2008 Mazda Tribute 

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Completely redesigned both inside and out for 2008, the new Mazda Tribute makes a powerful statement with a bold, tough exterior and a more upscale, comfortable interior. Offering more traditional sport-utility-vehicle (SUV) styling than Mazda's other SUVs, CX-7 and CX-9, the 2008 Tribute is Mazda's entry-level offering in its family of unibody-based crossover SUVs.

The updated Tribute combines the best of both worlds – the capability and styling of a traditional SUV with the versatility of a crossover. The Tribute is small enough to be nimble around town, but still looks muscular and sporty. By maintaining its traditional styling, the new Tribute complements the CX-7 and CX-9 crossover utility vehicles, offering Mazda buyers an alternative choice in SUV functionality.

Car-like front-wheel drive is the standard drivetrain on the 2008 Tribute. If extra traction is necessary – either for off-road driving or pulling heavy loads in slippery conditions – the Tribute is available with Mazda's innovative Active Torque-Split All-Wheel Drive system.

The Tribute continues to stand alone as the SUV that's actually fun to drive. Its vibrant, athletic character and freshened good looks convey its obvious inheritance of the Mazda DNA. The Tribute combines distinctive styling with superior passenger comfort and cargo-carrying ability to deliver a sport utility vehicle that's more than just another "cute-ute". Its available all-wheel drive system and towing ability make it one of the most capable small SUVs on the road.

The Mazda Tribute is offered in three trim grades: GX, GS and GT.

Standard GX features include:
- 2.3L I4 engine
- 153 horsepower and 152 lb-ft of torque
- 5-speed manual transmission
- 16-inch aluminum alloy wheel
- 235/70R16 all season T-rated tires
- ABS brakes with EBFD
- Engine immobilizer
- Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
- Rollover Stability Control (RSC)
- Traction Control System (TCS)
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Air conditioning
- Power windows, door mirror and door locks
- Heated door mirrors
- AM/FM CD with 4 speakers
- 60/40-split fold-down rear seatback
- Fog lamps
- Body-coloured bumpers with lower valence moulded in colour
- Roof rails
- Black mesh front grille with chrome trim bar
- Body-coloured inner door handles
- Remote keyless entry
- Dual front airbags
- Dual front side airbags
- Side curtains for first and second row

The GS model adds to the GX model:
- 3.0L V6 engine
- 200 horsepower and 193 lb-ft of torque
- 4-speed automatic transmission
- Cruise control
- Privacy glass
- Roof rails with cross bars
- Leather wrapped steering wheel
- Retractable cargo area cover
- 6-way power driver’s seat
- Driver’s seat lumbar support
- Driver’s and passenger seatback map pockets
- Overhead console with dual storage bins
- Trailer towing package

The GT model adds to the GS model:
- Active torque split all-wheel drive system
- AM/FM 6-CD changer audio system with 7 speakers
- Auto headlamp control
- Power sliding moonroof with sunshade
- Overhead console with single storage bin
- Leather-trimmed upholstery
- Heated front seats

Tribute's Exterior Design

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The Tribute has received an extensive redesign for 2008. The freshened exterior includes revised front and rear fascias, hood, exterior mirrors and liftgate. Newly styled alloy wheels and a raised beltline provide a sleek profile, while new headlamp and taillight treatments make the Tribute even easier to recognize. The result is a bold statement that accurately reflects the Tribute's sporty character in a modern, refreshing and truly Mazda way.

Tribute's Sporty Appearance

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The Revised front and rear fascias, contoured hood, new headlamp and taillight treatments and a raised beltline give the Tribute a fresh new look and a sleek profile with the unmistakable mark of Mazda DNA. Standard 16-inch alloy wheels with a new design give the Tribute a solid stance and distinctive look. The front grille with chrome garnish and chrome liftgate moulding, as well as body-coloured bumpers with lower valence and body-coloured outer door handles, gives the Tribute a sporty, integrated appearance.

Updated interior with ergonomic enhancements and available features that include a 6-way adjustable power driver's seat, manual lumbar support, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt feature and leather-trimmed upholstery with heated front seats provide an inviting and comfortable environment for the driver and passengers alike.

Tribute's Interior Design

Underneath its new skin, the interior of the redesigned Tribute reflects its modern, sporty attitude, with new seat fabrics and colour combinations, chrome accents and available high gloss piano black trim elements. It seats five passengers in comfort, while still providing versatility and excellent cargo capacity. Ergonomic enhancements for 2008 include switches, gauges and instrument controls that are intuitively placed, easy to read, and user friendly, providing information at a glance or touch.

