The Mazda Tribute is a small crossover SUV based on the front-wheel drive Mazda 626 platform. It is the basis for the similar Ford Escape SUV. The Tribute and Escape debuted in 2001, offering front- and all-wheel drive and a choice of a Mazda 4-cylinder or Ford Duratec V6. It is also sold as the Ford Maverick in Europe.
2001
The Tribute made its debut at the 2000 Los Angeles Auto Show. It replaced the Mazda Navajo (which was retired in 1994), and was sold as "the sports car of SUVs". The Escape is built at Ford's Kansas City assembly plant in Claycomo, Missouri.
Engine options:
- 2.0 L YF I4, 130 hp (95 kW)/183 Nm
- 3.0 L AJ V6, 200 hp (149 kW)/265 Nm
2005
Both vehicles are refreshed for 2005. The base engine is now the Mazda 2.3 L MZR 4, and the top remains the 3.0 L Duratec V6. The 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid will be the first Hybrid SUV on the market, and Mazda will offer a similar vehicle in 2007. Ford will also introduce a Mercury-branded version of this vehicle called the Mercury Mariner.
Engine options:
