Mazda Tribute

jrfish

Has anyone on this list used the Tribute roof cargo rack to carry kayaks or canoes? The cross bars can only be spread about 2 feet apart, and I'm concerned with stability to carry a 16 foot kayak when the bars are so close together. Also, I noticed the front crossbar is lower in height than the rear crossbar. Anyone have any pointers or suggestions?

jrfish

kadaj1----My Tribute is 8 months old, with 12000 miles on it. Consistent city mileage of about 18 mpg and consistent highway mileage of 23-24 mpg (once I got over 25 mpg-- maybe the wind was with me:) ). Mixed driving, I'm getting a consistent 20-21 mpg. So, if your 17 mpg is entirely highway driving, I would be concerned. Otherwise, it seems normal for city driving and is about what was advertised when I bought my car(18-24 mpg, I believe).

bshap

i thought the speed limiter was 105. i hit 113 and 110 in two different attempts. has anyone else exceeded the so called limited speed? also,what are the speed ratings of the HT tire that the tribute comes with?

currey

The Wilderness HT tires are fine (however, some say they are a little noisier then other brands), it is the Wilderness AT tires that you have to worry about, the Tribute and Escape only came with the HTs to the best of my knowledge.

eshelke

Has anyone had a problem with rear tires (front OK) rapidly wearing badly? 4WD Tribute with the Std Wilderness HT tires. Tire pressure has been regularly checked and kept at 30psi. Suspension looks OK. Vehicle has 13,000 miles on it, all highway. Haven't towed or carried heavy load. Tires were rotated at 6,500 miles. The cupping can easily be felt by hand and is now so bad that the vehicle vibrates and I've parked it. My next step is to get the alignment checked and check the balance of the wheels. Then I guess I'll go see folks at Firestone. Before I do all this, I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this phenomena.

murocflyer

Has our group compiled a list of web sites that sells Tribute/Escape accessories? And if so, which ones are best? Which sites are cheaper, better/faster service etc.? Does Escape products sell for less? If we haven't, I'd like some input and I'll create a list and review them. I'm interested in purchasing side step bars, mud guards, and now a pollen filter. Any experiences y'all have had would be appreciated. Thanks, Frank

odie6l

Here's a site for the Escape parts...

 

  Http://www.partscheap.com

Odie

cdaniels2

Hello all. I'm in the process of deciding on a new vehicle and I'm really leaning toward the Tribute LX FWD. I've not read through all the messages, but I've noticed that most owners have a Tribute in 4WD. I do live in central NY where we had 198 inches of snow this year, but I've never needed a 4wd vehicle before. My concern is that I don't want my SUV to ride like my husband's 4WD pickup. Does anyone out there have just a FWD that they'd like to share some info about? I must say that I get the best info from the Town Hall! Thank you!

aldehyde

Cheryle, the 4WD Tribute and Escape are 100% front wheel drive until slippage is detected, then and only then, power is sent to the back wheels. Even in "auto" 4WD mode, the threshhold for applying power to all 4 wheels is just lowered. This is apparently to improve gas mileage more than anything else. So it probably won't drive like your husband's pickup Driving with 4 powered wheels in rain or snow is VERY confidence-inspiring compared to 2, believe me. Here's an interesting fact... the Quattro component on my old A4 was actually an appreciating asset! FWD A4's of the same year in the same condition were worth about $2000 less in 2001 than a Quattro (4WD) version, and the cost when new in 1998 of adding Quattro was only $1600! Best of luck...

-EC

terrymcginnis

Ok...Here are my 3 choices:

Trib LX-V6 2WD W/ABS & Side Air Bags and 6disc CD package: Sticker...$22,765 Invoice (according to Edmunds)...$20,374

Trib LX-V6 4WD W/Luxury Package (Moonroof & 6disc CD) Towing Pkg & some other minor stuff (trunk liner etc.): Sticker...$24,489 Invoice (ed)...$21,493

Trib ES-V6 4WD W/Everything: Sticker...$25,905 Invoice (Ed)...$22,429

First off I'm New England...Should I even bother w/ the AWD/4wd? Second, I don't care to have the extras at all (the moonroof and leather...that stuff)...Third, I do like the ABS Side AirBags option. So, what would all of you pay for each of these, which would you pick?

I don't want to spend more than $22,000 and would love to be as close to $19,000 as possible. Am I dreaming here? What do you all think???

