2001 Mazda Tribute Luxury review from Australia and New Zealand

Underbody wash got into transmission electronics and totally destroyed it. It was replaced with one from the wreckers.

Aerial broke, was replaced with semi-working aerial from wreckers.

Chrome grill fell off, plastic protector held it in place.

Many Coolant leaks of varying intensity since 2003.

Mazda's parts are ridiculous. They suggested twelve thousand dollars to replace one of the worst gearbox's ever made.

Transmission is a piece of JUNK. Very high first gear, low second gear, MASSIVE jump to third gear, and ridiculously high fourth gear (despite terrible fuel economy anyway). This means the transmission hunts between third and fourth at any speed over 60 constantly, and shifting into second at highway speeds is violent and very very loud. First gear makes acceleration slow as well.

The car weighs 1600kg (200-300 less than competitors) and other applications of the engine, and still manages much worse fuel economy (12-14 litres/100km). Bad gearbox.

The engine has an amazing exhaust note, should be in a sports car. Rev's beautifully throughout the rev range and always has power.

Suspension is tight but comfortable, but the car still tends to roll as it's an SUV. Better than other SUVs though.

Interior is practical and comfortable, but not particularly stylish.

Column shift amazing, the later model floor shifts are hard to reach and eat into leg space.

Back seats impossibly uncomfortable. Front seats a bit hard but leather makes them nice.

On-demand 4WD nicely done, takes care of front-spin on gravel roads very quickly.