Mazda Tribute

e2e · February 2001

I don't know if you're willing to travel a little, but I ran across the web page for this dealer on the south side of Boston when I was searching for my Tribute:

http://quirkcars.com/htdocs/inventories/mazda_new/tribute.shtml

If the list is accurate, it looks like he's got a load of ES models available, based on the MSRP prices (they don't specify the model, unfortunately). They also list the invoice prices, which may be an encouraging sign.

Good luck!

yaj · February 2001

Yep, the parking brake was not on overnight. Mine is an automatic and I don't see why I would need to put on the parking brake. All 4 wheels were not spinning at all. My brother-in-law was standing right outside the passenger side looking and none of the tires were moving. I kept switching it from drive to reverse and even from 4x4 to 2x4 and it wouldn't move til about half an hour later. I was just wondering if there was a designed flaw or something. But I think the suggestion of the brakes freezing overnight by javadoc has lifted some frustration. Thanks.

orlie · February 2001

Reply received from WAAG 02/21/01 re: above subject. 'Thought I'd share this w/ those interested:

"We are currently working on the Mazda products. The front and rear guards, as well as, rear bumper guard are different from the Escape. The side tubes are the only cross over part and we carry those currently. I expect us to be close to completion within four weeks on everything but
the rear light guards."

javadoc · February 2001

I didn't remember if you had the dealer look at your rig yet. I don't know if the OBD module would have flagged any error on the drivetrain, but it might have, and they can at least document the prob. I know at least some of the drivetrain error codes are stored in the module, and Mazda seems to have a pretty good database of service histories on their vehicles.

On a side note, I'm excitedly awaiting the arrival (according to the very helpful salesperson I spoke to last night) of a fully loaded ES awd that I will get to test drive early next week, when it arrives on the boat.

--java

klkrause · February 2001

I haven't heard anything about a slow-down or stoppage in production for the Tribute or Escape. My wife is an engineer on Ford SUV programs, and she hasn't mentioned anything, either. There might be a stoppage in production early this year for a short period of time, but only because of the economic "slowdown." It wouldn't be anything permanent, though. I can't imagine orders have slowed down that much!

I wonder what that guy was smoking?

maltb · February 2001

I seem to be seeing a lot of comments about the ride quality on the Trib. However, doesn't the commercial say something about an SUV raised by a pack of sports cars? The Trib was designed and marketed to be a great handling SUV, not a mini-van. If you can bear with the Escape's mediocre styling, that may be the vehicle for the non-driving enthusiast.

e2e · February 2001

I agree 100% with maltb. After our first drive in the Tribute, my wife and I both commented that it reminded us of the SAAB 900 Turbo we had a couple of years ago -- and that's a compliment. Tight steering, great handling (for an SUV) and a firm, but well-controlled ride... I wasn't looking to get beaten to death in a truck or bored to death in one of the other car-based SUVs. Thanks, Mazda, for thinking about those of us who both want an SUV and enjoy DRIVING.

larry51k · February 2001

I posted this a week ago and got no response. I'll try one last time. On one of my keys at delivery of my LX was a sticker that read:" TO PREVENT DEAD BATTERY, REMOVE KEY WHEN ENGINE IS OFF." No one at the dealership could tell me why. I am used to leaving the key in the ignition at night in my locked garage. Obviously, in ACC or ON there would be a drain but in the OFF position? Anyone have an explanation?

maltb · February 2001

Larry, I can't figure that one out. There is a module that stays active for about 10 min. after you turn the vehicle off, but otherwise everything should go dormant. Check to see if the interior lights stay on or something. Other than that, I would just try it. However, many times I'm just too curious to follow the directions.

rekrucr · February 2001

Has anyone heard about availability of a "moonroof" on an LX? A dealer told me they are hard to come by and that only ES models have moonroofs.

e2e · February 2001

Ran across this Mazda dealer which offers pretty good pricing and on-line ordering of OEM Tribute accessories:

http://www.mazdastuff.com/

I ordered the front end mask a couple of days ago(don't have it yet, so I can't comment on their delivery speed) -- their price, even with shipping charges, was about $20 less than my local dealer.

