My girlfriend just picked up a Mazda Tribute. The Haynes manual say to use 5W20 weight oil. What are y'all using? 5W20 seems light to me. What about synthetic? I prefer syn, but would like to hear from some that have used it in this vehicle.

 

What does the sticker under the hood say?
I have an 02 F150 4.2 that used 5w-20(so it can't be too light) use the weight that is specified for the truck. Also check the oil bottle if it meets Ford's standard(as far as syns go).
I would use the owners manual before I refer to those "great" Haynes books anyway.

 

I stick with 5-20 for gas mileage and warranty purposes. My truck runs great!

 

Ford recommends a synthetic blend 5w/20. I run it in the gals escape and that is what my super duty V10 runs and that engine is built to work hard.

It's not too light. Dont worry about running it. It will be fine.

 

5W-20 Mobil 1 in 2005 Escape Hybrid.

 

5W20 Mobil 1 for 130,000 miles thus far in a 2002 Tribute.

 

5W30 Castrol GTX all year around in our 2002 Escape.