looks, power

interior annoyances (which I consider very minor)

First let me say I did my homework before I bought...and so far this machine rocks...I was aware of the mentioned problems(wind noise,radio knob obstruction,recalls) and could find no other to match it. The other cool thing is that it is not a common car on the street-there are definetly more Escapes on the road (fine with me!) than Tributes. Plus the interior is Damn better than the Ford equivalent. Believe me I know what Edmunds.com means when they refer to "cheap interior bits"--they are talking about GM,Ford, and Chrysler....Mazda did good -with minor complaints-plastic dashboard and hard armrests on the doors. But the machine drives like a dream-it does have a little trouble finding it's gears during hard acceleration uphill, but most are surprised to see me pull away at the light...

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I used to own a 323 I loved it..

Power...It hauls like you wouldn't believe.
Stereo...I got the 6 CD in-dash system which I would highly recommend. It has a built in subwoofer and gets plenty loud while still sounds crisp and clear.
Smooth ride
Spacious
Fun!

What everybody else has complained about too...gear shifter and front lighting. Lighting obviously only matters at night, and the gear shifter isn't really an issue after a couple weeks of driving it cuz you're used to it.
Sometimes hesistates to shift gears when going uphill, but you learn quickly how to handle it to make it shift when you want it to.
Looks aren't as good as my old Rodeo, but that's for each person to decide for themself.

I went from a 98 Isuzu Rodeo to this, and from two SUVs that seem similar they is absolutely no comparison. The Tribute is built on a car chassy and so it rides like a car, not like a truck as most SUVs do. Gas mileage is actually about 17 for me, although most people seem to get less than that. I've taken it 7,000 miles so far without problems. This car is comfortable and convenient. With the seats folding flat I was able to fit my band's entire PA system into my car. Also, if you're looking for a car that'll go fast, this is about the best you'll find in an SUV. It takes off from the line and I've actually spun the tires a few times just by slamming on the gas. I test drove the Ford Escape and it drives just the same, but the parts are cheap. You have to get the highest model with everything on it just to get a middle console. It feels really empty without that console there. If anybody has any questions and wants honest answers (as opposed to the answers a dealer will give you) about the Tribute just e-mail me at harting@gte.net and I'd love to help you out.

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Owned a '98 Isuzu Rodeo for a year. This beats it in every aspect, even price.
Test drove a Ford Escape. Those things are cheaper, but if you compare it with the Tribute you can tell why. They use cheap interior parts and that plastic bumper is ugly as sin.

Nice steering, powerfull engine, lots of space, nice exteriour design

The auto shifter is too long , no interiour lights in places like ignition switch, glove compartment, vizors. Gas milage is lower then expected at ~17/20. Rear hatch is squicking like crazy. I am a little unsure of the Firestones... they are HT though.... 8000 miles and counting

Inspite of some interiour cost cutting it still is the best value for me.
Excelent drivetrain. The ABS and 4wd, was good in the snow.

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Compared to: CR-V, Rav-4, Forester, Escape