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Comments
Pluses
1. power. lots of it
2. handling. great handling. love this.
3. large interior room.
4. stunningly good looks.
Minuses
1. long column mounted gear shift may take some getting used to. however, it is NOT a hindrance at all.
2. some wind noise from the side mirrors. i wonder if other trucks with even bigger mirrors have this problem too?
3. ride is a bit stiff. it's not a car, but could have been a bit 'less stiff'.
regarding road noise, i really did not feel it nor did any of it bother me so ziebart is out of the question. it's a lot quieter than my 13 year old corolla.
engine makes a low pitched growl when pushed. i'm not bothered by it and it kinda sounds good. i also test drove a maxima and the maxima's engine sounded quieter though.
wife loves this tribute too!
I have test driven just about all the car based SUV's and recently test drove the new base Toyota Highlander SUV AWD V6. Although it is more expensive, the overall refinement of the vehicle especially in the NVH department and exterior/interior fit and finish is far superior to the Tribute and all others. I am willing to forgo some of the extra features available in the Tribute (leather, moonroof) and the added cost for the peace of mind of Toyota's overall quality and reliability. I guess it basically comes down to a matter of priorities and affordability.
I plan on monitoring the Highlander forums over the next few months before deciding whether to purchase one or not.
ESCAPE Went to program 2 new keys (bought from Ford) and they didn't turn in the ignition. Turns out that there are different key blanks so be careful in getting the correct ones and try turning them to run before you leave the lot. One key was successfully programmed but after trying to program the second key (followed the book), all keys stopped working. If this happens, you have to place in one of the factory keys and turn to run for 20~30 seconds (theft light should stop blinking) to reset to use the factory keys. I found setting the alarm with my key fob also reset the system.
TRIBUTE When you get a new Tribute, the first thing you MUST do is: Get a spare key!!! The Securelock system is very sophisticated, and, a bit oversensitive. You must have 2 keys to program a spare. If you lose a key and end up with only one, you must go to the dealer, who must call Mazda for a vehicle-specific decode sequence (they have to get the module number from under the dash, in a difficult to reach area) before programming a new key. BIG HEADACHE. Avoid this by buying a spare and programming it yourself. Clear instructions are in the manual. Read them twice before beginning, and label your keys; 1, 2, and "new." Program only one new key at a time, and WAIT at least 2 minutes before starting the sequence for another key. If you goof, the system will go into a fault, and the car Won't Start for 30 minutes (I know... I did it!) If this happens, go have a cup of coffee, come out and, using a good key, turn to "ON" (as opposed to start). Press brake, cycle shifter from park to first and back to park. If enough time has passed, car will start. Morale: get a spare key, and read manual thoroughly!
Check the key blanks. I went to a Ford authorized locksmith. He said the keys with an "S" on the metal part just below the black plastic of the key is for Explorers. Escapes have a little squiggle "~" on theirs. He said the Escape keys look just like the keys used on the Focus. He has found that the Focus alarm system is much more difficult to program.
The Tribute ignition key, P/N EC01-76- 2GX can be identified by locating a slanted "H" stamped at the top of the key shaft (close to the key head). The B-Series ignition key, P/N ZZR0-76-201, is identified with a stamped "S".
A Highlander comparably equipped to my ES was almost $35K. I'm sure the Highlander will be a fine SUV, but I walked away feeling that Toyota was taking advantage of the hot SUV market by overpricing this vehicle. NVH? I prefer the firm ride and sporty handling of the Tribute over that of the Highlander, which some reviews have described as being boring and characterless. But, we all have different preferences, and that's why there are choices out there....
I can't see coughing up $5k-$10k more for a Highlander over a Tribute or Escape, no matter how much better built the Toyota might be perceived to be.
I can, however, understand someone buying a RAV4, Santa Fe or Forester instead of a Tribute or Escape. The prices are, for the most part, all very close and those vehicles would seem to enjoy a 'slight' edge in reliability reputation.
FWIW, I would have liked to have had the luxury of being able to wait until the second year of production to buy a Tribute, but I needed something *now* and, all things considered, it just seemed to be the best deal going (even with the start-up problems).
regarding waiting for 2nd year production,
i'm in the same boat. would like to have waited for the '2nd' batch of tributes, but had to take a chance now.
i'll give mazda the benefit of the doubt, given their engineering is on par with the best, although most of this is a ford (i think).
Don't forget that this vehicle was designed by Mazda and built by Ford. Mazda has stepped up their involvement at the Kansas City plant due to issues with build quality.
Can anyone verify that dealers will get a certain allotment of tributes each month so that if two different people order a tribute on the same day, one may wait up to 4 months the other 2-3 months because of the volume at the dealership and the dealership's monthly allotment?
