Mazda Tribute

We purchased our Mazda Tribute (5 speed manual transmission) in April 2006. On August 23 2007 there was a very strong burning smell. We took it to the dealership to have it checked and were told it was the clutch. It only had 4,719 miles on it but the 12 months were past. The dealership told us that the burning smell would eventually go away but it didn't. After contacting the Attorney General's Office and Mazda Corp in CA, we were told we would be responsible for having the clutch replaced for $1,159.00. We had it replaced at our expense, drove it 171 miles and the burning smell returned. Took it back to the dealership and again were told it was our fault from misuse. We have owned VW's, 4 Chevy Trackers, 2 Z-28 Camero's and other chevy vehicles with standard transmissions and have never had to replace a clutch until now. We will NEVER buy another Mazda vehicle.

My Mazda Tribute has xcellent gas mileage (average for 6000 mi is 28.4 with high of 33.1 and low of 25.5). Quite amazing! It's good looking, has nice interior, peppy 4 cyl, handles well, is quiet, and safe (traction & stability control, side airbags) . Mazda/Ford hit a home run with the 5 spd fwd.

I think the Mazda Tribute is a great car. I really can't understand why this is not a more popular SUV. Perhaps the only bad point would be the fuel consumption, everything else is great though!