compact sport-utility vehicle. Wise, resourceful and thinking of the North American market, they determined that making it bigger and available with an optional V6 would attract more buyers. The only negative aspect for Mazda is that it would suffer through more brand dilution (since the Tribute is built by and uses pieces from Ford's parts bin). This is not the first time that Mazda and Ford "created" a truck together: In the early nineties, Mazda was selling (in the USA only) their own adaptation of the 2 door Ford Explorer called the Navajo. The Mazda Explorer was never really accepted but the Tribute has shown to be a good seller up to this point.

The range of the Tribute starts at $24,495 up to $35,295 for the all-dressed version. The tester is an all dressed AWD GT-V6 that retails for $35,400 including the metallic paint fee.

Exterior styling

The exterior shape of the Tribute is far from being revolutionary but it is still quite handsome. My Sonic blue metallic example was shod with the 16" 5 spoke alloys and, standard for all Tribute GT, the grey coloured fender flares and body cladding.

The paint does show signs of orange peel but the body panels are at least well assembled. It must be mentioned though that the gaps, although even, are quite prevalent everywhere. Its exterior dimensions make it a more practical purchase than the RAV4 for about the same investment. Its size is also generous enough to avoid families from buying the larger more expensive SUVs for the extra room that, in the end, a Subaru Forester may not have.

Interior styling

The interior is a mix of the good, the bad and the ugly. The plastic used for the upper portion of the dash is soft to the touch and lightly textured. The lower part on the other hand, is hard and very "bon marché" looking. The Ford window switches and the granite-like finish on the centre panel break up an otherwise clean and orderly looking interior. The HVAC controls feel a little cheap in their movement from one function to another. The audio sound system, which includes a subwoofer, generates an honest sound, however it is not particularly powerful. Visibility in all directions poses no difficulties whatsoever.

The interior volume is huge for both rows and in the cargo area. It is nearly as big as the pre-2002 generation Ford Explorer. In its category and price range, only the Chevrolet Equinox offers more luggage space behind the 2nd row of seats. The front seats are comfortable, although they could use a little more lateral support. The second row bench is also cosy.