Remember, the East coast isn't selling them quite as fast as the West Coast is. And the Trib did feel a bit cheap inside and the comfort level wasn't the greatest in the world.

Thanks for any responses that might come through.

drew_

IIRC, in 4WD mode, the RBC allocates power front and rear at 50/50. It's not just a lowered threshold. This is why the 4WD mode shouldn't be used on dry pavement as it will cause binding.


Drew
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tribby

Picked up My Tribute ES Monday and guess what? Comes with CONTINENTAL TIRES. Dealer said as of this shipment, no more Firestone, due to Ford/Firestone breakup.

aldehyde

Thanks for the correction, Drew. I was quoting what I had read on Car and Driver's site:

"Contrary to what you'll be told by the dashboard markings, your Ford Outfitter salesperson, and even Ford's press materials, the Escape's Control Trac II system does not offer fully locked four-wheel drive. Rather, this on-demand all-wheel-drive setup only sends power to the rear axle when the front wheels slip...."

...continued in next post...

aldehyde

"When set to "4x4 On," an electromagnet energizes a small clutch pack, locking a ball ramp to the input shaft. Now when the front wheels spin, they turn the ball ramp, which overrides the RBC and pressurizes the same multiplate clutch pack. In the "4x4 On" mode, the rear axle is engaged quicker and more securely. The front and rear axles are, however, never locked together, except during front-wheel slippage. That way, there is never any crabbing or binding in tight turns, and there's no need for a center differential.
With no limited-slip differentials, it is possible--with opposite corners in full droop and airborne, for example--for an Escape to get totally stuck."

aldehyde

Did I misinterpret this? Here's the URL to the whole article from July of last year. I had to put a space that doesn't belong because it won't let me post a word longer than 115 characters. Thanks for clearing this up!

http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/ Caranddriver/roadtests/2000/July/200007_roadtest_ford_escapexlt.xml?&page=6

-EC

1jimv1

See http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/fordescapeclub Msgs 2795 thru 2798 and Photos for details. This sleeps two adults inside on a standard double-size Coleman airbed and provides dual his/her personal storage. Works with all models of Tribute/Escape.

tribby

So, this brings up a question - I drove my Trib around town for a day in locked 4WD on dry pavement. Car seems to be ok, but do you think I caused damage or do you have to drive a lot for binding to occur? I drove maybe 20 miles total. Thanks!!

maltb

That's strange...I backed out of the driveway with it locked and noticed it right away. Any time you turn, the front wheels will bind against the rear if they have traction. The only problem I foresee is increased tire wear.

My lesson learned: Don't let the kids play in the car before you get in. However, they should make the switch such that it only works when the ignition is ON.

dannyg

"And the Trib did feel a bit cheap inside and the comfort level wasn't the greatest in the world."

Not exactly a rave review. Are you SURE you want a Trib (or Ford Escape)? Personally, I really like them, but maybe they're not for you. Have you test-driven a Rav4?

You mention that cost is an issue. Are you sure you want/need an SUV? A Mazda 626 or Protege would cost a lot less and get much better MPG. Both are FWD and handle fine.

Just a thought.

terrymcginnis

The cheapness was only some minor things (Door handles & such) and the discomfort was that the seats were a bit stiff. However, I like the V6 and the space. I have a Honda Accord now, but I wanted the spaciousness of a Sport-Ute and the price of the Accord...that leaves the RAV4, CRV, Forrester, Santa Fe, Escape, and Tribute. I like the Trib best...not that its my perfect dream vehicle, but until I can afford the RX-300, it'll do.

drew_

I read the very same article a while back and I don't understand why C&D made such an error. Every single other publication that I read or TV show that I watched said that it was split 50/50 in AWD lock mode, even the Mazda engineer that was interviewed on Motoring 2001. It's all very puzzling...

drew_

If you look in your owner's manual you should find that it indicates that the 4WD lock mode shouldn't be used on dry pavement (only on slippery stuff such as mud, sand, or snow). As for the damage that you could've caused, it probably wouldn't have been too bad. Perhaps just more strain on the differentials and the other components. Let's just say that I personally wouldn't do it again ;-)

Good luck!

Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

1jimv1

(tribby) This reverts to "AUTO" mode if you drive at speeds above 18 mph according to other posts I have seen. You might check this out with the Engineers if you are still interested. This could explain why (maltb) felt the binding while backing out and you didn't experience binding driving around town. It seems like a good safety feature to me and not hard to design into our 4WD. It is also my understanding that the power transfer in "Auto" starts rather low and only increases as the duration of slip heats the transfer fluid whereas "ON" starts out 50-50 so you feel it at once.

drhb1

Just curious what the consensus is on correct tire pressure for the Firestone HT tires on the Tribute. I found that the door sticker recommeneded 29LBS was too low, and the handling was poor. They were set at delivery at 40lbs, and the sidewall indicates a maximum of 44lbs.

