Overview & Reviews

The Mazda Tribute was a compact SUV known for its practical packaging, agile handling, surprising V6 performance and solid value. As a crossover SUV, it was more of a truck masquerading as a car than vice-versa in people packaging, although it also combined all-weather driving utility with a friendly, easy-to-drive character. Introduced for 2001, Mazda marketed the Tribute as the Miata of SUVs, and we found the claim not far off the mark. As with its mechanical twin the Ford Escape, the Tribute featured the most powerful V6 engine in its class and could haul up to five passengers and their gear in a practical, space-efficient cabin.

While our editors found the Mazda Tribute to be one of the best small SUVs on the market when it was introduced, age and plenty of newer competitors dropped its standing considerably. After a one-year hiatus, the Tribute returned with new styling and a snazzier interior. However, its underpinnings remained virtually unchanged, leaving the Tribute still behind other compact SUVs, including the carlike Mazda CX-7. Much like the Ford Escape that it closely resembles, the Mazda Tribute began life as a smaller sort of Ford Explorer only to be supplanted by a more carlike breed of crossover.

After 2011, Mazda discontinued the Tribute and effectively replaced it with the more modern and efficient CX-5.

Most Recent Mazda Tribute
Built from 2008 through 2011, the second-generation Mazda Tribute was offered as the four-cylinder "i" and six-cylinder "s" models, which were each available in three trims: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. All-wheel drive was optional on all trims.

Although nearly identical mechanically to the previous-generation model, this Tribute received significant changes to its styling and interior. The latter in particular was greatly improved, with much better materials. Its design and switchgear were consistent with Ford products, however. Initially, this revised Tribute came with the same engine choices as before, which were the 153-horsepower 2.3-liter four-cylinder and 200-hp 3.0-liter V6, with both running through a four-speed automatic transmission.

The following year brought big improvements in the powertrain department, with a choice of either a 171-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 240-hp 3.0-liter V6, both coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission (except in the i Sport 2WD, which had a five-speed manual). In addition to the standard models, a hybrid model dubbed the Tribute HEV was also available and, as expected, proved to be a virtual twin of the Ford Escape Hybrid. The HEV earned a combined fuel economy estimate as high as 32 mpg.

Handling was respectable, with the Tribute cornering with a controlled amount of body roll and proving composed in quick transitions. The ride was relatively smooth as well, making this SUV a suitable choice for commuting or hauling the family around. However, its trucklike, utility-style packaging didn't match up against a generation of new carlike competitors with more luxurious interior treatments, higher refinement and superior driving dynamics. As such, although a used Tribute would still be a good choice, we'd encourage consumers to consider its rivals as well.

Past Mazda Tribute Models
The Mazda Tribute was originally introduced in 2001, and there were relatively minor changes made over the next few years until the significant 2008 refresh. The Tribute was offered in DX, DX V6, LX V6 and ES V6 trim levels until 2005, when the i and s trims replaced them. These designations represented the engine choice. The 2005 model change also saw a minor exterior face-lift, a revised suspension and the debut of the more powerful 153-hp 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. Previously, the base engine was a 2.0-liter inline-4 that made a paltry 130 hp. The bigger engine was always the 200-hp 3.0-liter V6.

Functional and space-efficient on the inside, practical and tough on the outside and generally fun to drive wherever life took it, the Mazda Tribute was always one of our favorite compact SUVs when it came to utility. If you're looking at this Tribute, we'd recommend a V6-powered version (particularly for pre-2005 vehicles), despite its thirst for fuel, as the four-cylinder is a pretty anemic performer. It should also be noted that the interior isn't nearly as nice as that of the second-generation model.

User Reviews:

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  Perfect Family Vehicle - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Bigkay - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I truly enjoy my new Tribute. It is very comfortable and so much fun to drive. I have 2 children and feel completely safe having them in the car with me. I thought I would miss my 1998 MPV when I traded it in, but I love this vehicle, I highly recommend to anyone looking for a reliable SUV.

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  JJ - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Jim - September 1 - 3:23 am

  I purchased this for my 17 year old daughter. She is worst than any torture test ever conceived. (35,000 in 12 months). The car has performed beautifully with no problems what so ever. Averages 26 mpg. It drives and handles like a compact car but has better visibility. I highly recommend the car. If fact my wife liked it so much I bought her one a month later. The 4 cylinder has plenty of power up to about 80 MPH.

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  We liked it sooo much, that - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Sha - August 29 - 2:00 am

  We bought a new Tribute in Sept 2003 and liked it so much that I traded in my Mazda Miata for our second Tribute. They are great multi purpose vehicles that arent perfect, but do a nice all around job, both on the highway and city type driving.Hi what do you expect for 25K? We are very pleased with these vehicles at this point and would recommend one to friends.

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  awesome car - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By chris123 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  this is an awesome car!! i love the car!

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  Great at first, now problems - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Disappointed - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Buyer beware. There is a problem with this vehicle and gas pedal getting stuck. If you go to the NHTSA website, you will find 9 complaints on gas pedal getting stuck. I submitted mine today, making it 10. It gets stuck in deceleration position, but going 60+mph, this is very dangerous. Once gas pedal gives, the SUV jerks forward. I drive this car a lot for business. I bought it in Nov. 2007. I have driven 68,000 miles on it. Radio stopped working, a short circuit. Had to buy aftermarket since Mazda charges $800 plus installation for stock. Battery had changed at 65,000 miles. I find it very comfortable for my 6/7 hour trips, but the gas pedal getting stuck has scared me.

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  Swap the Continentals !!! - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By pennypincher - August 24 - 1:22 pm

  Do yourself a favor and swap the crappy Continentals for Michelin Latitude (as Ford did for model year 2009 and on) or, for less $$, Khumo AST, or anything else that is more of a highway tire (less agressive treads) The noise reduction will be AMAZING !!! My wife thought we had a new ride. Always rotate the tires (front/rear, no X pattern) at EACH OIL CHANGE. The Tribute (Escape) rear suspension is soft (to avoid the jerkiness in turns) so the tires tend to chip off on the edges. So, diligent rotation will save the day. All in all the greatest value of my driving experience !!!

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  tributes are terrible - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Gary Moore - August 23 - 1:46 am

  Here is a car that after 96,000 miles (50,000 of which were highway), now requires a valve compression job ($2100) in addition to spark plug and coil replacements ($750). To me that is unacceptable and has convinced me along with the other problems weve had (several times for the emissions light, stalling while simply driving down the road) NEVER to buy another Mazda product again.

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  2008 Mazda Tribute - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Kiwi - August 22 - 5:10 pm

  The CD player has broken and the window seems that it does not fit into the window frame. In addition, I dont understand why Mazda does not provide manual for audio system. It is not easy to grasp gear handle as console box obstructs my right elbow.

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  04 Tribute LX 4wd - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By libsdad - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car only after I was looking at a Mazda 3. Much more usable bang for the buck, never has a suv before, but this one seems great for what I am using it for. Had a snowstorm 2 days after I took delivery and it never even spun the wheels. I went where I needed to go with no problems.

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  Mazda Tribute is Best compact SUV Value - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By agc - August 18 - 10:00 am

  The best way to show the value you get with the Mazda Tribute is to compare it to another. I bought the Tribute and a co-worker bought a Toyota RAV4 recently. We paid nearly the same for our vehicles. I got a powerful smooth V6, ABS, towing package, side air bags, flip up rear window, retractable cargo cover, overhead opening rear door, more room & comfort, & he got none of these.