participant · February 2001

Hi. Got Tribute end December. It is noisy but I don't mind. Enjoy it and am cautiously optimistic about the future. The tires appear very ordinary and I wish Ford would quit cost cutting this area. B rated isn't good enough for a supposedly sporty vehicle. And I don't think the 29 lb. recommendation is anything but a sign of their litigation fear. Anybody have any ideas on tire replacements? Thanks.

jordan29 · February 2001

thanks for the link. i've been trying to find a place that sells stuff for the tribute. so far their prices seem ok. hope their service is ok too.

e2e · February 2001

My Tribute owner's manual doesn't address this. I also checked the manual on my Mustang, which has the same SecuriLock system -- nothing there, either. The only thing I can think of is that the system perhaps senses the transmitter in the key, even when it's just sitting in the Lock position in the ignition switch, and continually tries to communicate with it. If so, this might cause a slight current drain.

maltb · February 2001

I thought that may be true as well, but the shop manual says that it only checks the key coding when the ignition is on.

e2e · February 2001

Check out www.tirerack.com. They offer a big selection, and have test results and user reviews you can read. Consumer Reports rated the BFG Radial Long Trail T/A as the best all-season SUV tire, but a lot of the users on the TireRack site didn't seem too happy with them....

mervis · February 2001

What is the correct tire pressure for a DX, V6, 4WD Tribute? The decal on the door states 29 lbs. The max pressure on the tire is 44 lbs. The vehicle was delivered with 39 lbs. It is normally myself and another passenger, very rare to have any cargo loaded.

pulsar1 · February 2001

Found out today my S-plan tribute ES now has a VIN assigned. Scheduled to be built 4th week of March and delivered about 2 weeks later. Found out this info from the Gulf zone office in Houston. My dealer had not even got the VIN yet since it was only assigned yesterday. The guy from the zone office said there were no holds on any parts, only slow part deliveries. ABS and moonroofs being the main culprit here. He said only 30% of all Tributes will be made with moonroofs due to demand exceeding supply. He said they were hoping by April more ABS LX and ES Tributes would be built. I also had called the Ford assy plant in Kansas City and talked with their planning and logistics dept. They also said there were no holds on moonroofs or ABS, only slow deliveries. He said Ford will not schedule a car to be built until the parts required for that car have been allocated to it. He also said unlike Ford, Mazda does not special order build cars to a specific customer. Ford cars get a special code indicating the vehicle is a sold vehicle for a specific dealer. All Mazda's are built and coded for delivery to the main distribution center. The factory in Kansas City cannot tell where the vehicle will ultimately go or if it is a sold vehicle. From the main distribution center the tributes go to a regional distribution center and then on to the dealer. The factory could not give me any info on my vehicle, said the zone office and Ford in Detroit are the only ones that have specific info like that.

scname · February 2001

Who's your dealer? I'm looking for one who will accept S plan near Houston.

drew_ · February 2001

The correct tire pressure is the one that you see on the door jam, 29psi. Note that this is the correct pressure when the tires are cold (after the vehicle has been stationary overnight, or at least for a few hours) and when you're carrying a normal load, so don't measure it right after you have been driving. The reason is that when the tire heats up, the air inside expands as well, so you won't get an accurate reading.

The 44psi that you see marked on the tires is the maximum amount of air pressure that they can withstand when cold. Never fill the tires over this amount or you'll risk a blowout. You should usually always follow the vehicle manufacturer's guidelines. Note also, that if the vehicle is loaded with cargo, there may be a different recommendation on the door. So be sure that you're aware of that figure too. If you wish to have a slightly firmer ride/slightly better handling, I personally recommend filling the tires up to 30 or 31psi.

The reason why they were overinflated to 39psi is because the factory jacks up the pressure to prevent tire flatspots during transportation to the dealership. Dealerships are supposed to deflate the tires to spec prior to customer delivery, but many neglect to do this and you end up with a harsher than necessary ride.

Hope this helps!

Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards

funoka · February 2001

After five months, our ES arrived at the dealership Wednesday. I ordered it the third week of September! So there is hope for those of you still waiting . . . The dealer told us that there are 30 people still waiting at our dealership in Fairfax, VA. The F&I guy (business mgr.) told us he didn't think that there would be "normal" availability for the Tribute until 2002 . . . he also has heard rumblings that the price for these is going to move toward $30,000 . . . so order now if you haven't!