I ordered a loaded ES on 2/12/01 and was promised delivery by mid-april. Is this dealer pipe dreaming?
As far as those who continue to disparage American built cars my company currently owns or has owned the following vehicles. NONE HAVE REQUIRED ANY REPAIR WORK other then normal maintenance and replacement of wear items. We all routinely log 30-35,000 driving miles a year each as reflected by their stated milage. But then again we take care of our vehicles and don't abuse them.
1986 Plymouth Acclaim (V6) 175K miles
1987 Dodge Dakota (V6) 120K miles
1990 Chevy S10 PU (V6) 115K miles
1994 Grand Cherokee (V6) 210K miles
1996 Grand Cherokee (V6) 165K miles
1996 Grand Cherokee (V6) 135K miles
1998 Ram PU (V8) 80K miles
1999 Chevy Silverado PU (V8) 67K miles
We tried Hondas, Toyotas, Nissans, VW's and their repair problems and poor durability record caused a formal company policy...no more Japanese or German vehicles. We've had 4 American built vehicles which were disposed of due to excessive repairs. Ford Explorers (2), Ford Windstar Van (1), Ford Ranger (1). Perhaps you see a trend?
All vehicles will have problems but the Tribute / Escape is off the scale for such a new vehicle. This forum is a fine source for this type of discussion...but its worthless if people will not try to learn from other's experiences.
I have a 1998 Old's intrigue (1st yr of production) that has had at least 50 production defects and/or problems ranging from air vent grill's falling out to a defective torque converter. GM has fixed everthing under warranty so no complaints there. the car rides & handles great, but I will never return to GM again. On the other hand, My 1993 Nissan Altima, (also a 1st yr production)has been terrific over the 98,000 miles I have on it.
So yes, its hit & miss, those that got good tributes will swear by them, those that got lemons will swear at them. I do know that if my dealer calls & say he cannot get mine for 4-5 months, I am getting my deposit back and making a bee-line across the street for a loaded subaru forester.
this is my first car with power windows so i don't really know if this is 'normal' ?
anyone experiencing this on their tributes?
Yes, Ford/Mazda had 5 recalls on the Tribute and Escape, but when I reviewed those before making my purchase decision, my conclusion was that two of them seemed related to startup glitches on the assembly line (not design or engineering problems with the vehicle itself), one was for missing info in the owner's manual, and two were for faulty parts. I was impressed with how quickly Ford and Mazda addressed those, and while some of the early owners were certainly inconvenienced, my hope is that we'll have smooth sailing moving forward with what I feel is a fine vehicle for the money.
LAIRD NOLLER MAZDA Lawrence, KS
LAIRD NOLLER MAZDA KANSAS CITY, KS
NORTHTOWNE MAZDA Kansas City, MO
JEFF SCHRIER MAZDA Omaha, NE
STAN OLSEN MAZDA OMAHA, NE - 3 ES's in Platinum
ANDERSON MAZDA Lincoln, NE
All these vehicles are at the dealer, but you need to check with them to see if they are sold.
www.crutchfield.com
They list the Tribute in their receiver and speaker applications chart, which means they can supply wiring diagrams, etc. Since you didn't buy the amp from them, they may charge you for the diagram and instructions, or maybe they'd let you have it if you buy a wiring harness for the amp. I've purchased several receivers, CD changers, etc. from them in the past -- good site, good folks, and very knowledgeable.
I am still considering the Tribute as a possible new vehicle but the reason it is not on top of my list is not due to the recalls . . . it is primarily due to the goofy design of the gear selector and the fact that they do not offer a manual transmission for the V6. The road noise is also a concern for me. The engine performance, styling, handling, size, and interior features fit my requirements for a small SUV rather nicely. The fact that the vehicle has had recalls is a bit of a concern but, IMO, the fact that Ford/Mazda is addressing the issues up front (before accidents and claims) and not sweeping them under the rug is a plus, not a minus.
Now if they would add a layer of sound-proofing, redisign the side mounted mirrors (to reduce wind noise), and offer a floor mounted manual transmission on the V6, they would have a great little SUV.
How do y'all feel about your Tribs? I drove a very early production 2wd V6 model last fall, and wasn't impressed with the noise levels, the tinny feel of the doors and such, but maybe the awd ES would feel better. Do people like/dislike the feel of the rig? Is it holding up well (so far) for folks? Our MPV is great, so I'd hope the Trib was similar in quality, as we can't stop lauding and recommending it to our friends, after 14k miles of trouble-free servitude.
thx!
--javadoc
Overall I love the feel of the Tribute. The Ford V6 is powerful and strong even at low RPMs, especially compared to sedans like the Honda Accord (our other family car). The Trib also seems to have less body roll than the Accord during cornering, and overall has a very sporty feel.
