Good things to say

I really get tired of all the complaining about the Tributes. Did we not choose this vehicle for a reason? I'm sure for many of us size and price were some of the major reasons we bought it. I for one wanted a V6 engine in a smaller SUV and didn't want to pay $30,000+. Sure, there are some problems with the vehicle but when I choose to buy a first year production I knew there would be. I figured it wasn't my problem, it was the dealers and they have worked out the kinks so far. How about some good words about the Tribs.<br><br>*Good handling on winter roads.<br>*A price most people can afford.<br>*Responsive handling.<br>*Powerful engine.<br>*Sharp look.<br><br>I could go on and on. I think we have gotten to be a bunch of folks saying the cup is half empty instead of half full. <br><br>I personally like my Trib.

I'll second that!<br><br>The Trib has been reviewed as the best in its class by many experts and even with the recalls etc... I wouldn't trade it for anything else I see on the road!

Complaints need to be voiced and this can be a good forum to get information on concerns. I agree that there is sometimes too little positive said recently. Still, there must be some reasons that the Tribute is so popular, it is hard to find. Finding one, especially more fully equipped appears to be a frustration.<br><br>I am very satisfied and excited about my new Tribute. My personal reasons for purchasing my LX Tribute are:<br><br>Smaller 4-wheel drive SUV<br>Able to handle snow, basic dirt roads and fields for some camping<br>Fun to drive and easy to manuver and park<br>Comfortable for 4 adults with decent storage<br>Better gas mileage<br>Enough power for driving in mountains & highway<br>Automatic, ABS<br>Full size spare<br>Spare not mounted on rear door<br>Rear door swings up not to side<br>Like the body styling better than any other SUV, <br> including the Escape<br>Like the interior layout, styling and comfort<br>Good value for dollar considering the competition<br>Split reclining rear seats in LX or ES<br><br>I would be interested in hearing what others personally like about the Tribute. Mine is great!

The spare is not full size, it is a compact, at least on the DX, I don't believe the manual mentions a full size spare on any line. I Think the Santa Fe has a full size spare. I suppose if the fuel smell is gone for good I would agree with most of your points. I glad you said better gas mileage and not great.

Ditto....and what a looker it is...filled up this afternoon at Shell and had a Jeeper drooling. I know he wanted to say something but just couldn't muster the words. The if I had to do it over again would I do anything different questions answer....NO WAY..<br><br>Bob

Here is what "most" vehicles have as a spare...a compact unless a tow pkg, then they MUST put a full size. The reason most vehicles don't is people used to run the tires bald then have a flat, put the full spare on and zoom away. This is a very dangerous situation 1 good and 3 bad tires....so other than weight reduction, that fact, and cost you also have another small fact the full size tire averages 35lbs + so a compact is easier to handle.

I concure completely. I have had only one problem that worried me(the fuel leak)and that was taken care of expediently. I have nothing but good things to say about my complete buying experience and about my Trib. I believe my experience and yours are the vast majority shared by Tribute owmers. My heart goes out to those Trib owners who have had more than their share of problems. This is a first year production model after all and there are going to be problems. That is the risk you take. The people who post their complaints in hopes of a resolution have my support. The people who post here just to air their gripes for no other reason but to just gripe and complain, should find another place to go. Read what Rebecca writes at the beginning of this owners club and follow the spirit of her words.