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

I had seen the Tribute before the last time I came to a dealer in Houston several years ago, and it has changed a lot since then, mostly when it comes to the design, which has been updated and styled out. It’s a very comfortable SUV, although for people who want something a little more off-road ready they might have to keep looking around.  I have heard good things about Gillman and Joe Myers Mazda dealers, can anyone give a recommendation on either one?