While I've only put 600 miles on my Tribute since buying it a month ago, I have noticed that the transmission is not matched well to the 3.0 V6s powerband. At cruising speeds, the tranny has the engine slumbering at 1800-2000 rpm, well below its power range, being a DOHC, high rpm motor. As a result, a downshift to 3rd or unlocking the torque converter occurs on even the slightest hills, especially with the cruise set. It also seems to be geared too high in other gears as well. Flooring it at 45 mph forces a downshift to 2nd, but only gets the engine to ~3500 rpm, not providing enough rpms to make anywhere near its peak power. As a result, the Tribute/Escape feels a lot slower than it really is, unless the gas is floored at 30 mph (causing a downshift to 1st and 5000 rpm), or 65 mph (downshift to 2nd, 5000 rpm). Unfortunately, these are not common speeds where passing occurs. Speaking for myself, I usually find myself passing at 50 mph most of the time, with other drivers going too slow on 55 mph roads. A downshift to 3rd does essentially nothing and flooring it to get 2nd only gets 4000 rpm, still not enough rpms to get this peppy powerplant into its peak operating range.

This transmission seems better matched for an engine that makes it power at lower rpms, like Ford's 3.8 pushrod V6.

Anyone else notice this? Comments?