Spacious and accommodating

The Tribute offers a commanding driving position with excellent visibility; the elevated seating position gives the driver a better view of the road when traffic is congested or when weather conditions are bad. Front bucket seats are comfortable and supportive, with height adjustable headrests for optimal placement; GS and GT models add a 6-way power adjustable driver's seat with manual lumbar support. The steering column has an adjustment for tilt angle in order to accommodate a variety of driver preferences; on GS and GT models, the steering wheel is wrapped in high-quality leather for enhanced grip. The gear shifter is positioned high on the centre console for quicker and easier shift operation, giving the Tribute more of a sports car feel while still retaining the 'command' seating position favoured in sport utility vehicles.

Sporty high-grade cloth upholstery is standard on GX and GS models; GT models are made even more inviting with the addition of leather-trimmed upholstery and heated front seats. On GS and GT models, as well as GX models equipped with the automatic transmission, the centre panel is finished in an appealing high gloss piano black; chrome accents on the inner door handles and gear shift lever add a contemporary touch.

A 60/40-split folding rear seat enhances cargo and passenger carrying versatility; the seats fold down via a convenient latch that can be operated with one hand. For greater cargo capacity, the seat cushions can be moved forward out of the way, or removed entirely, creating a virtually flat load floor (1,681 mm in length) from the liftgate to the back of the front seats. With the rear seats up or in use, cargo capacity is 828 litres; with the second row seats folded flat, cargo capacity increases to a generous 1,877 litres. For additional practicality, the liftgate features a rear window that lifts independently - ideal for easy access to the cargo area or for accommodating extra large cargo items. Finally, on GS and GT models, deep tint privacy glass on the rear side, quarter and liftgate windows and a sturdy retractable cargo cover protect contents from view and helps discourage theft.

Sound System

Great sounds

An AM/FM audio system with in-dash single CD player and four speakers provides quality entertainment for GX and GS models, enhancing the overall driving experience. A premium audio system with 6-CD changer, 7 speakers and automatic volume control is standard for GT models. All models are also equipped with an auxiliary audio input jack that allows the easy connection of an iPod or other portable media device.

Full comfort

Air conditioning with rear seat heater ducts supplies all-season comfort for front and rear occupants. Power and convenience features include power door locks and power front and rear windows with a one-touch down feature on the driver's window. Cruise control is also standard on all models equipped with the automatic transmission, with illuminated steering wheel integrated controls for easy manipulation. A power sliding and tilting glass moonroof with interior sunshade is standard on GT models for open-air driving enjoyment.

SUV...

The Mazda Tribute is an SUV with a capital "S". Its driver appeal comes from a host of sports-oriented features, including the standard 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, found in the Tribute GX model, or the optional 3.0 litre V6 engine good for 200 horsepower.

An easy-shifting five-speed manual gearbox, which has short, sporty gear changes, is standard on the Tribute GX-I4. It uses multi-cone synchronizers (dual-cone for first and second, single for third through fifth) to reduce shift effort and a cable-shift for improved gear-change precision.

A sophisticated four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission is available on all Tributes. Built-in 'logic' within the shift control keeps the transmission in a lower gear on steep inclines to eliminate the hunting many automatics exhibit on steep grades.

Spirited engines

The Tribute is offered with a choice of engines: a powerful 3.0-litre V6 or a more economical 2.3-litre 4-cylinder.

2.3L I4 Engine

A 2.3-litre 4-cylinder engine is standard in the GX model. This engine is a retuned version of the one used in the sporty Mazda3, Mazda5 and Mazda6, producing 153 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm and 152 lb-ft of torque @ 4,250 rpm. This makes it one of the most powerful 4-cylinder engines in the small SUV market.

Besides being powerful, this engine is also one of the most sophisticated because it is light, efficient and refined. It features an aluminium block and head, improving the power-to-weight ratio and benefiting both handling and fuel efficiency. Double overhead camshafts improve engine breathing and high-revving response, which in turn improves performance and fuel economy. It also uses a variable induction system that delivers more power when the driver demands it, enhancing torque at lower revs and maximizing power at higher revs. Balance-shafts give this 4-cylinder engine the smoothness of a good 6-cylinder unit. The pistons are lightweight as well, improving throttle response, smoothness and the engine's ability to rev.

3.0L V6

A smooth 3.0-litre V6 engine, standard on GS and GT models and optional on the GX, generates 200 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and a healthy 193 lb-ft of torque @ 4,850 rpm. A retuned version of the high-performance unit found in the Mazda6 line-up, the 3.0-litre V6 provides even better freeway performance and has more power for heavy loads. Like the 4-cylinder engine, it has an aluminium head and block to reduce weight, and better structural rigidity, to reduce vibration and improve refinement. It also uses double overhead camshafts to control the valves and improve engine breathing, boosting performance and improving gas mileage.

You have the choice.

Tribute drivers can choose between a 5-speed manual transmission for an interactive driving experience, or a smooth-shifting 4-speed automatic for effortless cruising and excellent fuel economy.

