Mazda Tribute

kingdude · June 2001

thanks for posting your reply. After reading your response, I realized that you have a good point and I will bow to your will and preference.

You are right when you say there's a problem with only reading the words and not hearing the intent with which the words were said. For not re-reading my message before posting, I apologise.

Happy zooming. Ty

atlantarb · July 2001

I agonized over an SUV for the last 2 months, and it came down to a Tribute, Pathfinder or Highlander. Two factors made me buy the Trib: I got a great deal with more equipment than I ever could have gotten with a Highlander (my other finalist), and just the way it felt when I drove it. I was absolutely undecided on June 30 (end of a month, quarter and year for my Mazda dealer), until I drove the two on the same day. The Highlander felt cushy, was comfortable, looked great inside... but I couldn't get close to what I wanted for under $30k... if I could get one delivered at all.

The Tribute just felt right and I got a AAD ES with the luxury package, sidestep and mats (which I didn't need) for $500 over invoice.... $26300 tax included. I got lucky and found the deal on their web site. I have to admit the Highlander was bigger and the trim was of higher quality, but I can live with that and bank the $4k difference. I don't think I'll have buyer's remorse, but if I do, my wife can trade in her Sienna and get a Highlander.

I think I'll take the long way home in my new Trib!

participant · July 2001

The attitudes expressed in forums such as "I Don't Like SUVs So You Shouldn't Either Unless You Have a Bass Boat and Are Cool Like Me" seem to exist among Edmund's auto journalists, too. The June installment of the Tribute test contains this statement by a Mr. DiPietro : "My environmental conscience wouldn't allow me to use this (or most SUVs, for that matter) as a daily driver. But if I were to have an SUV as a second vehicle (sharing garage space with something frugal yet fun like an MR2 or Miata) to use when I needed more passenger/cargo capacity, I'd strongly consider the Tribute."

That his environmental conscience allows him to posit owning a Tribute as a SPARE vehicle while he tools around in a sporty car reveals a possible lack of familiarity with Aristotelian logic and scientific method among the people who continually pound on the dreaded SUV.

murocflyer · July 2001

Someone had posted a message saying their all-weather floor mats were ripping. Mine also is tearing after only two months. I cannot find that post now. To the originator of that message, or to anyone that has had a similar experience, did you have any problems with the Mazda dealer honoring the floor mats under the warranty? Since this is Sat., I won't know until I drive my car to the dealer on Mon., but am still curious to know if I will have a fight on my hands. I was waiting until I had three problems before I made at least two 100 mile round trips to my dealer to have them fix the problems. The three problems I have right now are:
1. The fuel vent hose is not connected in the engine compartment, the clip is not positioned properly on the hose, so it just hangs there flopping around near the master cylinder. (something everyone should check on their vehicles)
2. The driver's visor mirror cover hangs down when the visor is used. It flaps around also.
3. Torn all-weather floor mats.
Small problems yes, but albeit annoying ones

onthehunt · July 2001

I've been a visitor to this chat site since Nov. 2000, so I feel like an old soul here. My son used to work at Mazda and told me about the Tribute way back then. He showed me a couple of early prototype pictures and I liked it. Saw the Tribute at two car shows a couple of months later and fell in love with it. Test drove the Tribute and knew this was the SUV for me. Am waiting for the 2002 model though due to first year model problems/recalls. Have any of y'all seen the 2002? If so, any different esthetic changes? Does anyone know when it is supposed to debut at the dealerships? Much obliged.

maltb · July 2001

First year woes are already taken care of. Numerous mid-year production changes have alleviated the recall issues. there are still numerous 2001s on order that may not get built and my guess is that they have the first shot at the 2002MY. I would expect that the 2002 will be showing up in late Sept. with few changes but a new 4cyl.

