Should I Buy a Mazda Tribute?

Reader’s Question:

What SUV choices are there from Mazda? My wife is bugging me to check out some cars at the local dealers here in Texas. I’ve heard a friend mention the Tribute. Is it any good?

Alex

Houston, TX

Hello, Alex. Choosing an SUV usually depends on the type of use you have planned for the vehicle. You have to decide based on whether the car is for daily use or you plan on a lot of outdoor weekend trips. You should also base your decision on your expected seating for the vehicle. Do you have a large family, a lot of friends or simply a lot of cargo to haul? Let’s base our decision on these.

Fortunately enough for you, there is only one SUV from Mazda. This car has been around for quite some time now, so pay tribute to the Tribute. Space-wise you can seat about 5 and get more than 65 cubic feet of storage with the 60/40 knockdown rear seat. In my opinion, that is ample space for an entire family load of luggage or other gear. Depending on your use, you can choose from either the i-class or the s-class that have the 4-cylinder 2.5 L DOHC VVT that packs about 171 hp or the 6-cylinder 240 hp 3.0 L DOHC VVT engines respectively. Three trims are available per class and they differ in terms of transmission types (manual or automatic) and some cosmetic features. Trims available are Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. In terms of drive systems, there is also an option for 4WD available for all trims.

Have fun with the Tribute, Alex

Should I Buy a Used Or New Mazda 6?

Reader’s Question:

I’m in the market for a sedan, and I’ve gotten curious about the Mazda 6. Can someone offer some advice? I want to schedule a trip to my dealer here in Texas.

Erwin

Houston, TX

Hey, Erwin, advice on the Mazda 6 is coming your way before you set off on your way to any Texas Mazda dealer. I have some friends also curious about the car. So, we’ve been discussing how to look for and appreciate this vehicle from the Mazda Company. One thing is already clear to us, though, the Mazda 6 is definitely a step up from its predecessor, the Mazda 626.

I’d first take a look at the available trim levels. For one car, this sure is confusing if I wanted to buy it. At the current model year, there are seven trims available. There are four trim levels available with a 2.5 liter Dual Overhead Cam engine (DOHC) with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) and these are the iSV, iSport, iTouring and iGrand Touring. Standard on these trims is the 6-speed manual transmission, while an option for a 5-speed automatic is available on the Touring, Grand Touring and Sport trims. All can rev up to 170 hp at 6,000 rpm. If you want to kick it up a notch, the three trims on the S models will give you up to 272 hp at 6,250 rpm with their 3.7 liter DOHC 24-valve 6 cylinder engine. That kind of power will come in handy for that sudden burst of speed when you are in a tight spot on the road. The trims on the S models, sTouring, sSport and sGrand Touring also differ from the four other trims with their 6-speed Sport Automatic transmission. In terms of suspension and drive quality, the independent front suspension and multi-link rear will give a comfortable ride in varying pavement conditions. One thing worth looking at is the speed sensing power assist for the steering system. This makes for better handling of the vehicle on different driving conditions.

Mazdaspeed 3 DEalership Houston Texas

Reader’s Question:

I’ve always thought that Mazda’s always excelled in styling. I think I’m about ready to get one and drive it in Houston, Texas but got lost on Mazda 3 and Mazdaspeed 3. So what’s the difference?

Jeffrey

Houston, TX

Hello there, Jeffrey. Yes, you are right. In my opinion, too, Mazda’s got it made in styling. Evidence of this for me goes back to the days they came up with the first RX-7 and MX-5. Now we have the Mazda 3. Mazda, like any respectable motor company, has its own group that churns out sporty versions of stock vehicles. Mazda has Mazdaspeed doing this for their cars.

Check out the Mazdaspeed 3 at your Houston, Texas Mazda dealer and you will see some noticeable differences. You can see a spoiler, flared front fenders and that the hood is bigger than the base Mazda 3. The lower air intake is also bigger in the Mazdaspeed version. Underneath the hood, you’ll find a 2.3 liter engine that gives you an exciting 263 horsepower performance. Are you ready to say, “Woot, woot?” Over at the standard Mazda 3, you also get a 2.3 Liter engine that churns a reliable 156 hp. Handling has always been excellent for the Mazda 3. I’ll leave the Mazdaspeed 3 experience to your imagination. I guess, pretty much, you’ll base your choice on how you plan to use the vehicle. So, if you’re looking at a zippy, “fun” drive around Houston, you can’t go wrong with a Mazda 3. But if you’re thinking more like “Fast and the Furious,” go for Mazdaspeed 3. There’s my five cents of opinion for you, Jeffrey.

 

Tags: Houston Dealer, Mazda Dealer

Mazda MX-5 Miata One Fine Ride For The Money or a Flop?

Reader’s Question:

Hello, I have always loved Mazda’s MX-5 Miata since it first came out 10 years ago. However, I’m being tempted to get a Pontiac Solstice, which I think has great styling also. So, what do you think? Should I be seen in a new MX-5 around Houston, Texas or go with another car?

Joey

Houston, TX

Hey, Joey. How are you doing there in Houston, Texas?? Wonderin whether you saw the photo of a red 2008 Pontiac Solstice or was that a Saturn Sky? I still get confused from afar. That’s what you get for churning out twins. Kidding aside, that’s GM’s issue. Here is what I have got to say about your dilemma. Stick with the MX-5. You sound like a true Miata lover and like all “loving” relationships, there comes temptation. For you, temptation came in a package called “Solstice.” Sure, GM’s packed this baby (and its twin, the Sky), with enough candy to make you salivate. So let me just say, whoa, whoa, whoa! Take a pause and a deep breather before making that leap, alright?

Now, allow me to give you some “counseling” here. I mean, you can patch things up and rekindle the sparks with a new MX-5. Like, what have you got to lose? Under the hood, there is still that 4-cylinder 2.0 liter engine that you’ve always appreciated. The 2008 MX-5 still handles well and, in my opinion, revs quicker than a Solstice. In terms of design, I do think the MX-5 is a classic compared to a ’08 Solstice. Oh, and the roomier trunk space is a winner for me, too. That’s why I’m sticking with mine.