The Mazda Tribute Hybrid – “HEV” for Hybrid Electric Vehicle as the company calls it – is another iteration of the Ford Escape Hybrid’s basic platform. The good news first. The Mazda is not quite as pricey as either the Escape or the Mariner, the Tribute serves as sort of a de-contented edition of the basic Ford design, a more accessible entry-level step into the world of hybrid sport-utility vehicles. Now the bad news. If you are looking for a 2010 Mazda Tribute hybrid, good luck finding one.  Read more...

Although the Mazda Tribute hybrid is currently only being sold in California, it is likely only a matter of time before you see this small SUV in local dealerships. It originally arrived on the scene in 2008 to compete with Ford’s Escape hybrid and the Saturn Vue hybrid; however it has its own characteristics that set it apart and make it great for someone looking for a fuel-efficient hybrid SUV. As Mazda’s first hybrid, this SUV shows promise for what’s to come.  Read more...

The Mercury Mariner had its turn, and now the wait is finally over for the last Japanese automaker to enter the hybrid vehicle market.  While it might have been more exciting to be reviewing the CX-7h, the CX-9h, or even something called the CX-11, Mazda is dipping their toe into green waters with a hybrid version of their Tribute (c’mon Mazda, we want a hybrid cuv!).  Guessing this will be the last automaker to introduce a small hybrid suv based on the Ford Escape Hybrid, but only time will tell.  Read more...