Review: Mazda J14 Tribute (2001-08)

Review: Mazda J14.I Tribute (2001-03)

Overview

Released in February 2001, the Mazda J14 Series I (J14.I) Tribute was a five seat, compact SUV. Manufactured in Hofu, Japan, the J14.I Tribute was available with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission (Limited variants) or a 3.0-litre petrol V6 mated to a four-speed automatic transmission (Limited, Classic and Luxury variants).

The J14 Tribute was jointly developed with Ford – for the closely-related Escape – and based on the GF 626 platform. As such, the Tribute had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension. Furthermore, the Tribute was 4395 mm long, 1800 mm wide, 1710 mm tall and had a 2620 mm long wheelbase.

4WD system

The Tribute had an on-demand four-wheel drive system (Mazda’s ‘Rotary Blade Coupling’) which utilised a viscous coupling. In normal conditions, drive was directed to the front wheels; if front traction was lost, however, up to 50 per cent of the engine’s torque could be redirected to the rear axle. The Tribute also had an instrument panel switch which could activate the electro-magnetic differential coupling to provide permanent four-wheel drive.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the entry-level Tribute Limited included dual front airbags and front seatbelt pretensioners; the 3.0-litre V6 Limited variants added ABS and electronic brake force distribution, while the Luxury variant was also equipped with front seat-mounted side airbags (with head protection).

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , a 2001 Tribute fitted with a 3.0-litre V6 engine – and equipped with dual front airbags – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 24.67. In the offset crash test, protection from serious leg injury was poor for the driver as the footwell deformed. In the side impact test, however, the Tribute received a maximum score.

Features

Standard features for the Tribute Limited included a four speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, remote central locking, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, power windows and mirrors, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, cargo cover and an immobiliser.

The Tribute Classic was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, a six-stack CD player, cruise control, front fog lights, roof rails and sunroof. Beyond this, the Tribute Luxury was differentiated by its leather seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel.

2002 Tribute Traveller pack

In October 2002, a ‘Traveller’ pack was released for each of the three variants. The Traveller editions added a heavy-duty tow bar for loads up to 1600 kg (including a wiring harness and tow ball), a remote-controlled alarm, luggage divider, headlight covers, bonnet protector, side steps, rear bumper protector, floor mats, door scuff plates and cargo liner.

2003: Tribute update

The Tribute range underwent a minor update for 2003: mudflaps were made standard across the range, while the Classic and Luxury variants received an upgraded interior. A Sport edition of the Limited variant was also released; compared to the standard Limited variant, the Limited Sport added 16-inch alloy wheels, velour upholstery, front fog lights cruise control, driver’s seat height and lumbar adjustment and roof rails.

Review: Mazda J14.II Tribute (2004-06)

Overview

Released in January 2004, the J14 Series II (J14.II) Tribute introduced a revised range, improved safety equipment and greater refinement. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine was replaced with a 2.3-litre unit and a four-speed automatic transmission was made standard across the range.

Safety equipment

Compared to its J14.I predecessor, safety equipment for the J14.II Tribute was improved with ABS, electronic brake force distribution, front seat-mounted side airbags (with head protection) and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters fitted as standard.

Features

Standard features were extended to include front fog lights, while all V6 models were fitted with steering wheel audio and cruise controls. The Tribute Limited Sport model continued, distinguished by its alloy wheels, roof rails and lidded storage bin between the front seats.

Review: Mazda J14.III Tribute (2006-08)

Overview

Released in July 2006, the J14 Series III (J14.III) Tribute introduced a revised range, improved equipment levels and subtle cosmetic changes. The Limited and Classic variants were effectively replaced by a single, unnamed variant, though the Luxury continued.

Visually, the J14.III Tribute could be identified by its mesh grille, clear-finish headlights, revised front bumper with integrated guard and new bonnet. Inside, there was a new floor-mounted gear lever and redesigned centre dashboard panel.

Safety equipment

Safety equipment was improved with the centre rear seat fitted with a lap-sash belt and adjustable headrest; furthermore, the front disc brakes were enlarged and the rear brakes were upgraded to discs (previously drums).

Features

Standard Tribute features were extended to include a CD player (six-stack for Luxury variants) with MP3-compatibility, climate control air conditioning and a 12 volt power outlet.

Related links

• Features: Mazda J14.III Tribute (July 2006)
• Specifications: Mazda J14.III Tribute (July 2006)
• Wikipedia.org: Mazda J14 Tribute