1999 Mazda Activehicle

A close look at Mazda’s SUV entry in the market. The mass production Tribute followed shortly after that.

This five-passenger V-6 sport-utility vehicle has beefed-up styling cues added to a Ford Explorer-like body. It’s a precursor to the Mazda/Ford compact SUV that goes into production next year in Kansas City and sold as the Ford Escape. To paraphrase one insider, take off everything that doesn’t look like it belongs, and you’ve got the final product.

Sources: www.thecarconnection.com; Mazda Motor Corporation