2008 Mazda Tribute Review

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2008 Mazda Tribute - Ride and Handling

Handling
Nothing much about the Tribute’s handling sets it apart from other small SUVs. It doesn’t exhibit any bad habits at low speeds and tooling around town it rides comfortably and maneuvers parking lots easily. Out on the highway, the body roll and wallow don’t inspire confidence at freeway speeds. The brakes are good, with a solid feel in the pedal and are easy to control. Aggressive stops were drama-free thanks to antilock and brake-force distribution. The electrically assisted power steering was numb regardless of vehicle speed and despite its variable ratio.

Fun to Drive
It’s an OK driving cute ute, but it doesn’t possess any Zoom, just run-of-the mill Ford. For what is essentially a station wagon with a boxier body, it’s got plenty of utility to get groceries or go to the mall. The lack of tie-down hooks in the cargo area makes it less suited to outdoor activities regardless of whether it’s all-wheel drive or not. But the least fun aspect of it was that after about 25 miles of driving in fog and mist, water seeped between the weather stripping and the door and dripped onto the driver’s arm. That’s probably a feature peculiar to our test vehicle.