2001 Mazda Tribute

What is it?
2001 Mazda Tribute

What's special about it?
The 2001 Mazda Tribute is an all-new SUV. Mazda hasn't had an SUV in its lineup since the 1994 Navajo (a rebadged Ford Explorer). The Tribute has ties to Ford as well (left-hand drive versions will be built by Ford in America, for example), but Mazda's engineers did their own design work. In both interior and exterior dimensions, the Tribute is similar to a Lexus RX 300. Maximum cargo volume is 70.5 cubic feet. It's available with either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Engine choices include a 200-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 or a 130-horsepower 2.0-liter four cylinder. Responsive handling was one of the goals for the Tribute. To that end, this SUV features a unibody chassis and a four-wheel multi-link independent suspension. There will be three trim levels -- DX, LX, and ES. The ES model will feature a leather interior and an optional in-dash six-disc CD changer. The Tribute will likely compete against a wide variety of vehicles, including the RX 300, the Honda CR-V, the Jeep Cherokee, and the Ford Explorer.

Why should you care?
If you saw our coverage of the 1999 Tokyo Motor Show, we showed you a Mazda SUV concept called the Activehicle. As suspected, the Activehicle was a mildly disguised Tribute. If it's good enough, the Tribute should provide a worthwhile alternative to current SUV offerings. Mazda expects the first Tributes to be in dealerships by July 2000.