Driving wise, so far so good . . . The AWD worked great in yesterday's East Coast snowstorm. My wife loves the moon roof, the 6-disc changer (overall the sound system is fantastic), and the color . . . desert metallic. The only option we didn't get that we wanted was the elusive ABS (at least it's elusive here on the East Coast). The only complaint I have is that pesky shifter is too close to the wiper control, but I'm sure we'll get used to it.

We used our credit union buying service. I'm happy with the price and it was "no haggle" with no extra charges. Two good things about waiting . . . we got a lower interest rate on our CU loan that we had in September AND the dealership treated us like a king and queen during the delivery!

e2e · February 2001

After having our Tribute for 3 weeks now, here's my primary product improvement suggestion (no, it's not the gearshift lever -- true, it's unnecessarily long, but I've become accustomed to it, and it's no big deal): either wire the map lights to also come on as part of the entry illumination system, or provide an illuminated ignition switch. The dome light doesn't cut it as the only automatic light source for the front driver/passenger area -- and the driver casts a shadow over the hard-to-see ignition switch. If it ever warms up here, I may try to see if I can wire this up myself.

participant · February 2001

Tirerack website is very informative; Michelin gets great customer reviews. Mazda accessories site great too. I'm still not happy with Ford/Mazda for putting 29 lbs recommended pressure because it's obvious they did it for phony rollover concerns. Problems with underinflation have been well documented in wake of Firestone problem. Even the dealer sent us out with 31 lbs in the tires.

lkr19819 · February 2001

Pulsar 1- when did you order your tribute? Also, what is the S-plan?

lkr19819 · February 2001

I ordered my Tribute ES on December 1 with every option. I called Mazda corporate on Tuesday and they said they were in the process of producing orders from September. At that rate I was hoping I'd have mine by June but the local dealership said it would be more likely August. Did you have to pay pretty close to sticker price? I'm on Long Island and dealers are getting sticker price.
I got a call today that the dealer was swapping a loaded ES in Desert Sand with another dealer who had Galaxy Blue. The person who originally ordered the Desert Sand couldn't wait and this other dealer had a customer who was looking for that color. They're supposed to be arranging a swap. The only downfall is that my original order has price protection and to do the swap will probably cost me another $300. The dealer said the increase was greater than that but they'll split the cost with me. I'll probably go with it since this car is so elusive and I really don't want to have to put any more money into my current 1993 Camry. I have 160,000 miles on it and the transmission was replaced once (at least it was covered under the extended warranty)but the engine had to be replaced last spring.

eagle30 · February 2001

If Mazda think that they can jack the price up to a whopping $30,000 for the ES 2002 then they will see a major drop in sales. The afford able pricing with all the options, is the one attractive selling points for the Tribute. Believe me I like the Tribute,(especially the look) but people are buying loaded Path Finders for around $30,000 with 3.9% 60 months financing. The Tribute has a ways to go before the can compete with the quality of the Path Finder. I have try to deal with Mazda for 2 months on purchasing the Tribute, below MSRP no luck just phone calls saying we have the DX or the LX model available. Time is on our side if we do not get caught up in the Fanfare of a new vehicle. Like I said in a earlier posting I am shopping else where for a nice SUV. It is the pricing why I still keep looking at the Tribute from a side view. OK I will admit there is a tremendous intrest in the Tribute. I will only purchase if it is a good value.

204meca · February 2001

Over the past 8 months we considered all the SUVs for under $25,000. We almost bought a Forester. We never looked close at the Sante Fe due to higher weight and less HP. The others just fell short compared to the features of the Trib. The real deciding factors were the engine (we tow a 2,000 lb. boat over the Cascades several times a year), the rear seat room, appearance and decent price (not cheap but we got everything but leather for $24,000 -- after 2 months of haggling final got the dealer to go a bit below MSRP although that patience did cost us an ES). Reliability is a concern, but we felt that 3yr/50K warranty was reasonable safety net.

Our LX V6 WAD is doing wonderful so far, we like the firm ride, wind noise is no worse than previous vehicles (Honda & Ply Colt Vista). I swapped 235-70x16 stones for 235-70x16 Bridgestones which are far superior according to Tirerack.com; this helped with noise some. No fuel odor or other problems so far.

