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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  Tribute 5-speed 4-cyl Initial report - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By 5speed - April 3 - 7:36 am

  Purchased the Tribute i sport with 5-speed manual transmission,fwd, and 4-cyl engine because I wanted a vehicle with cargo capacity and respectable fuel economy. The dealer where I made the purchase had to locate the vehicle with this combination, because they had never had a Tribute on their lot with a manual transmission. There is not a photo available of the manual shift lever and console combination available in the Mazda brochure. But Mazda did a good job with the 5-speed package, the shift lever is well finished and attractive with a good relationship to the steering wheel. The clutch pressure is very light and makes shifting gears easy. Now have 1709 miles and my average MPG is 30.97

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  2003 Mazda Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By nox - March 17 - 10:00 am

  Great smaller SUV. Unbelievably quiet and comfortable. It Could use more power but 95% of the time is more than adequate. It is equipped with an over overdrive that allows it to tow without much effort. Does have a bit of a truck ride probably because of the short wheel base (I was driving a Cadillac Seville before). Compact exterior dimensions make it fir in the garage with room to spare.

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  Very Reliable - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Drivinthegirls - February 19 - 2:40 am

  I am getting ready to trade my Tribute in. It was my moms before it was mine. She bought it brand new. She nor I have had any problems with the Tribute. The only thing that I would say is bad is the gas mileage. Its a beautiful car. I like it MUCH better than the CX-7. I test drove a CX-7 and the interior was so cramped and remined me of a boxy volvo. The Tribute is awesome. It has been reliable now for 7 years. It has 135,000 miles on it now and still going strong.

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  Best of the Best - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By floridaspincast - February 10 - 7:33 am

  After driving and test driving SUVs for three months, we selected the Tribute to be the best overall. Price, style, comfort, fuel economy and ride. The Infinity FX35 and the GMC Envoy were close seconds. The leather package is very nice, the interior setup is very good. We took it on a 500 mile trip and it handled great! Fuel was great.

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  Great Car - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Sondra - January 31 - 1:13 pm

  Except for new tires this almost 4 year old SUV has been wonderful.

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  i love my tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By ian bradford - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This suv is by far the best in its class with all of the standard features, great looks, warranty and the great service from my Mazda dealer. It even drives better than the ford escape, and I thought that they were about the same.

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  Mazda tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Schoch - January 27 - 10:00 am

  We love our Tribute. We had a conversion van before it which wsa a lot bigger. Its fun to drive. Very sporty. Have seen quite a few on the road since we bought it. We didnt know Mazda made an SUV until someone suggested it. Drove to Florida this summer. Mileage was a lot better than the van.

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  Its the best - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Blndaw - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I love my truck I love the way it drives !!!!! Its really comfortable lot of leg room.

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  great little suv - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By j.ferguson - January 27 - 10:00 am

  this little suv, is just the right size. lots of power. engine even sounds and runs like my honda. driving the truck is like having it on rails, like a go cart. plus it looks a lot better then its twin, the exscape. more rifine, and expensive looking. you cant beat it.

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  Tribute on tough road - 2009 Mazda Tribute
  By nehemiah1 - January 24 - 4:15 pm

  I bought my Tribute in June 2009 at Puerto Rico where drive conditions are rude and rush. So far my Tribute have 47000 miles and I just had to change the CV shaft, both of them. I drive an average of 50 miles daily and fuel usage is good, a fuel tank last almost 6 days. Music system is great and interiors are really cool. Safety systems on the Tribute are reliable.