moonmullen · July 2001

I've just spent the last 6 weeks really studying the mini SUV market and have decided on the Tribute after discovering it only a few weeks ago. I've just joined this forum and am now concerned that I will be unable to get a 2001 Tribute from the sound of the conversations. Can someone update me on the availability? Are my chances pretty slim? I guess if they are so limited then Mazda is doing pretty well and won't be offering any incentives on this SUV. Thanks for any and all input you can provide.

mikelp · July 2001

I got my first oil change done at the dealership where I bought my Trib LX, after I got home I looked at the receipt/invoice and it shows that the dealer used SAE 10W/30 oil...
I had thought that the dealer would surely replace the oil with the manufacturer suggested SAE 5W/20 without me specifically requesting it, after all, the oil cap states the recommendation very clearly...
Should I complain, does it really make much difference?
I live in Hawaii, does climate make a difference?
I'm holding off calling the dealer until I get some feedback...
Aloha

yinyang2 · July 2001

Has anyone been able to purchase a Tribute using the x-plan? If so, how did it compare to the dealer invoice? Are dealers honoring the x-plan?

Thanks

moonmullen · July 2001

I live in Chester County and one Sunday stopped in the Brandywine Mazda to check out the Tribute and they only had 2 (DX) on the lot. Did you buy from there? How was your experience? Do you know anything about availability? I was hoping to do this end of August or September but some of the posts here have me concerned about inventory not being available? Thanks for your help!

currey · July 2001

I would have thought that if the they would sup anything for the 5W-20 it would have been 5W-30. I don't know if it makes that big of a difference, however, as a dealership they should have used the proper wait or at least told you why they were not going to. This is another reason to do your own oil changes, I just did my first change and let me tell you, it is easy on the Tribute.

currey · July 2001

Agreed, I wish reviewers would leave their social dribble out of their review. It would be nice if some one could tell me where to put the baby seat and groceries in a Miata or MR2. Additionally, I believe that the Tribute has a rating of LEV and due to its weight (LEV ratings differ for different weight limits, thus, with its weight under 3400(?) the Tribute comes in in the lower car weight limit), this is the same LEV rating that would be applied to a family car. Hence, his brother's Toyota Sequoia, as a heavier vehicle, even if rated LEV would be allowed to admit more of the harmful pollutants that he appears to be concerned about. SUV's are not for everyone, but "gimme a break," tell me what you think of a vehicle on its own merits and leave the stab at being environmentaly conscious for the water cooler (or forum chats).

currey · July 2001

If I was you (and I was in this position a few months ago) I would figure out what package, options you want, along with what colours you would be ok with, and then I would start calling the different Mazda dealers. Do a search in a fifty mile radius of where you live start close and work your way out. Each one you call ask to speak to the INVENTORY MANAGER. He can tell you what Tributes (in what colours and packages, and sometimes options) that he is expecting at his dealership within the next couple of weeks or so. When you find one to your liking, ask how much you would have to put down to reserve it now, thus when it rolls of the truck you can roll it into your drive way. Worked for me, no ordering and I had the exact Tribute I wanted in a little over two weeks.

Good luck and happy hunting.

moonmullen · July 2001

Thanks for the advice. I have narrowed my choice down to the Tribute LX and several colors options. Was just hoping they would offer a rebate before the summer was out but doesn't look like it will happen. I will keep my fingers crossed.

Thanks again!

participant · July 2001

Groceries? A auto journalist in LA eating at home on his/her own dime? On the baby angle, there's a possible new option - the backseats of the sportier cars that are continually berated as useless, could be tricked out by manufacturer as one big integrated baby compartment. Keep the option price low and get good publicity. The LEV rating on the Tribute was one of the requirements for me. Didn't know about the weight classes.

uca · July 2001

Had a few questions for the masses...

Do Ford dealerships work on Tributes? I have a Ford dealership in town but not a Mazda dealer. The nearest one is about 30 miles away and that could be a little inconvenient for routine service work.

Also, when will the Mazda dealers begin taking orders for the 2002s, or are they already taking them? And when should they come in if ordered soon?

