Hi, I am looking at the 2008 Mazda Tribute i Grand Touring with the 4 cylinder auto trans and 4x4. These look really nice inside and out (to me anyway). Are these Ford engines/tranny or are they Mazda engines/tranny? How is the 4 cylinder that is in these? Decent power? Are they reliable? For the money you get alot and I like the electric power steering and non-full time 4x4 system. Thanks for any input.
2008 Mazda Tribute- any good??
- Thread starter Jeepster_nut
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I believe this is almost identical to the Ford Escape.
As a huge mazda fan, i gotta just tell you it is exactly the same as the escape. Rolls out of the same plant in KC with the exact same parts. The 2.3L is the 2.3L duratec and not the Mazda MZR 2.3L. The ATX is also the ford CD4E and not the Mazda FNR5.
When shopping for my wife a few months ago, she really wanted a tribute but we couldnt justify paying more when you get the exact same thing in an Excape for a lot less and 0% interest for 66 months.
When shopping for my wife a few months ago, she really wanted a tribute but we couldnt justify paying more when you get the exact same thing in an Excape for a lot less and 0% interest for 66 months.
I would shop and get the best deal. The Mazda has a longer warranty. If the prices are somewhat comparable, I would go with the dealership with the best reputation.
To get everything the Mazda offers, the Escape would be much more expensive. Take for example the heated seats. They are available on the Mazda with the 4 cylinder, but the Ford requires you to go with the "Limited" in order to get the heated seats, which is 6 cylinder (which I dont want). They are both nice for the money. I got an OTD price on the Mazda for $24,570 after tax, title, reg, etc.
that was quick..
Sorry, I got that OTD price from a local dealer. I still haven't purchased yet...
I have a 2006 Mazda 2300 with the 2.3 Duratec, I find the engine torque to be quite anemic unless about 2000RPM or above. (I have a 5sp) I still bought it because it suits my needs. I would do some hill climbing in a test drive.
I can't imagine what happens when I plunk 500-600lbs in the bed.
-T
I can't imagine what happens when I plunk 500-600lbs in the bed.
-T
I think the 2008 received a little more HP and Torque in the 4cyl. I read that somewhere, I forget where though.
Is this a good engine transmission combination? I am looking for reliability opinions on this engine/trans combo. I dont want the transmission to start acting up in 60,000 miles.
Umm all Ford 4cyl Duratecs = Mazda MZR, just built by Ford in Mexico, without VVT. With the exception of two 8-valve "Duratecs" from the UK that we'll never see.
The tribute is about as unmazda as you can get. The interior is really nice though on the 08, imo.
Hermann
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Does the Duratec 2.3l use a cartridge oil filter like the MZR?
I'm sorry, good sir, but that makes no sense. Regardless of point of assy. (it's mexico) 4-cyl Duratec = MZR. Aside from some small differences like MAYBE oil filter mounting, ecu tune, emissions... Wanna share some of those differences? Aside from maybe oil pans and oil filter type... and the lack of VVT as stated?
A dealer in New Orleans is running a newspaper ad for a Tribute i, A/T, power, and alloys with a MSRP OF $20,960 and $2000 Rebates and $2482 dealer discount for a total of $16,478
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I'm sorry, good sir, but that makes no sense. Regardless of point of assy. (it's mexico) 4-cyl Duratec = MZR. Aside from some small differences like MAYBE oil filter mounting, ecu tune, emissions... Wanna share some of those differences? Aside from maybe oil pans and oil filter type... and the lack of VVT as stated?
Last I checked, everything but the block was different between the MZR and Duratec including intake. Note that there are practically no performance parts for the Ford Focus 2.3L that will work on a Mazda3 2.3L or a Mazda6 2.3L.
Well that makes sense considering the Focus still uses a unique Ford chassis, not the shared Mz3, V40, EuroFOcus platform. a CAI for example would probably not fit
You might also want to look at the Mariner. It even offers more for the money. I've had my Mariner for about 10 months now. It has never been back to the dealer. I don't think I would want 4x4 with the 2.3. The 2.3 is barely adequate in the FWD. It would do much better with the iCVT and 5-spd auto used in the Fusion. There's a large difference in performance of the Fusion 2.3 vs. my Mariner. There's only about a 100 lb. difference between the two. Mileage has been good. It averages about 22 for City driving. Overall, I'm very happy with it. I don't know if the V6 is worth the extra $2K. I think it would be in a 4wd.
The Escapes/Tribbys/Mariners use a spin-on oil filter
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The Escapes/Tribbys/Mariners use a spin-on oil filter
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I'm sorry, good sir, but that makes no sense. Regardless of point of assy. (it's mexico) 4-cyl Duratec = MZR. Aside from some small differences like MAYBE oil filter mounting, ecu tune, emissions... Wanna share some of those differences? Aside from maybe oil pans and oil filter type... and the lack of VVT as stated?
Last I checked, everything but the block was different between the MZR and Duratec including intake. Note that there are practically no performance parts for the Ford Focus 2.3L that will work on a Mazda3 2.3L or a Mazda6 2.3L.
bloop:
MZR
Duratec
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