2004 MAZDA TRIBUTE NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2004 Mazda Tribute?
The only changes for the 2004 Mazda Tribute are optionally available color-keyed door edge guards and an interior rear-view mirror that incorporates a compass, an outside temperature readout, an automatic dimming feature at night and a Homelink universal transmitter. Otherwise this year’s Mazda Tribute is a carryover model.

Advantages of the 2004 Mazda Tribute:

• Looks like a truck but drives like a car
• Roomy interior with lots of cargo space
• V6 models are speedy

Objections to the 2004 Mazda Tribute:

• That speedy V6 gets unimpressive fuel economy
• Seats get hard on a long drive
• Interior bits and pieces are on the cheap side

Editor's Advice:
The 2004 Mazda Tribute is for those who need a bit of sports car character in an SUV. With its torquey 201-horsepower 3.0-liter V6, quick steering and rather stiff four-wheel independent suspension, the Tribute drives more like a sporty sedan than a sport-utility vehicle. Avoid the standard 130-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder motor; it’s weak. But while the V6 is better suited to move the Mazda Tribute, it gets unimpressive fuel economy. Combined with a relatively small gas tank, V6 models barely go 200 miles between fill-ups. Despite its optional automatic 4WD system, the Mazda Tribute is not much of an off-roader, but most drivers won’t use it on the rough stuff anyway. It can handle moderate trails and slippery roads with aplomb. With the rear seats folded, 66 cubic feet of cargo space is available, a good amount for a vehicle of this size. Plus, there’s legitimate space for five adults. Fun-to-drive, affordable, and good-looking, the 2004 Mazda Tribute is near the top of our list of favorite small SUVs.