"I drove a very early production 2wd V6 model last fall, and wasn't impressed with the noise levels,"
I actually thought the Tribute was fairly quiet at highway speeds except for the annoying wind noise from the mirrors. Either way, it doesn't bother me since I'm used to driving an 11-year-old Camry and a 15-year-old Jeep Cherokee (teenage drivers always get the worst cars...).
"the tinny feel of the doors and such"
Of course, that depends on what you compare it to. I bet the Tribute's doors are less tinny than older Hyundais.
"Is it holding up well (so far) for folks?"
Our Tribute is still perfect except for a few minor (barely noticeable) rattles in the interior, from loose plastic and such. After only 3000 miles, though, I can't really comment on reliability.
"Our MPV is great, so I'd hope the Trib was similar in quality, as we can't stop lauding and recommending it to our friends, after 14k miles of trouble-free servitude."
Unfortunately, probably not. The drivetrain is built by Ford, which means reliability will probably be below average. I would say the Tribute overall is worth it, though, and reliability will no doubt be better than my old Jeep*
*the gas pedal FELL OFF when I was driving yesterday.
I thought the Trib handled exceptionally well. I had fun scaring the unsuspecting salesperson while simulating "emergency maneuvers." The ride quality as well was great, and the power...I wish our MPV had the 3.0 motor, it was good, very good. There was good room in back for two real-sized people, plenty for two munchkins.
I would be expecting the Trib to have the same quality feel that the MPV has though, which is what I was comparing the Trib to...not for it's SUV-ness, but its comfort levels and cabin noise levels. I wouldn't compare the Trib's soundness to our Volvo, although that solid, vault-like "thud" sound when you close a door on our sedan is highly addictive.
I was concerned with wind noise around the A-pillar/mirror region (which should be a no-brainer in this day and age?) and a feel that there needed to be more sound deadening for the car. I also felt that the dash treatment wasn't really up to what I'd expect from today's Mazda (but it was a DX model). After reading all the happy owners reports, I owe it to myself to drive an AWD ES model and see how it feels.
I snuck down to the local dealer at lunch, and alas, no Tribs to tempt me. Plenty of new Volvos though, but no, I'll resist. I want to try out a fully-optioned ES, when my dealer finally has one.
cheers!
--javadoc
I would have liked to see how the Tribute would perform in the snow climb if it had good snow tires. I was pretty surprised that the Rav4 did as well as it did in the snow climb.
I think Mazda/Ford designed these vehicles more for on-road/foul weather capabilities (the way most SUVs are actually used), rather than serious off-roading, and they probably decided on tires based on good on-road characteristics. The Wilderness HT tires (not the ATs that were recalled earlier), look like normal all-season passenger tires, and probably aren't up to the deep snow off-road test that C&D performed. Personally, I would prefer some slightly more aggressive rubber on the vehicle, but have to admit that we've had a couple of icy 2" snows since we picked up our Tribute, and the traction and handling in those was outstanding.
--java
i don't find the road noise objectionable at all! it's much quieter than many cars (including my old corolla) i've driven.
Are you sure they were not spinning. Did you or someone else look at all 4 wheels while you had it in gear?
The reason I ask is that I have already had by Tribute stuck in the snow as well. By sticking my head out the drivers windows while pressing on the accelerator, I could see that neither the front or rear tire was spinning. However my buddy who was on the other of the vehicle reported that both tires were spinning like crazy.
The reason is that both axles have an open differential, and the wheel with the least resistance will receive all the torque. Compound this fact with the fact that the Firestone tires offer very little traction in snow, and you realize that the Tribute is not the best vehicle in the snow. You end up with 2 wheel drive at the best.
Rick
Good luck!
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
Your tip for applying the parking brake is a good one. In fact I tried this trick the day I was stuck and I was able to transfer the rear wheelspin from the passenger side to the drivers side. However with the poor snow design of the Firestone tires ( and possibly the fact that 1 rear tire was so lightly loaded that I could turn it by hand) I could still not get out without shovelling underneath the vehicle and using traction aids.
I am fairly experienced with 4wd and off roading. On this particular day a friend with a Jeep Cherokee and I decided to perform a head to head test with the Tribute.
The Cherokee with an aggressive tread pattern, as well as limited slip differential,probably had enough traction to back out if he had wanted to, but he really wanted to prove he had superiority over the Tribute and pushed forward a few feet more until he was stuck.
My conclusion is that a limited slip differential would increase traction by 50% (3WD instead of 2WD). However I have driven many 4WD's without limited slip and I think a more aggressive tire could also make a substantial improvement. Overall the Tribute is just as capable off road as many of the garden variety SUVs.