I currently have them at 36LBS.

Any others have suggestions re the correct pressure??

dannyg

Gotcha. My 2 cents is that if you're happy driving a FWD Accord in your area, you'll be happy driving the FWD Tribute. And you'll save some $ and get better MPG.

I drive an old Ranger 4x4 and am looking to trade it in for a FWD Tribute/Escape or maybe a 4cyl Ranger.

Good luck, let us know if you buy a Tribute!

kingdude

I own a LX-V6 4WD Trib and I love the way it drives and handles. I, like you, don't need all the "bells and whistles". That's why I opted for the LX. If you feel you don't need the 4WD then I would advise you to pick the LX-V6 2WD. Since you wouldn't be carrying the extra weight of all the 4WD components, you would probably get better gas mileage. Hope you can find a reputable dealer to deal with. If you can get close to invoice with this vehicle,you've done something.

Good luck with your choice! Happy zooming!

hfdad

Prices at www.mazdastuff.com seem pretty reasonable. I have read others recommend this site for Tribute parts and accessories also.

expwtlou2

My wife ordered her tribute es in early nov. We finally got a VIN on it this week. It is being built this week ... Does anyone out there know how I can track it on the internet.....Very anxious,,,,Hope it was worth the wait.... Thank you

tinoman1

why bother tracking it, you waited this long. If you got a vin# delivery s/b expected in a month or so even less. sure hope its worth it for you too.

stever

Mazda puts its stamp on SUV

Steve
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participant

I still think the 29 lb recommendation is Ford's lawsuit-itis disease. But 36 is a little high, it's a pretty hard ride. I can tolerate 32-34 and it seems good for handling.

drhb2

Thanks Participant for the response. I'll bet anything that the local tire dealer will give a higher pressure recommendation that Ford; maybe it indeed is Ford's overcaution at the 29.

participant

The dealer gave me the auto with 32 lbs. in it. On the one hand, if it was intentional, it was good of dealer to recognize and use common sense. On the other hand, they might have not read the sticker. And taking it a little further, if it was intentional, why did they go against recommendation without telling me? Can't trust anybody. What's that noise? Aliens back on my roof?

drew37

What is known about the 2002 Tribute? Is it due out soon, and what changes will it have versus the 2001?

sprol

I am just starting to look for a SUV or CRV and have heard that the Tribute has had many problems. What were they and have they been corrected. Compared to the Forester, RAV, or Honda, does the Tribute excel? I feel that it is a good looking vehicle.

maltb

some early production problems, that have now been fixed. I haven't heard of any new ones so hopefully that was a one timer. Drive one and you will see the difference from all the other small utes.

orlie

Being that the lens is made of some plastic material, I'm concerned that higher wattage bulbs may cause some damage. Someone stated that he installed 85/75 watt bulbs, but I haven't been able to find such bulbs (only 60/55 then jumping directly to 100/80).

I'd like to have improved illumination from my low beam headlights without damaging the housing (or melting the wires, blowing a fuse, etc.) or without installed auxiliary driving lamps, so slightly higher wattage bulbs may be the way to go. (I checked Philips VisionPlus and the gains are minimal as reported by some; I currently have the Philips Blue Vision -- which is more white vision and no blue haze as far as I can see, which is good -- but that's worse, in my opinion, than the stock GE bulbs.)

Thanks for any feedback!

redsoxmama

I'm in Southern CA, Orange Cty to be exact, and the dealer I have been working with keeps telling me that 1) ES's in general are almost gone completely until the 2002's come in Sept., and 2) to get a platinum one is nearly impossible, and 3) 99% of what you find out there is 4WD. Is this true? I have seen one 2WD in blue that I did not really want. I want grey interior so my options are blue, platinum or black. Anyone have any thoughts on this 2WD issue? I'm trying to save gas mileage, and can still tow with the tow package, so I don't think I want the 4WD. ALSO - have the Ford recalls also included the Mazda? Thanks for your help - and btw, I think there is a big difference in quality btwn the Ford and the Mazda.....

kingdude

since it's hardly used anymore. The Escape/Tribute problems discussion has lots more traffic than this one does. Why not combine them? Just a thought.

currey

99% of ESs are 4wd, that is a new one. Here in south Florida, I would venture to say that one out of five ESs were 4wd, the majority were 2wd.

