Mazda was back in the sport utility saddle for the first time since 1994. The compact Tribute was based on the Ford EScape, but Mazda differentiated its SUV with a firmer ride and crisply tailored sheet metal. The base model was powered by a 130-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder, a 200-bhp, 3.0-liter V-6 was optional. According to Mada’s designers, the new Tribute was designed to be the sport sedan of SUVs. That may have been a stretch a little, but the Tribute was certain to seriously challenge the likes of RAV4 and CRV. This compact-size crossover vehicle was aimed at the cost-conscious SUV buyer, but offered many features found only on larger, much more expensive vehicles.
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