The 2.0 L 4-cylinder engine had timing belt-driven Camshafts, while the 3.0 L Duratec V6 featured a maintenance-free timing chain.
2004
Both the Escape and Tribute were refreshed in 2004 for the 2005 model year. The base engine became the Mazda 2.3 L MZR4, while the optional V6 remained the 3.0 L Duratec. In North American-built models, a floor-mounted automatic transmission shifter replaced the column shifter; However, Japanese-built models continued with a column shifter. Engine options:
2.3 L I4, 153 PS /206 N·m
3.0 L AJ V6, 203 PS /261 N·m
Mazda Japan released a limited version, the Mazdaspeed Tribute, in 2004. The model featured a 2.3 L MZR engine providing 200 PS and 254 N·m of torque. Production ended in 2005. Engine:
2.3 L MZR I4, 220 PS /254 N·m
2006 (Asia-Pacific)
A significantly face-lifted version of the Tribute was released in the second half of 2006 for Asia Pacific markets. The updated Tribute featured a larger, bolder grille, with an enlarged Mazda emblem, as well as restyled front bumper and headlights. Side mirrors featured integrated indicators. On the inside, changes included a new floor-mounted automatic transmission shifter, in place of the old column shifter. The dashboard was updated with a new radio, and automatic electronic climate control on certain models. Mechanically, the rear drum brakes were replaced by disc brakes. Engines remain the same, but the V6 has been modified to reduce fuel consumption by over 10%, while the 4-cylinder has improved mid-range torque and an electronic throttle. Both engines had been certified to meet Euro III emission regulations. In 2007, Mazda stopped selling and producing the Tribute in Japan, and replaced it with similar sized CX-7. In 2008, Mazda Australia also discontinued the Tribute, its absence filled by the CX-7 introduced in the previous year. For other Asia-Pacific markets, production was shifted to the Ford Lio Ho plant in Jhongli, Taiwan, which also produces Tribute's Ford Escape twin for Asia-Pacific markets. This arrangement continued until early 2010, when the Tribute for the Asia-Pacific markets ceased production, being fully replaced by the CX-7 imported from Japan.
Second generation (2007–2011)
In 2007 for the 2008 model year, the Tribute was significantly revamped, like its Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner siblings. Originally set to be renamed the Mazda CX-5, the vehicle kept the Tribute name. The changes were significant, but fell short of a "clean sheet" redesign, as the vehicles remained on the CD2 platform, and kept the existing 2.3 L MZR I4 and 3.0 L AJ V6 engines. Visible changes included all new sheet metal and interior. The interior was significantly upgraded using all new components and higher quality materials, and was generally praised by automotive journalists. However, unlike the first generation of the Tribute, which had unique exterior and interior from its siblings, the new model only differs from its siblings in the "nose", tail lights and detailing. Notable changes to the exterior include a higher belt line and more pronounced wheel arches. Overall the car was designed to look larger and more substantial than the previous model. As a cost-saving measure, rear drum brakes, replaced the previous discs, to criticism from the automotive press. The 2008 Tribute was first unveiled at the 2007 Montreal International Auto Show and went on sale in March 2007. A new addition was the Hybrid model which was previously only available on the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner. The Tribute received additional major changes to improve performance for the 2009 model year, mostly by way of mechanical upgrades. Most significant were all new engines; Mazda's new 2.5 L MZR I4 replaced the 2.3, boosting horsepower to and of torque at 4000 rpm. Despite increased horsepower, fuel economy also increased by on both urban and extra-urban cycles. The optional 3.0 L V6 was updated, resulting in a increase, bringing output to and of torque. It also brought a 1 mpg improvement in fuel economy. The Tribute Hybrid was dropped after the 2009 model year. Another significant change was the switch to Ford's new 6F 6-speed automatic, which became standard on all V6 equipped models and optional on the I4. As well, new front and rear stabilizer bars were added for 2009 to improve ride handling after complaints about diminished performance following the 2008 changes. Others changes included redesigned seats, daytime running lamps, optional steering-mounted audio controls, and other additional features. The Tribute was discontinued at the end of the 2011 model year, replaced by the Mazda CX-5 in 2012.