I did manage to take an icy corner too fast last weekend and plowed the passenger side into a 2' snowbank. This provided a vivid illustration that it is not a true 4x4 as the two tires on ice spun and the ones in the snowback just sat there. But with a little stategically placed sand, we were on the road again. I don't plan to do that too often!

Despite all the low MPG complaints, we have average 19.5 in mixed driving a got 23 on a 150 mile trip highway driving, averaging 65mph. If you are having poor milage, try upping tire pressure to 32 & drive like you have an egg between accelerator and your foot -- at least most of the time ;.))

tinoman1 · February 2001

2 postings on the trib availabilty seem to indicate conflicting issues. one by Pulsar1 says that mazda does not specific order for an individual like ford does and then in good detail describes the dist. process where dealers can draw on to I guess place their "requests" for a specific model/option/color.

the other posting by ikr19819 indicated that an order was place in dec and a call to mazda indicated they were working on sept orders.

so do they take orders or not?

I placed an order for an ES with all options on feb 12. I was told 60-70 day delivery time. after reading some of these comments I seriously have my doubts about that timing. Fortunately, I have the luxury of not actually needing the trib until july even early august and knowing the problem obtaining one (ES models especially) I ordered (or whatever you call it) early. But I cannot wait beyond that. I am lining up alternatives which include toyota highlander, Subaru outback LL bean and nissan pathfinder.

e2e · February 2001

I'm a newbie with SUVs - the Tribute is my first. I'm a little confused by a couple of recent postings which commented on traction problems when different sides of the vehicle have different traction conditions (i.e., one side in deep snow, the other side on dry pavement). I understand why this occurs when the AWD system is in the auto setting, but I thought that engaging 4WD "Lock" locked the differential and provided equal power to all four wheels under all conditions. Mazda strongly recommends against using 4WD "Lock" on dry pavement, which seems to support my perception that the differential is locked in this setting. Can someone illuminate me, please?

e2e · February 2001

I've ordered new Japanese cars in the past, and the manufacturing/distribution logistics that Pulsar1 describes are consistent with my experience. My guess is that Mazda has incorporated the Tribute into their existing distribution process, which also handles the rest of their vehicles, some of which are coming in from Japan. The distribution center is an intermediary -- your dealer places the order with them, and they consolidate these and order from the factory. I doubt seriously if the factory is producing vehicles without any sort of direction like this -- they're filling specific orders from the distribution center. Under this setup, the factory just doesn't happen to know who the end buyer is, like they do for the Fords.

I was fortunate to stumble across an ES which had been ordered by someone who couldn't take delivery because of a medical problem. The dealer told me that this particular vehicle had been ordered in November -- it was delivered to the dealer in early February.

pauleul · February 2001

Got tired of hearing different stories about delivery on a loaded ES from numerous dealers. It's obvious many of you are getting the same runaround. I called Mazda direct (800 number on their website). They confirmed parts shortages and gave me an estimated delivery of 6 months. Also said it was highly likely it would be a 2002 and not a 2001 since timing would fall in the timeframe where switchover occurs. Recent price increase is a ripoff simply based on supply and demand. Like many others, I'm ready to start looking for something else. The wait I can handle but I'm too cheap to get screwed just because demand is high.

drew_ · February 2001

We have a topic just for you! Have a look at my post #2 in the 4WD systems & AWD systems explained discussion topic. And feel free to ask any questions in there.

Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards

1jimv1 · February 2001

Mazda did not initially have the financial resources to schedule and contract suppliers for enough parts to satisfy the unexpected demand for Tributes. Consequently the "slow delivery" of enough key parts is limiting the rate of assembly. Ford has nothing to do with this problem except that they cannot sell parts to Mazda from their own contracted supplies because they need them to build enough Escapes. Mazda is trying to increase the flow of parts but meanwhile they must reduce the number of orders to the number of Tributes that they can make. If you are turned away by the long wait and the high price you complain about that's the way our system works to ration scarce resources. Ford has done a better job of satisfying their customers by providing enough supply.

tinoman1 · February 2001

I guess it is in mazda'a best interest to tell you that there will be a 6 month wait & will be a 2002 model. This way they discourage a flood of new orders and they get to charge the higher anticipated price.

rick_l · February 2001

Dapperone;

Don't try and let go of the button at the correct moment.