Thanks

murocflyer · July 2001

I can't see how your dealer can be putting 10W-30 in your Mazda when the owner's manual specifically calls out 5W-20. If anything goes wrong with your engine, I'm afraid that Mazda won't honor your warranty. Because it's actually Mazda, not the dealer, that pays for any warranty work. And it is also mother Mazda that determines if they will pay for a repair. I hope you do not run into any problems. If I were you, I'd go back to the dealer and complain. PS Save all your paperwork, and write down a "sequence of events" with dates, times, and who you spoke with. This will aide you in the future in anything does go wrong. PS This is YOUR vehicle and YOU tell them (the dealer) how you want your vehicle serviced.

lc9063 · July 2001

My brother is going to our local Mazda dealer today to try and order a 2002 Trib LX-V6 W/ABS & Prem audio at $250 over invoice. He's willing to walk if he doesn't get it. When he called the salesman said they were now only ordering 2002MY. He said it would probably be 8-10 weeks.

winbro · July 2001

I hope your brother has a good pair of hiking boots and/or the patience to wait several months.
look around, theres a lot of good choices out there to choose from. stay away from this hidden ford product,

steve_d2 · July 2001

what is the -plan? never heard of it.Steve_d2@webtv.net

expwtlou2 · July 2001

8 to 10 weeks sounds great, That's what my dealer said 8 and half months ago......Picking up a 2001 ES loaded on monday. Hope it's worth it. Was delivered on Friday the 13th..Any Questions????

stever · July 2001

steve_ "Ford Escape" Jul 5, 2001 5:24pm

Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

jrw357 · July 2001

Has anyone experienced a cracked or broken fog lamp on their rib? Called the dealer they want $85 for the assembly and $35 for the labor... want to know has anyone replaced one and can they explain how to do it.

After looking at the fog lamps they look like they can't take a beating, so I am sure this won't be the last time I have to do this.

moonmullen · July 2001

I was curious how much of a price difference there is for the 2002 models. Did your brother happen to mention.

Thanks!

lc9063 · July 2001

My Brother went to the Mazda Dealer today and they wanted him to pay MSRP at 8.75% interest rate. GET REAL. The salesman told him that the 2002MY would be about $400 to $800 more. He didn't go into any further detail. He was looking for a Trib LX-V6 w/ABS & Prem Audio. I spoke with a couple of Mazda Dealers but they said they wouldn't take X-plan on a tribute. I would love to get one of these myself someday, but the fact that almost every dealer and even CARSDIRECT is quoting MSRP is just turning me off to the entire experience. If the car is such a hot seller, how come the one my brother was interested in was dirty with a layer of dust on it. I apologize for venting my spleen.

Best Regards

fsamuell · July 2001

I have a 2001 Tribute and called dealer to add on a hitch package,was told that's only factory add on. The problem if true what's the best route to take in the after market and what problem can you have with no oil cooler? Thanks in advance
Frank

tronsr1 · July 2001

Try hidden hitch, $119.00 AND IT JUST BOLTS ONTO EXISTING HOLES. It is listed in JCWhitney.com on sale.Several Escape yahoo members have installed it themselves with no problems.

fsamuell · July 2001

Thanks for the info on hitch. One other question for anyone, do you need an oil cooler for towing What's the problems if you don't and how can you compensate. Thanks! Frank

steveeast · July 2001

The Escape Owner Guide gives the max trailer weight for the 3L without the towing package as 2000 pounds. With the towing package it's 3500. I guess that's the difference the oil cooler makes.

Steve.

moonmullen · July 2001

Thanks for the info. Vent anytime.

expwtlou2 · July 2001

It took 8.5 months to get the tibute Es with abs, sunroof, premium audio,and hitch....It's only been 1 week....Nice ride ....audio is good but not great.......handles excellent.....was it worth the wait???? only time will tell.....it's my wife's vehicle and she's happy........that counts for something

stever · July 2001

The Tribute's 15,000-mile scheduled maintenance: Should it cost $189.95 or $37.33?

