Mazda Tribute

The Mazda Tribute is a mini Crossover Utility Vehicle developed by Japanese automaker Mazda since 2001. It was developed by a mutual collaboration between Mazda and Ford Motor Company, based on front-wheel drive Mazda 626 platform, derived from the CD2 platform, used for the production of Ford Escape. It was priced greater than the Mercury Mariner, but lower than the Ford Escape in CD2 SUV series of Ford.

First Generation (2001—2006)

The Mazda Tribute was debuted in 2000 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. In the U.S, it tried to fill the space made by a rebadged Ford Explorer and the Mazda Navajo. In some other countries, the Mazda-badged SUV was traded for the first time in form of Tribute, while in local Japanese market; Mazda had an SUV known as the Mazda Proceed Levante, even before the debut of Tribute. The Levante was more like a rebadged Suzuki Escudo.

Power-Train Specs

The engine choices were

• 3.0 L AJ V6 engine that delivered 265 N-m (195 ft-lbf) of torque and 203 PS (150 kW) of power
• 2.0 L YF I4 engine that could develop 183 N-m (135 ft-lbf) of torque and 129 PS (95 kW) of power.

The 2.0 L 4-cylinder engine was reserved with timing belt driven camshafts, whereas the 3.0 L Duratec V6 engine was equipped with a service-free timing chain.

Modifications for 2007

For 2007, both the Tribute and Escape were refined. The standard power plant was modified as the Mazda 2.3 L MZR 4, whereas the top continued as the 3.0 L Duratec V6. The models developed in North America, the column shifter was replaced by a floor fixed automatic transmission shifter. However, the models built by Japanese automaker remained by a column shifter.

A considerably face-lifted edition of the Tribute was launched in the 2nd half of 2006 for APAC (Asia- Pacific) markets. The revised Tribute featured a bolder and larger grille with an enhanced Mazda symbol along with a refreshed headlights and front bumper. Side mirrors were embedded with indicators; mechanically, the back drum brakes were substituted by disc brakes.

North America (2009-present)

In 2009, the Tribute is considerable altered just like its Mercury Mariner and Ford Escape siblings. It is relabeled as the Mazda CX-5, rather than the Tribute.
The modifications were considerable with a clean sheet redesign as the automobiles continued on the CD2 platform with the 3.0 L AJ V6 and 2.3 L MZR I4 engines.

Visible changes incorporated in 2009 Tribute include fresh interiors and sheet metal. The cabin is considerably improved, thanks to the superior quality materials and new components used on latest version, which were obviously appreciated by vehicle journalists. However, unlike the first generation, it had unique interior and exterior styling; the new version only differs in terms of its nose, tail lamps, and other detailing.

2010 Mazda Tribute

In 2010 Mazda Tribute, some extra key changes were made to upgrade the performance of 2009 model along with some major mechanical upgrades. Most importantly, all engines substituted the outmatched 3.0L and 2.3L I4 V6.

The old 2.3L were replaced by new MZR 2.5L I4 Mazda engine, which could boost

• The torque to 171 lb-ft (232 N-m) at 4000 rpm and
• The power to 171 bhp (128 kW; 173 PS).

Another considerable modification is a new 6F 6-speed automatic that is available on all the V6 packed models.