Topic: Used Vehicle Review: Mazda Tribute, 2008-2011

[Autos_Editor]

Check used Tribute models for automatic transmission issues
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[mixmanmash]

My uncle had a 2008 Tribute V6 AWD and here are 2 issues he experienced under warranty.  He would have still likely had it, if a large pick up truck hadn't plowed into the back of it.  Driver was on the cell phone not paying attention....

1. The trans cooler started leaking right around where the lines go into the radiator.  My uncle started noticing reddish colored fluid dripping on the garage floor.  I looked closely and found exactly where it was coming from.

2. The crank pulley (i.e. dampener) was starting to have the rubber dampening material separate from the steel.  My uncle started noticing this as a slight squeal.  Looking at the belts with the engine running, you could clearly see the crank pulley appeared to move in and out.

[Noto]

Neighbour has a Tribute.

I still see it as a Ford Escape, though.

[Silverbird]

Neighbour has a Tribute.

I still see it as a Ford Escape, though.

Agreed, quick unabashed platform sharing.  Basically change the logo(s) and job done.

[Noto]

I'm not sure it's a bad thing, but it definitely was not a "Mazda" product.

[dkaz]

Better to go with a manual transmission for this one, or consider a RAV4 instead.

[X-Traction]

As the review mentioned, I've found the computer-controlled AWD system on the Escape to be far more capable than I expected.

Regarding dislikes:

Fuel consumption.  Well there were a few hundred Tribute Hybrids made.  Good luck finding one.
Cheap interior parts.  Check
Noise: cured by lining the interior with aftermarket sound deadening.
Tires: get the LRR Michelin Latitude Touring as used oem on the Hybrid.

The rust check MUST include removing the cargo area side panels to check the tops of the shock mounts.

I've heard that the Tribute's slightly different tailgate styling allowed a 4' wide sheet of plywood to stick out of the opened hatch glass, while the Escape/Mariner can't do this.  But this may apply to the earlier generation.

The Escape Wikipedia article has lots of interesting information about these cars, and their relationship between Mazda and Ford.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Escape

[mixmanmash]

Better to go with a manual transmission for this one, or consider a RAV4 instead.

I'm not so sure on this.  We have a 2010 Escape V6 AWD at work and no transmission issues after 130k kms.