Market Position:
Compact SUV positioned as a practical and versatile option in the burgeoning crossover market of the early 2000s.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed directly with vehicles like the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Subaru Forester, offering a blend of car-like handling with SUV utility.
Key Features:
Available All-Wheel Drive (AWD), comfortable ride, decent interior space for its class, reliable performance, practical utility.
Systems Covered:
Driver controls, instrument panel, climate control, audio system, lighting, power windows/locks, seats/seatbelts, safety systems (airbags, ABS), starting and operating the vehicle, fuel economy, towing, tire and wheel information, maintenance, troubleshooting, emergency procedures, customer assistance
Procedures Included:
Checking fluid levels, tire pressure adjustment, jump starting, changing a flat tire, refueling, basic maintenance checks, operating various vehicle features, child seat installation guidance
Technical Depth:
Designed for the vehicle owner, focusing on operation, care, and basic maintenance. Does not cover in-depth mechanical repairs or diagnostics.
Primary Engine:
2.0L DOHC 16-valve Duratec I4
Engine Variants:
2.0L I4, 3.0L DOHC 24-valve Vulcan V6
Horsepower 2 0L:
130 hp @ 5300 rpm
Torque 2 0L:
135 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm
Horsepower 3 0L:
190 hp @ 5250 rpm
Torque 3 0L:
200 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Emission Control:
California Emissions System (if applicable), Federal Emissions System
Transmission 2 0L:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Optional 2 0L:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Transmission 3 0L:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Drive Type:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
AWD System Type:
Electronically controlled clutch system for AWD engagement
Length:
172.8 inches (4389 mm)
Width:
70.5 inches (1791 mm)
Height:
66.5 inches (1689 mm)
Wheelbase:
103.9 inches (2639 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 7.9 inches (201 mm)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:
Approx. 35.4 cu ft (1002 L)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:
Approx. 66.7 cu ft (1889 L)
Curb Weight 2 0L FWD:
Approx. 3,287 lbs (1491 kg)
Curb Weight 3 0L AWD:
Approx. 3,627 lbs (1645 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 2,000 lbs (907 kg) with optional towing package
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 stars (estimated for this era)
Active Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control (optional on some trims)
Passive Features:
Dual front airbags, Front side-impact airbags (optional), Height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners, Rear door child safety locks, Crumple zones
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Not standard, may have been an aftermarket option
Infotainment System:
Base AM/FM stereo with CD player or cassette player. Optional premium audio systems were available.
Climate Control:
Manual climate control with A/C, optional automatic climate control on higher trims.
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control, intermittent windshield wipers.
Connectivity:
Standard 12V power outlets.
Lighting:
Halogen headlights, front fog lights (optional).
Service Intervals Oil Change
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions)
Service Intervals Tire Rotation
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Service Intervals Air Filter
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Fluid Specifications Engine Oil
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 (API Service SG, SH, or SJ rated)
Fluid Specifications Coolant
Coolant Specification:
Prediluted ethylene glycol coolant (Mazda Genuine Long Life Coolant recommended), 50/50 mix with distilled water
Fluid Specifications Brake Fluid
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3
Fluid Specifications Transmission Fluid Auto
Automatic Transmission Fluid Specification:
Mazda ATF FZ or MERCON V (Check dipstick for specific marking)
Fluid Specifications Power Steering Fluid
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
Mercon ATF
Known Issues General:
Potential for automatic transmission issues (especially in early models), catalytic converter failure, rear differential leaks (AWD models), ignition coil failure, window regulator problems.
Oil Filter Part Number:
Mazda: B6EY-14-302 or equivalent (e.g., Motorcraft FL820S)
Engine Air Filter Part Number:
Mazda: BP4K-13-270 or equivalent
Brand Heritage:
Mazda, known for its Zoom-Zoom driving philosophy and distinctive Kodo design language (though earlier models focused more on practicality and value).
Model Evolution:
The 2001 Mazda Tribute marked Mazda's entry into the compact SUV segment in North America. It was a collaborative effort with Ford, sharing its platform and many components with the Ford Escape, but with distinct Mazda styling and tuning.
Production Location:
Kansas City, Missouri, USA (Shared production with Ford Escape)
Production Years:
2001-2006 (First Generation)