Model Variant:
Compact SUV (first generation)
Production Years Covered:
2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
Generation:
First generation (2001-2006)
Target Audience:
Compact SUV buyers seeking car-like handling with light-duty off-road and towing capability
Market Segment:
Entry-level compact crossover SUV
Key Competitors:
Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V
Advantage:
Sharper handling than most rivals, shared mechanicals with the Ford Escape for broad parts availability
Value Proposition:
Lower price point than RAV4 and CR-V with available V6 power
Powertrain:
Available 3.0L V6 uncommon in base-trim competitors
Feature 1:
Choice of 2.0L or 3.0L engines with manual or automatic transmission
Feature 2:
Available all-wheel drive
Feature 3:
Car-based unibody platform for comfortable on-road ride
Coverage Areas:
All diagnostic and repair procedures covered A-Z, including maintenance, rebuild, refurbishment and restoration work
Manual Type:
Digital Workshop Repair Manual (professional technician level)
Delivery Method:
Instant digital download
Printing:
Fully printable - print individual procedures or the entire manual
Windows:
Windows 95, 98, 98SE, 2000, NT, ME, XP, Vista and Windows 7
Mac:
Compatible with all Mac computers
Engine:
Complete engine mechanical service, rebuild and overhaul procedures for 2.0L and 3.0L engines
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, sensors, ignition system and ECM diagnostics
Transmission:
Automatic and manual transmission service, removal and overhaul
Drivetrain:
Transfer case, differentials, axles, AWD system service
Brakes:
Front and rear disc/drum brakes, ABS diagnostics and repair
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, struts, control arms, alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system and rack service
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning service and refrigerant procedures
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, battery, charging, starting and body electrical
Body & Interior:
Panels, trim, doors, windows, locks, seats, mirrors
Diagnostics:
Fault code reading, troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics
Removal & Installation:
Step-by-step removal, installation and torque specifications for all major components
Scheduled Maintenance:
Fluid capacities, service intervals, tune-up procedures
Repair:
Disassembly, inspection, machining limits and reassembly for all assemblies
Detail Level:
Same information used by professional technicians and mechanics
Illustrations:
High quality photos, illustrations and diagrams throughout
Torque Specs:
Factory torque values and specification tables included
Parts Data:
Component identification, part numbers where applicable and exploded views
Fluid Capacities:
Engine oil, coolant, transmission and differential fluid capacities and specifications
Fasteners:
Torque sequences and fastener specifications
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Primary Engine:
3.0L DOHC 24-valve V6
Engine Code:
AJ (Ford Duratec family)
Base Engine (early models):
2.0L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder (2001-2003)
Displacement (V6):
2,967 cc
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
V6 Power Output:
Approximately 200 hp (3.0L V6)
4-Cylinder Power:
Approximately 130 hp (2.0L)
V6 Torque:
Approximately 200 lb-ft (3.0L V6)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Regular unleaded gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approximately 16.4 gallons (62 L)
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual (with 2.0L/2.3L 4-cylinder models)
Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic (with 3.0L V6 models)
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive standard, all-wheel drive optional
Differential:
Open front differential; AWD models use transfer case and rear differential
Wheelbase:
103.1 in (2,620 mm)
Length:
Approximately 173 in (4,395 mm)
Width:
Approximately 70.2 in (1,783 mm)
Height:
Approximately 69.9 in (1,775 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,250-3,550 lb depending on engine and drivetrain
Seating Capacity:
5 passengers
NHTSA Crash Test:
Strong performance in frontal impact for its class in early 2000s testing; consult official NHTSA archives for specific model-year scores
IIHS Evaluation:
N/A - current-era IIHS ratings may not reflect this generation; check IIHS archives
ABS:
4-wheel anti-lock braking system available
Traction Control:
Available on select trims
Airbags:
Dual front airbags standard; side-impact airbags available on later trims
Restraints:
Front 3-point seatbelts with pretensioners; child seat tether anchors (LATCH on later years)
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player; in-dash 6-disc CD changer and cassette available by trim and year
Speakers:
Multi-speaker system; premium sound option on higher trims
Driver Aids:
None - era-typical; no electronic driver assistance systems on this generation
Convenience:
Cruise control, power windows, locks and mirrors available by trim
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles (severe service: 3,000 miles)
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles; replace approximately every 30,000 miles
Spark Plugs:
Replace approximately every 60,000-100,000 miles depending on plug type and engine
Coolant:
Replace approximately every 60,000 miles, then every 30,000 miles
Timing Belt:
N/A - both engines use timing chains, no scheduled belt replacement
Engine Oil:
5W-30 API-rated gasoline engine oil; capacity approximately 4.5-5.0 qt with filter depending on engine
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mercon V equivalent
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based long-life coolant
Known Issues / Common Wear
Common Issue 1:
Suspension bushings and sway bar links wear with mileage
Common Issue 2:
Front wheel bearings and CV joints are common wear items
Common Issue 3:
V6 models: check for intake manifold gasket and idle control issues on higher-mileage engines
Common Wear:
Brake rotors and oxygen sensors on higher-mileage vehicles
Manufacturer:
Mazda Motor Corporation, Hiroshima, Japan
Platform:
Joint venture with Ford; shared Ford Motor Company C1/Escape platform and powertrains
2001:
Tribute launched as Mazda's first SUV; 2.0L 4-cylinder and 3.0L V6 engines
2004:
2.0L engine replaced by 2.3L 4-cylinder; interior and trim updates
2006:
Final year of the first generation before 2008 redesign
Position in Lineup:
Entry compact crossover; mechanically related to the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner
Assembly Plant:
Claycomo, Missouri, USA (Ford Kansas City Assembly)