Long-Term Road Test - June Update

Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

winbro · July 2001

now you can look forward to the next 6 months in and out of the shop for fuel smell fix, car stalling, various squeaks & rattles, loose mirrors, etc. etc.

mazdamom1 · July 2001

We bought a 2000 Tribute last December and currently have about 8000 miles on it. Last week, the engine died while we were driving at about 30 miles an hour. We lost power steering, etc. but were able to re crank the engine while moving in neutral. After a week at the dealer, no one was able to reproduce the same scenario, although the mechanic said "he'd seen this a couple of times before." Does anyone have a similar instance, and if so, what is being done about it? We were basically told, "we've done all we can do" by our dealership.

odie6l · July 2001

Escape / Tribute problems board...it seems the escape if having that problem alot more than the tribute. Luckily I have not had a single prob with my escape yet (knocking on wood).

Odie

rozw1 · July 2001

We are looking at buying in New Zealand from the Japan factory...has anyone any thoughts on this? or better still, problems with fuel smell, stalling etc etc from a non-USA assembled car?
Also we posted a message about anyone towing a 1200kg non-braked trailer boat behind the Tribute? has anyone any experience with the Tribute handling the weight?
Thanx

maltb · July 2001

What were the conditions for your stall? A friend told me about this happening after going down a long hill to a stop sign. Is your's a similar situation? If so, I think they fixed it with a idle air control valve.

unctarheel · July 2001

I'm a newbie to message boards, and not much more experience in SUV shopping. I've been looking for the last couple of months and WAS close to going with a Jeep Cherokee Limited til the wife spotted a Tribute. I've read posts about dealers holding to the MSRPs but thought this late in the model year and with the economy hurting all SUV sales, maybe.... sad to say, I was met with just such a hardline from a local dealer who has a Tribute exactly to my liking on order for mid-August. My question to the experienced masses... am I to expect this from every dealer, and if so, for how long? Any negotiating tips, etc. The MSRP stance has put me on the defensive, particularly with no incentives or rebates from Mazda.

zalenski · July 2001

We just bought a Tribute LX 2WD, we pick it up tomorrow. The Tribute was the only vehicle my husband and I could agree on with the visual, price, options, safety and comfort all being equal parts of the decision.

I've been reading the message boards, it still seems like the Escapes have more problems. Is that because Tribute owners don't visit here, there are a lot less Tributes than Escapes purchased or there just aren't the problems?? Time will tell for us.

I have made a list of the problems listed on these boards and will check back in here to keep others updated.

But for now, I can't wait to drive my Tribute!!!!

Marcia in Wisconsin

bremo1 · July 2001

I will be buying a SUV this weekend (either the Tribute LX or the CRV EX). My local Mazda dealer has two LXs in stock, and is selling them at 2% over invoice if bought by the end of the month.

Drawback: Loaded with options that I do not need/want (moonroof, cassette with 6 CD changer, rear bumper guard, etc). But buying it at $1000 less than MRV is appealing.

I asked about recalls on the Trib, and the dealer said that most of the recalls I had read about were for the Escape. He indicated that the only Tribute recall was for the windshield washer.

Are most of the problems indeed with the Tribute? Or is he pulling my leg to get me to purchase by the end of the month?

tonysracing · July 2001

bremo1,

I really hate to tell you this, but the Tribute has had 6 recalls for the 2001 model year. It makes me furious when dealers flat out lie to their customers!! Here they are:

FUEL:THROTTLE LINKAGES AND CONTROL

STEERING:WHEEL AND COLUMN

WHEELS:HUB

FUEL:FUEL LINES FITTINGS AND PUMP

EQUIPMENT:CHILD SEAT

VISUAL SYSTEMS:WINDSHIELD WIPER

Go to http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ and click on Recalls. Then click recalls by make,model year. On the left choose 2001 and hit "Submit Year". Then choose Mazda Truck, Choose Tribute, and then without choosing a specific recall, click submit. That wil give you a detailed list of all recalls. Print it out and show the dealer, then turn around and walk out the door. If they're lying to you now, how are they going to treat you after they have your money?

