🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Tribute

Year:

2008

Generation:

Second Generation (2008-2011)

Platform:

Mazda GE1 Platform (shared with Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 2008 Mazda Tribute is a compact SUV, positioned as a practical and versatile option in a highly competitive segment, known for its Zoom-Zoom driving dynamics.

Vehicle Type:

Compact Crossover SUV

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, and Subaru Forester. The Tribute offered a blend of utility, comfortable ride, and Mazda's signature driving feel.

Key Features:

Available all-wheel drive (AWD), optional V6 engine, comfortable interior, good cargo space for its class, and revised styling for the second generation.

Styling Theme:

Modern, somewhat sporty styling reflecting Mazda's design language of the era, distinct from its Ford counterpart.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

All aspects of 2008 Mazda Tribute operation, maintenance, safety, and features.

Page Count:

Approximately 300-350 pages (typical for an owner's manual of this era).

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Booklet

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Vehicle controls, instrument cluster, driver and passenger safety systems, seating and restraints, climate control, audio system, navigation (if equipped), lighting, wipers and washers, power windows and locks, keyless entry, fuel system, engine operation, cooling system, exhaust system, braking system, steering system, suspension system, tires and wheels, and basic maintenance procedures.

Tire Pressure Monitoring:

Details on checking and understanding the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) warnings, if equipped.

Lighting Controls:

Explanation of headlight controls (low/high beam, automatic headlamps if equipped), fog lights, turn signals, and interior lighting.

Instrument Panel:

Explanation of all dashboard gauges, warning lights, and indicator symbols.

Procedures Included:

Starting and driving, parking, checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, changing a flat tire, using the jack, jump starting a dead battery, refueling, using the climate control, operating audio and infotainment features, adjusting seats and mirrors, proper use of seat belts and airbags, emergency procedures, bulb replacement (basic), fuse replacement (basic), and recommended maintenance schedules.

Windshield Wiper Operation:

Instructions for operating front and rear wipers, including intermittent settings and washer fluid activation.

Interior Features Operation:

Detailed instructions for operating power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, interior lighting, and accessory power outlets.

Technical Depth:

Covers operation and basic maintenance for the average owner. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures, component-level repair instructions, or detailed wiring diagrams, which would be found in a service manual.

Troubleshooting Basic:

Provides guidance on common warning lights and basic troubleshooting steps for minor issues.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Print

Print Quality:

Standard OEM print quality, typically black and white text with occasional color diagrams/images.

Binding Type:

Stapled or perfect bound paperback.

Paper Type:

Standard paper stock, suitable for regular use.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

2.3L MZR I4

Optional Engine:

3.0L Duratec V6 (Ford sourced)

2.3L Horsepower:

153 hp @ 6,000 rpm

2.3L Torque:

141 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

3.0L Horsepower:

240 hp @ 6,000 rpm

3.0L Torque:

223 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm

Fuel System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

2.3L Engine Code:

L3-VE (Mazda MZR)

3.0L Engine Code:

6G72 (Mitsubishi sourced engine, used in some Ford/Mazda products)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed manual transmission (often paired with the 2.3L I4)

Optional Transmission:

5-speed automatic transmission (standard on V6 models, optional on I4 models)

AWD System:

Available Active All-Wheel Drive system.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

179.7 inches (4564 mm)

Width:

71.2 inches (1808 mm)

Height:

65.5 inches (1664 mm)

Wheelbase:

103.1 inches (2619 mm)

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:

36.2 cu ft (1025 liters)

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:

66.2 cu ft (1875 liters)

Curb Weight I4 FWD:

Approx. 3,500 lbs (1588 kg)

Curb Weight V6 AWD:

Approx. 3,800 lbs (1724 kg)

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 98 cu ft (2776 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Rating:

4 Stars (Driver), 5 Stars (Passenger) (for 2008 models tested)

IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:

Good (for models with side airbags)

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control System (TCS) (standard on many trims), available Electronic Stability Control (ESC) (may be optional or standard depending on trim/market).

Passive Features:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, available front and rear side curtain airbags, front seat belt pretensioners, LATCH child seat anchors.

Seat Belt System:

Three-point inertia-reel seat belts for all seating positions, driver and front passenger seat belt pretensioners with load limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Standard AM/FM/CD audio system. Available SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and optional premium audio systems. Auxiliary input jack often included.

Navigation:

Optional factory-installed navigation system, typically with a touchscreen interface.

Driver Assistance Features:

Primary driver assistance features focus on the active safety systems like ABS, EBD, and optional Traction Control/Stability Control.

Connectivity Options:

Auxiliary audio input jack for portable music players. Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming was typically an option on higher trims or added via aftermarket solutions.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil (refer to manual for specific oil type).

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 miles.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or annually.

Engine Coolant Replacement:

Initial change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter (using Mazda Long Life Coolant or equivalent).

Brake Fluid Flush Interval:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first (recommended).

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Every 60,000 miles under normal driving conditions; more frequently under severe driving (refer to manual).

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-20 API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified synthetic engine oil.

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) for 2.3L I4; 5.0 US quarts (4.7 L) for 3.0L V6 (with filter change).

Transmission Fluid Type:

MERCON V for automatic transmissions; GL-4 SAE 75W-90 for manual transmissions (check manual for precise specifications).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 brake fluid.

Coolant Type:

Mazda Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with organic acid technology).

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Mercon V Automatic Transmission Fluid (check manual for specific PN).

Known Issues:

Potential for catalytic converter failure, AC compressor issues, and occasional transmission problems (especially in earlier models or with hard use). Refer to the manual for preventative care and troubleshooting tips.

Spark Plug Type I4:

Iridium spark plugs (e.g., NGK ILTR5A-13G or equivalent), replacement interval typically 100,000 miles.

Spark Plug Type V6:

Iridium spark plugs (e.g., Motorcraft SP-505 or equivalent), replacement interval typically 100,000 miles.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mazda is renowned for its 'Zoom-Zoom' driving philosophy, emphasizing engaging driving dynamics and sporty design in its vehicles.

Model Evolution:

The 2008 model represents the second generation of the Tribute, which debuted in 2007. This generation received a significant redesign, sharing its platform with the second-generation Ford Escape. Key updates included revised styling, interior improvements, and updated powertrains.

Production Location:

Ford's Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri, USA (as part of the Mazda-Ford partnership).

Production Years:

2008 model year.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While the 2008 Tribute itself might not have numerous specific awards, the Mazda brand consistently ranks well for reliability and driving enjoyment in its class. The Mazda Tribute, sharing components with the Ford Escape, benefited from its parent company's extensive platform development.