Reedman Toll Mazda

 

The 2009 Mazda Tribute

  Tribute s models use Ford's Duratec 3.0-liter V6 that gives 200 horsepower and 193 pound-feet of torque. It's a smooth engine that works well in the Tribute with its four-speed automatic transmission. Tribute i models use Ford/Mazda's proven 2.3-liter four-cylinder, the same engine that powers the Mazda3, and is popular in race cars because of its potential to make big horsepower. In the Tribute, it performs with 153 horsepower and 152 pound-feet of torque. The handling is steady, tight, and nimble through the city. One of the few new mechanical features is electric power rack-and-pinion steering, which helps make the Tribute easy to parallel park.

Electronic stability control, rollover control, traction control, a tire pressure monitor, two-stage frontal airbags, side airbags in front, full-length air curtains, and LATCH safety mountings for child seats are all standard. In government crash testing, the Tribute scored five stars in side impact front and rear, five stars in frontal impact for the passenger, and three stars in frontal impact for the driver. There is a practical sized rear cargo window, for better visibility and safety.

For the passengers in the rear seat, there are two fixed cup-holders on the console between the front seats, a small storage bin, an AC outlet, map pockets on the front seatbacks, and door pockets. The rear doors close easily with a solid notch for the hand. The gauges are clean and easy to read, split by small gas and temp gauges. Clean and simple can be good. The air conditioning is powerful. Even though Tribute i has a 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine, it can easily meet needs for day to day driving.  In terms of brakes, Mazda has taken a technological step backwards. The previous model had four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, but the new Tributes use drum brakes in the rear.  The four-speed automatic transmission is smooth. The suspension offers a tight and comfortable ride, and the handling is nimble and steady.




The 2009 Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 seats five and has an available third-row seat in some models.  It folds flat into the cargo floor, and increases its capacity to seven. The RAV4 is a four-door, compact sport utility vehicle.  It is available in three trim levels: Base, Sport and Limited. All V6 RAV4's come with Downhill Assist Control and Hill-start Assist Control. All models are available with front-wheel or full-time all-wheel drive. The 2009 Toyota RAV4 has a new four-cylinder engine and a revised grille and front bumper, redesigned tail lamps and rear step bumper. The base RAV4 seats just five, and offers a more frugal four-cylinder power. 

Standard features for all RAV4s include air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM/CD stereo with six speakers, MP3/WMA capability, and auxiliary input jack, power windows, power foldable mirrors, keyless-remote locking, 60/40 split second-row seats with manual recline and for-and-aft adjustment, tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, three 12-volt power outlets, rear privacy glass, and auto-off headlights. Options for  the base level include a third-row seat, an in-dash, six-CD changer; a selection of 17-inch wheels, both styled steel  and aluminum, cargo cover; roof rack with crossbars, daytime running lights, and an engine immobilizer. 

Safety features on all RAV4s include dual-stage frontal airbags, side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags, LATCH child safety seat anchors, antilock brakes (ABS) with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), electronic stability control (VSC), traction control (TRAC), and a tire pressure monitor.  In the interior, the front seats are supportive but not overly firm.  The second-row seats are less padded than the front seats, and the third row (if there is one) is even less of a seat.  Access to that back row, by folding and tilting the outboard second-row seats, is not especially easy.


Summary

The Mazda Tribute has controls within easy reach and a layout that is not confusing to the driver.  This simplicity makes a safer vehicle, because the driver's concentration isn't stolen by problem solving. The ride, on a retuned suspension, is excellent. The engine is smooth, quiet, and doesn't fall back on the transmission kicking down a lot. You can't go wrong with the 2009 Mazda Tribute.  For its price, it is an excellent value for a small SUV with superb engineering and mechanical execution. Both the four-cylinder and V6 engines have proven themselves, and gas mileage is good.  The Mazda Tribute has an MSRP of $19,730 to $27,635.  The Tribute's fuel economy range is 28 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg in the city.  It comes with a basic warranty of 48 months/50,000 miles.  The 2009 RAV4 is as good as ever.  It has only improved throughout the years in the function department, and its style could be considered a bit eccentric.  In general, the RAV4 is quieter inside than many small sport-utility vehicles.  The Toyota RAV4 is enjoyable to drive and packaged well. The three rows of seating are a plus. The available V6 engine delivers lots of power.  The RAV4 also comes standard with a long list of safety equipment.  It has become bigger in recent years and provides more outstanding features that allow it to be an even more useful family vehicle.  The Toyota RAV4 has an MSRP of $21,500 to $27,810.  It drives with a fuel economy range of 27 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg in the city.  There is a basic warranty of 36 months/36,000 miles.