Tony

currey · July 2001

It is important to remember that underneath that better looking sheet metal, the Tribute and the Escape have most of their major parts in common (minus things like the windshield wiper motor, which incidentally, I believe only effected a small number of Tributes built prior to November last year). Therefore, if one is having an engine problem, you may expect to find it in the other. However, one reason you don't see these problems in Tributes as much as you see them in Escapes is merely due to statistics.

For example, let's say that 2% of all these vehicles are having some kind of problem (I have no ideal what the actual percentage is, this is just an example). With what is believed to be a four or five to one ratio in assembly numbers, there would just be more Escapes on the road. Hence, the number of Escapes with some kind of problem (the 2%) would be much greater then the number of Tributes with the same kinds of problems (the 2%). In other words, more Escapes on the roads equal a higher number of vehicles with a problem (although statistically the same number as the Tributes). This would also explain why their are more complaints about the Escapes.

Remember, same engine and transmission, same factory in Kansas, same vehicle with some of the same problems.

As for options you don't want bremo1, I didn't want the moon roof either, however, now I don't think I would buy another vehicle without it. I love my Tribute with all the options (and so far none of the problems with over 6500 miles on it). I would grab the LX at that price.

Sorry for rambling on like this, however, sometimes I think the Tribute and Escape take beatings that they don't deserve. Yes, the are not perfect, but for what you pay they are quite the deal. Feel free to email me if you have any other questions.

Richard

winbro · July 2001

the recalls effected a limited # of vehicles and the one for child seat was just a page missing from the owners manual.
what concerns me about the tribute are the problems NOT being addressed or recalled like fuel smell in the cabin, vehicle stalling, various squeaks & rattles, vibrating side mirrors at hwy speeds, etc.....I question the overall QC of this vehicle. but thats the FORD influence. buy something strictly mazda & you'll be fine.

terrymcginnis · July 2001

zalenski...good luck, hope you enjoy.

bremo1...I wouldn't necessarily walk out the door. Remember, you don't have to get the service there, you can go elsewhere for repairs. My wife and I merely used 1 dealer to get th elowest price on our Ford Ranger, and then went to our Honda dealer (she has an Accord) to get the Truck serviced. They were happy to do it, and at the same prices as the ford dealer, but with added factors (free carwashes inside and out, discounts on detailing, oil changes, etc.). I want to trade in my truck for either a CRV or Tribby just like your options. I too don't want or need the added extras...but that seems to be what they offer them at. Also, I see Escapes at least a 50 to 1 ratio on the road as compared to the Tribs (New England area)...and my 2 local Mazda dealers wouldn't move off the msrp price stating they move like the wind....yeah sure. I'm waiting for the new 02 CRV to come out to see what it looks like and how the larger engine performs (165 or 175 hp...depends on what rumors you believe). Then if I like the Trib better, I'll go back again...if they still won't move from the price, I walk and get the CRV or just get another Accord. Simple as that. Just never let them dictate what you buy, always let it be your decision and you won't go wrong. As far as the recalls go, I wouldn't worry too much anymore. All the vehicles on the lots should have those issues addressed, and all the problems should have surfaced by now anyway.

Richard...I disagree, they do deserve a beating because the price isn't that much of a deal!!! Their prices are the same as everyone elses mini-utes...sometimes more as in the case of the CRV. AND they have had more problems then the others. The RAV4 is totally redesigned, have you heard of a single problem..no. I love my Ranger, and I'd get another one if a truck still suited our situation (we have an 8mo old now, and another will be on the way next summer by God's grace)...but the Escape was awful when we testdrove it. It felt cheap and flimsy. The Trib was much better built (seemingly). Why that is I'm not sure, but it was our impression.

currey · July 2001

By saying that it is a good deal for what you pay for I was first comparing to other mini suvs with a V6. I too liked the CR-V, however, there was just not enough room for me behind the wheel (6'2" frame). Yes, the Tribute/Escape have had some first year problems, there is no getting around that. One could chalk it up to over all Ford quality, who knows? All I know is that when I went out looking for an SUV for under $25K, nothing I looked at could match the Tribute with its V6, sound system (the 6 CD in dash), leather interior, basically all the bells and whitsels. The Toyota Highlander was close, not to forget that great Toyota track record (although Toyota does have problems of its own with various vehicles), but to get it out fitted the same as the Tribute I was looking at, it would have run at least 5K more.

