Yep.

I think in the previous thread, we came to the conclusion that 350 is just enough to allow Mazda into the exclusive hybrid club. And that is the only reason any Tribute Hybrids are being made.

 

It is interesting to note that the IRS doesn't seem to agree. Tribute hybrids get their own vehicle counter. Whereas, the Mariner hybrid sales get added into the Escape hybrid's counter.

 

That's interesting, originally I though the FEH, MMH, and MTH were all going to be counted under the Ford Family. Now the IRS seems to be leaning toward counting them separately. (Ref: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/...172162,00.html

Also worth note, at one point the 2008 MTH 4WD set to only get a $2000 tax credit while it's 4WD FEH and MMH sisters get $2200. (ref:http://www.irs.gov/irs/article/0,,id=176409,00.html)
but then again maybe it does get $2200 (ref:http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/...172162,00.html)

 

Hi all -

Just bought a 2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid (the Grand Touring 4WD model) here in Northern California. Got it for a couple hundred under invoice (and 1.9% financing), and will be getting $2,200 off my taxes, so I'm very happy with the purchase. So far, it's been a joy to drive. I looked at the Escape and Mariner Hybrids and preferred the styling (interior and exterior) of the Tribute.

 

Cool--welcome to the site! I will bet that you have THE WORST fuel economy of any Mazda Tribute Hybrid owner here! (since you're the only one here).

 

Congrats on the purchase, post some photos of that baby for us to see!

 

And the best!

 

My research shows me that the Hybrid Tribute has stability control whereas the Hybrid Escape and Hybrid Mariner do not.

I first read about this on the CR web site and they listed the Hybrid Escape and Mariner as not recommended. I wondered, why would they not carry forward such an otherwise important safety feature?

Not sure of this I asked a Ford dealer about it. He was not aware of any differences between the gas only Escape and the Hybrid Escape (not that Ford or Mercury are going to use that as a selling point )

Then he and I looked at the 2008 sales brochure. The brochure was divided into two sections. Front section was for the gas only Escape. Rear section for the hybrid Escape. Gas only Escape section listed under safety features the Stability Control system - check. Hybrid only Escape section did not list any Stability control system under safety features - ?.

The lack of a stability control system on the hybrid Escape and Mariner is the #1 reason I cannot buy either car. Even though I can get one ordered and to me in two months time - the lack of this basic safety feature just causes me concern.

 

I would be willing to bet that this info is wrong.

~John

 

You are correct that there is no full Roll Stability Control on the 2005-2008 FEH/MMH/MTH. Although there is some indication that Ford/Mercury/Mazda have integrated some of their AdvanceTrac with RSC technology. (Mazda calls it Electronic Brakeforce Distribution - EDB automatically varies the amount of force applied to each of the individual vehicle brakes, based on road conditions, speed, and loads). -Seems Toyota uses the exact same name when listing the safety features on the Highlander Hybrid-

Stability control seems to be at best a personal preference on this board. You can search the threads and find other comments about it. I've never needed such a feature in much worse handling, top heavy, roll prone vehicles. Given the chance, I think you'll find that the FEH (and it's sisters) handle quite well without it.

I also think having side impact and side curtain airbags (standard equipment on all models) is a much more important safety feature.

Many on this board drive with a different style than the average driver (mostly to increase fuel efficiency) and won't ever be in a situation to need RSC.

With all that said, there's a chance that Ford will incorporate it in the 2009 model. Since ordering for the 2009 starts in a few months we should know what the 2009 has to offer soon.