Simply press and hold until the roof panel stops moving on it's own.

Rick

funoka · February 2001

We paid about $400 under sticker through our Credit Union buying service . . . it was great because the dealer has to take the buying service price (even on popular models) or they get dropped from the program. The buying service also makes them waive some of the garbage fees that get tacked on at the time of the sale, so I figure our total savings were about $700. They buying service also followed up with us to make sure we were treated right by the dealer. The dealer did offer to try to find one for us, but we would have had to pay over sticker, so we declined that offer.

It was hard waiting for the vehicle, especially because I had a 626 lease expire in December, so we were a one-car family for about 7 weeks. But the thing about the Tribute/Escape is that once you (or your significant other) has driven it . . . there's really nothing else out there right now that drives like it . . . with the V-6 power under $30,000 . . . is there? That's why I could see how Mazda, with some minor interior upgrades, could jack the prices to $27,000-$28,000 level for the loaded ES in 2002.

Somebody mentioned the Pathfinder as an option and I love them, but it's more truck-like, and my wife didn't want one . . . She also didn't want an Explorer, Blazer . . . or an Xterra, etc. The new Toyota Highlander is more like a van and is already at $30,000-plus, with options. We live in congested Northern VA, and a real truck was not in the cards if we were to maintain a happy household.

All-in-all it was worth the wait to get the ES we wanted, but I understand that some people just can't wait it out . . . Maybe take a vacation in Nebraska and get one there!

maltb · February 2001

"Ford has done a better job of satisfying their customers by providing enough supply."

One has to wonder why a parent company would not want to help its sibling. At times it seems that the folks in Dearborn coudln't give a crap about Mazda being profitable. It seems that Mazda is becomming just another Ford customer as well as a training ground for Ford employees. Synergies only occur when the benefit is in Ford's favor.

Mazda R.I.P.

ctmyers · February 2001

Has anyone leased a Tribute yet? If so, how are the payments and what model did you get? Thanks!

-Chad

dude17 · February 2001

So far..
Tribute won:
"Edmunds Most Wanted 2001 Small SUV"

Tribute/Escape won:
"Car and Driver's test of 11 2001 Compact SUV's"
"Motorweek's Best Compact SUV"
"Motorweek's Best of the Year"

Have I missed any?

budman7 · February 2001

Chad check message 225, Leased the TRIBUTE very pleased with the deal.The lease was for 39 months total of 39000 miles.

pulsar1 · February 2001

For lkr19819
I ordered my Tribute actually the first part of January. But, my dealer already had the exact loaded ES on the order books from November that was not yet spoken for, so I sorta got a 2 month jump start. For the S-plan, there has been talk here before about S-plan pricing, that is how I learned about it. Its special pre-determined factory pricing that is about $100 to $200 below dealer invoice (similar to employee pricing). My loaded ES Trib should cost somewhere bouts $22K. I here its very difficult to get S-plan pricing from dealers now. Participation by the dealer is voluntary. I count my blessings the S-plan pricing worked for me.

scname · February 2001

Could you tell me which dealer you bought your Tribute with S plan , I know you mentioned Houston which is where I am. I'd like to try get one there too.

e2e · February 2001

I'm kind of surprised that I haven't seen any comments about the oil recommendation on the Tribute. The specs for some 2001 Fords, including the Tribute, call for 5W-20 only -- it's even stamped on the oil filler cap -- which is not currently a common weight (I think the 2001 Hondas require it, also). I found one store that had a small amount of Motorcraft oil in this viscosity, and also ran across some press releases on the Internet indicating that Pennzoil and Quaker State (which are now the same company)were coming out with 5W-20, but so far I haven't found any of those on the store shelves. You might want to be careful when going to the dealer or the fast lube place to make sure they're using the right stuff. Ford doesn't seem to allow for any substitutions.....