In front-wheel drive Tribute models, the 2.3-litre 4-cylinder engine is paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox with short, sporty gear changes. It uses multi-cone synchronizers (dual-cone for first and second gear, single cone for gears three through five) to reduce shift effort and a cable shift for improved gear-change precision.

A smooth-shifting 4-speed automatic transmission is standard on 3.0-litre V6 models (and available on 2.3-litre I4 models). An electronic control system changes shift maps to suit driving conditions, switching between economy and power shift maps according to accelerator pedal inputs and vehicle speed. Built-in "logic" within the shift control keeps the transmission in a lower gear on steep inclines to eliminate the gear hunting that many automatics exhibit on steep grades; on a downhill grade, it suppresses unnecessary downshifting.

Towing Capacity

Equipped with either engine, the Tribute is one of the most capable haulers in its class; GS and GT models are equipped with a standard trailer towing package (including Class II towing preparation, frame-mounted trailer hitch and wiring harness).

The towing capacity for the Tribute is:
- 2.3L I4 models: 680 kg (1,500 lbs).
- 3.0L V6 models with towing package: 1,588 kg (3,500 lbs).

We offer front wheel drive and all wheel drive

Tribute models equipped with the automatic transmission can be outfitted with Mazda's active torque split all-wheel drive system, which debuted on the MazdaSpeed6 (and is shared with the CX-7 and CX-9), featuring a more aggressive transfer of torque to the rear axle in accordance with driving conditions. This intelligent system achieves a satisfying balance between the interactive control over the vehicle that makes it particularly enjoyable to drive, and confident handling stability necessary for snowy, wet or other uncertain road surfaces/conditions; engine power and torque are efficiently transferred to the road surface for maximum performance.

A sophisticated onboard computer monitors the engine, wheel speeds and transmission, using real-time data input on steering angle, yaw rate, lateral G-force and engine status to determine road surface and driving conditions; it then automatically adjusts front/rear wheel torque distribution between 100:0 and 50:50, sensing where traction is strongest, to deliver optimum drive power to each axle. The result is that the most power and traction are made available under all conditions; positive acceleration and confident handling are provided regardless of constantly changing road conditions, as well as the ability to fully balance the vehicle in a turn by skilful use of the accelerator pedal.

Because the active torque coupling is controlled electronically, it can react to wheel slippage much more rapidly than conventional gear- or fluid-controlled systems. It changes continually to suit changing driving conditions, and is completely automatic, so that no driver intervention is necessary. Unlike the mechanical systems used in many competitor offerings, which react only to wheel slip, the active torque transfer system in the Tribute predicts wheel spin and prevents it from happening in the first place. It also reacts faster than a hydraulic system, because there is no lag time waiting for a viscous fluid to heat up before splitting power between the axles.

Steering

To enhance its sporty driving attributes, the Tribute incorporates rack and pinion steering with engine rpm-sensing variable power assist for greater steering precision and response. As a consequence, the Tribute handles exceptionally well at both low and high speeds: with variable power assistance, low-speed manoeuvring, such as parking, is easy; at higher speeds, reduced power assistance preserves road feel and steering feedback. It takes less than three turns of the steering wheel to go lock to lock for greater manoeuvrability, and a turning diameter of 11.2 m (36.7 ft) allows the Tribute to easily navigate crowded parking lots.

New for 2008, Electric Power Steering (EPS) is standard, replacing the previous hydraulic power-assist steering system, for more precise steering control and responsive feedback. This new system uses fewer components than the more commonly used hydraulically assisted systems found on most other vehicles. Utilizing EPS eliminates the power steering pump, improving noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) and fuel economy.

Suspension

Many rival SUVs in the Tribute's class have a truck-like body-on-frame chassis design, resulting in a frame that flexes more and provides a less stable platform for the suspension. The Tribute, however, is different from the competition, employing a unibody construction for superb structural rigidity. This improves ride and handling, contributes to fewer rattles and provides a more sport-oriented driving feel.

The Tribute is equipped with a fully-independent coil sprung suspension, with MacPherson struts at the front and a rear multi-link configuration. This ensures that each wheel responds independently to road conditions, increasing the vehicle's sure-footedness and giving the Tribute more poise in difficult road conditions, such as traveling at high speeds or on unpaved surfaces. Nitrogen gas-charged shock absorbers give superb wheel control, either on- or off-road, and maintain their composure even after tough use. Additionally, a front stabilizer bar helps maintain tire contact with the road to reduce body roll. A low centre of gravity and wide front and rear tracks (1,552 mm and 1,533 mm respectively) also enhance stability, handling and road holding capabilities.

235/70R16 all season T-rated tires are standard equipment on all models. As a result, the Tribute looks and feels unusually nimble for its size and is the clear class leader for driving pleasure both on road and off road.