I am not saying Tributes and Escapes don't deserve to be critizied, they most certainly do! After all I did say the "sometimes" they take beatings they don't deserve. There are some of the opinion that this would be the worst SUV you could buy, hammering home recalls that effected only a small number of early production vehicles. Thus, IMO the Tribute is a good deal for what you pay, at least it is for me.

Richard

ps
congratulations on the little one and on the one on the way, we just had our first 2 1/2 weeks ago.

terrymcginnis · July 2001

Not to argue the point to death...
The whole V6 comparison is mute. Yes, the 200hp that the Maz/Frd enginge puts out is the greatest number, but lets be honest about actual usage. Only recently have consumers begun to become honest about what they use these vehicles for..."High Rider Station Wagons". I admit this about myself as well. I want something that is large enough for my family, roomy enough for my gear, and has enough hp, grnd clearance, and 4wd/awd to get me to the trailhead. The CRV's 150hp is adequate for that. So is the RAV4, Santa Fe, Tracker, all of them. So, it comes down to personal taste (since we all can't afford the RX300)...Other than more horses, the Trib/Escpe offers nothing trully greater thats worth more than anyone else right now. Subarus offer the luxury and amenities as does Toyota and Suzuki...see what I mean.

Don't get me wrong, I like the Tribute, and hated the Escape. I just refuse to pay sticker for it when I can get something else that adequately fills my needs for thousands less...know what I mean? You brushed opver it yourself, its like getting the Trib for 1000's less than the Highlander, or the Highlander for 1000's less than the RX300...or that for Tens of Thousands less than the Mercedes, BMW, or Land Rover.

Its all relative to what someone wants, which is what you alluded to at the end there.

tonysracing · July 2001

I agree that the recalls only dealt with a small # of vehicles, although they were serious issues. The point that I was making was that the dealer was being dishonest. He couldnt or wouldnt take the time to explain what the "real deal" was. If I was being treated like that i would, and have, walked.

Tony

microrepair · July 2001

Of the "deal" or not issue. For some of us, there is a lot more to whether a car is a good deal or not based upon it's features, price, and reliability. I'm referring to those of us who are height-challenged.. I'm 6'3" and aware of the issue mentioned by "currey" in an earlier note. I don't fit in the Santa Fe, the 4Runner, Forester, etc.. So no matter how godd a deal one of those is, it ain't a good deal for me... When I sat in a Tribute, I was amazed at the amount of room as the driver and also behind the driver when I left the driver's seat adjusted for me.. Absolutely amazing amount of room inside the Trib... So the Trib gets points toward a "good deal" for me...

lc9063 · July 2001

Has anyone gotten any info on what the trims(DX,LX,ES)will be like on the 2002MY? Will it be the same as this year with same options or not?

chipperrrrr · July 2001

I challenge any of you looking for the elusive Mazda Tribute to test drive a chevy trailblazer, Envoy or Bravada before buying. I too waited since last fall for a tribute. I thought that this was the vehicle that I really wanted. However, I test drove the Tribute on the same day that I test drove the Newly designed Chevy Trailblazer. There is no comparison. The TB beats the Tribute hands down if you are really looking for an SUV. Also, with the auxiliary stickers to MSRP that the Tribute is currently commanding, the Trailblazer becomes an even better bargain. Careful there Mazda, you better watch that you don*t price yourself out of the market.

Mazda Tribute

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