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2008 Mazda Tribute Features Review

July 6, 2008

FEATURES | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

totally redesigned to be convenient
Automotive.com

dress may have changed, but it's pretty much the same girl underneath
Edmunds

useful in nearly every driving condition
J.D. Power

The 2008 Mazda Tribute offers more features and advanced options than in years past, though it still neglects the tech heads who want navigation systems and Bluetooth.

Four trims are available in the Mazda 2008: the Tribute I Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, and Tribute S Sport. Standard equipment installed on the base model as reported by Automotive.com includes "air conditioner with pollen filter, halogen headlights and foglights, flip-up rear window, cargo hooks, rear heater ducts, reclining front seats, 60/40 split folding rear seats, AM/FM/CD player with four speakers, remote entry, cruise control and tilt steering wheel." This source was particularly impressed with the 2008 Mazda Tribute's air conditioning.

Other Mazda Tribute trim packages offer a roof rack, tinted glass, and a six-way adjustable power seat. The top two trims provide vastly improved sound systems, as well. More interesting is what is not offered; Edmunds reports that for Mazda, 2008 brings no "significant change in terms of features, as premium items like a navigation system or Bluetooth connectivity still aren't offered." This is a problem, as Kelley Blue Book points out that the "Mazda Tribute doesn't match the levels of overall refinement offered by so many of its fresher competitors." However, Edmunds reports an optional rear-seat DVD system to keep the kids entertained on long trips, which can be added to any version of the 2008 Mazda Tribute.

Conclusion

The 2008 Mazda Tribute is a strong value even in base trim, but drivers who talk will miss the Bluetooth connection.

FEATURES | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:totally redesigned to be convenientAutomotive.comdress may have changed, but it's pretty much the same girl underneathEdmundsuseful in nearly every driving conditionJ.D. Power The 2008 Mazda Tribute offers more features and advanced options than in years past, though it still neglects the tech heads who want navigation systems and Bluetooth. Four trims are available in the Mazda 2008: the Tribute I Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, and Tribute S Sport. Standard equipment installed on the base model as reported by Automotive.com includes "air conditioner with pollen filter, halogen headlights and foglights, flip-up rear window, cargo hooks, rear heater ducts, reclining front seats, 60/40 split folding rear seats, AM/FM/CD player with four speakers, remote entry, cruise control and tilt steering wheel." This source was particularly impressed with the 2008 Mazda Tribute's air conditioning. Other Mazda Tribute trim packages offer a roof rack, tinted glass, and a six-way adjustable power seat. The top two trims provide vastly improved sound systems, as well. More interesting is what is not offered; Edmunds reports that for Mazda, 2008 brings no "significant change in terms of features, as premium items like a navigation system or Bluetooth connectivity still aren't offered." This is a problem, as Kelley Blue Book points out that the "Mazda Tribute doesn't match the levels of overall refinement offered by so many of its fresher competitors." However, Edmunds reports an optional rear-seat DVD system to keep the kids entertained on long trips, which can be added to any version of the 2008 Mazda Tribute. ConclusionThe 2008 Mazda Tribute is a strong value even in base trim, but drivers who talk will miss the Bluetooth connection.  2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE STYLING | [7 out of 10] Car and Driver: "significant restyling for 2008" Edmunds: "looks like the shipping container the Mazda CX-7 came in" Kelley Blue Book: "effectively mixes rugged with refined" The 2008 Mazda Tribute gets a revamped look for the new model ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Ford Escape is a near-twin to the Tribute, and it wears an even larger grille. The Nissan Rogue is a new entry among compact crossovers, and it's recommended for good handling, though its cargo area is small and its transmission unusual. The Tribute's main competition may in fact be Mazda's own CX-7 crossover, a slightly larger, far more carlike vehicle with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and much better road manners and styling.

Next Steps:

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See the Mazda Tribute in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004

Comments (1 total)

  1. By Razvan #1, Posted: 7/7/2008

    Mr

    still looks bland...the cx 7 is so much better looking

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