Also, Quaker State offers a transferable, extended engine warranty if you use their oil and filters. It's a marketing gimmick, but why not?

joymar · February 2001

Finally got my Tribute last Friday. From the dealer, my family went straight to Michigan. this was a 384 km (237 mi) trip ... one way. i wanted to know off the bat how this vehicle will fare with 4 adults and loaded ... and it didn't disappoint us.
Although our tribute is just 4 cyl. (w convinience and appearance pkgs), i was impressed with its power. It was also smooth ... even at 120+ kph (75+ mph). now, if people will stay within the speed limit ... then i wouldn't be too left behind (",)
Although too early to tell at 1000 kms (625 mi) there was no fuel smell, no wipers/doors/hinge problem(s) so far. Fuel consumption was great. i got 12 km/li (almost 29 mpg!) highway and almost 10 km/li (23+ mpg) city.
There were some outside noise (wind noise?) but i could live with it. i very much agree with a post that the dome light between driver and passenger is insufficient to brightly light up the entire cabin. i solved this by installing a map lamp that attaches to the cigarette lighter. My "tall" teenaged kids complaind of the visible lack of headrest at the rear seat. well, the extra leg room provided at the back enabled them to slouch a bit and got comfortable. Maybe they were too tired and fell asleep right away. have to find a solution to this though.
bottom line: i got the vehicle that serves my purpose. couldn't get 100% of what i wanted but my tribute has most of it. even if i test drove ALL the vehicle in it's class ( i drove 3) i will still have things to say about the "other" car ... good or bad. :-)) we saw the car we seemed fit for our family, we got it. reading and researching helped me but proved more confusing. to people out there still shopping for his/her ideal SUV, good luck ... and safe driving when you do!! BTW, there was a mazda discount (not dealer) on our 4 cyl. i wish the dealer gave one too ... but, it was not a bad deal altogether.

maltb · February 2001

Congrats on your Trib purchase. I drove a 4cyl. for a week and I was rather impressed at the value of the vehicle and the great mileage. Of course, the lack of headrests is an issue in the DX models, but there needs to be some differential between grades.

pheng · February 2001

I got my tribute January 14, so far so good. It's been raining quite a bit here in California and I've noticed not too long ago my wiper on the driver side swipes a little choppy, especially when it goes to the left. Every so often it goes smoothly and then choppy again. Could this be the blades or the mechanism itself? Anybody there has the same problem?

jrfish · March 2001

I got my Tribute in October, and my wipers were also choppy at first. It was worse when it was on interval (when there was only a bit of mist or very light rain). However, that stopped after a couple of weeks or a month or so. I think the wipers just needed to break in. Haven't had a problem since.

jayster2 · March 2001

I just purchased a sunburnt red AS V6 FWD a few weeks ago. I am quite happy with the performance with the exception of the poor gas mileage. That should improve in another 3000 miles. I was able to get the Tribute for $1200 under MSRP here in Settle. Based on previous messages on pricing this was a good deal.
Has anyone noticed a slight ticking noise coming from the seat belt holder located next to the drivers seat? This is by the door at head height.
This edmunds site is awesome. I read "Confessions of a Car Salesman" and finally understood what happens to people who buy cars without doing their homework. Needless to say I did my homework!!

maltb · March 2001

Yes, I have. To fix it, remove the bolt on the upper mount and just reverse the spring washer. Guaranteed fix!

lkr19819 · March 2001

I ordered my loaded ES December 1. It was looking like I wouldn't get mine until late summer. My dealer had contacted me a few weeks ago that he had an ES fully loaded coming in beginning of April in Desert Sand, but I wanted to hold out and wait for Galaxy Blue. Since I intend to keep the vehicle for at least 6 six years and considering the money I'm paying for it, I was holding out for what I want. The ES he had coming in had been ordered sometime in October by someone who had a lease that was coming up in December. He couldn't wait for the vehicle, so he went with something else. A week ago my dealer was contacted by another dealer who had a customer looking for a loaded ES in Desert Sand. My dealer inquired if the other dealer had a loaded ES in Galaxy Blue and if he did, he would swap with him. So that's how I'm getting my Tribute. I was originally paying $400 under MSRP. The price had gone up since I placed my order and I ended up having to split the difference in the price increase. Apparently if I waited until my original order came in, they would abide by that original price. It's costing me just another $300 which is still under sticker. My current car, a 1993 Camry Wagon would probably cost me another $600 or more to keep up if I held on to the summer and it's not worth it. Bad enough another axle broke on Monday. That cost me $248.
My dealer gave me the VIN# yesterday. So, don't give up the wait. You might also get one earlier than expected.

Mazda Tribute

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