Yes, the ford recalls have also effected Mazda, as for quality, they are both built on the same line in Kansas.

As for combining this discussion with the Tribute/Escape problems discussion, ah no, unless you want to wipe out all three (mazda, ford, problems) and have just one forum for Tribute/Escape. As for me, I like the separate Mazda Tribute page.

maltb

There are plenty of 2wd Tribs ou there. A number of dealers in OC have them, but they could be pre-sold. Just get out your yellow pages and start calling.

cdaniels2

Zoom, zoom, zooming tomorrow after work! I knew I'd have trouble finding an LX, and I knew I'd have an even harder time finding a 2WD LX. However, fate stepped in and a 2WD LX was delivered to the dealership I stopped at for a test drive on that very same morning! The salesman didn't even know it was in. It wasn't a color I'd considered, but the fact that I could actually have a Tribute LX that quickly far outweighed the color! I'd been researching and reading this chat for 10 months. Get over the recalls--nothing in life is perfect. I don't even agree that the shift lever interferes with the radio's volume knob. Personally, I feel it covers the rear defogger button--a button I reach for without even thinking about. I just know that I'm very lucky that I got my Tribute!

kingdude

because it doesn't serve any good purpose.

dmacl

What are my chances for getting a 4WD ES in the next two months? I am in Northern NJ.

Thanks...

currey

You seem to be the only one saying this, in fact, looking at all your recent posts, that is all your saying. I guess my question is as it doesn't appear that you contribute in any other way to this or any other forum, why is it such a big deal if this forum exists or not?

currey

Regardless of where you are (I am in South Florida) I think the best chances of getting the Tribute you want are to call the local dealerships (keep in mind, I had to skip all the local dealerships and drive about an hour to one that had the Tribute I was looking for), and ask to speak to their INVENTORY MANAGER. The inventory managers should be able to tell you what Tributes are arriving on their lots in the next few weeks. At least they could tell you the model (ES) and the drive (4WD) along with the colour.

This is what I did. In the end I think I called around eleven dealerships, found the ES I wanted, went to the dealer and put down $500 (refundable). I had to wait two and a half weeks for it to get delivered to the lot, but get this, my wife actually talked the guy into giving us a loaner car until the Tribute arrived (she was 6 months pregnant and no one wants to say no to a pregnant woman).

Feel free to email me if you have any questions. Good luck and happy hunting.

kingdude

I've been a member of this discussion group since the very beginning and I, like you, have every right in the world to express my opinion. It just seems logical to me to combine two discussion forums that talk about the same things and serve the same purpose. Now, in your opinion, what is wrong with that idea?

currey

I do not doubt that you have been a member of this forum since the beginning. In fact I do believe I read some of your post some time ago. If you read my previous post I referred to your "recent" posts. I do understand that you have every right to state your opinion, just as I do. In my opinion, I like the separate Tribute forum. I understand that the Tribute is almost identical to the Escape, however, there are slight differences that led us (at least you and I and all the Tribute buyers) to purchase this vehicle over the more widely available (and in most case cheaper) Escape. Even if those differences are insignificant or intangible, they exist. For me, I enjoy the fact the the Tribute is slightly different and appreciate the fact that others like me also choose this SUV for some individualistic reasons. Therefore, I enjoy a forum where I can talk about this vehicle with other individuals that share the common bond of preferring the Tribute over other mini-utes, even over its fraternal twin the Escape. I know this sounds hokey, it is all based on irrational feelings. I would thus be disappointed to see this forum be sucked up into the ever common leviathan that is the Escape/Tribute, or if you will, Triscape or Tribape. In a world full of clones, I want to wrestle with the little individuality afforded to us, regardless of how insignificant it acctually is. Sorry for the long rambeling, and sorry if you took offense to my earlier post. One problem whith only being able to read the words and not hear the tone or inflection with whcih they are said is that one never truly understands with what emotion they were orriginally conceived.

Richard.

expwtlou2

It's been a long wait here in VT. for a tribute eS With abs ,side air bags,sunroof ,stereo upgrade,tow Package in desert metallic. Ordered on Nov. 3th and it's due in next week.... was told 8 to 10 weeks. Good Luck

peterpan2

What are the changes,if any, in the 2002 versus the 2001?