Overview & Reviews

After an extremely successful introductory year, Mazda's Tribute SUV receives only minor modifications for 2002. DX models get additional standard equipment in the form of alloy wheels, dark-tinted glass and remote keyless entry. After a short production run, however, the DX-V6 model will be discontinued. Midgrade LX models can be ordered with ABS as a stand-alone option (last year it was bundled with side airbags) and with a six-way power driver seat. Both LX and ES models get a new driver lumbar support feature. Side step tubes are a new option on all Tribs, and four new colors debut for 2002.

• Stout V6 power, rugged good looks, roomy cabin, attractive pricing.

• Weak standard four-cylinder engine, no low-range transfer case.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 137.00

• 

  You Get What You Pay For! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Riason - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Have had 2003 model for 6 months with all features and quite impressive for the price. Most of mileage has come from four 1500 mile trips with only negatives being road noise, poor gas mileage, and bad roof vibration at 70mph on windy days. No perceived drag on engine with air on but if you can do without it, the mileage improves from 20 to 26mpg. Lots of storage and room for cargo; better than my RX330 but not nearly as quiet and smooth riding. But at 1/2 the price, the Mazda is a better value. Long term reliability/cost is the issue and only time will tell which is the better value.

• 

  Review of a Mazda lover - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Reetz - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Tribute in March of 2002. Its fun to drive and is very reliable. It handles every kind of road condition and even stops straight on icy roads. The things I would improve would be the front passengers seat belt. It locks up too easily. Also, the interior quality could be better. The molding on the inside of the doors keeps coming loose. Then again, there is no perfect car in my opinion.

• 

  I love my Tribute!! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By piazzafan - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I love my Tribute. Ive owned it for over a year and have had no problems at all. It is a lot of fun to drive and looks great too. I also liked it better than the Ford Escape (the Escape has rubber on lower body instead of being painted). It has great power and brakes and tight steering. I would buy another one in a heartbeat!

• 

  Cd sound problems? - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By canuck - August 10 - 10:00 am

  I love my Tribute, but after reading the other reviews Im a tad worried about brakes, rotors etc. However, my only problem has been a strange noise in the cd player...Ive had it replaced once but the new one has it as well. Has anyone else experienced problems with the CD player? Or is it just me? Canuck

• 

  Mazda Tribute A Womens perfect car. - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By school teacher - July 20 - 1:43 am

  I bought the ES V6 2wheel drive. I compared it to other mini SUVs and liked the ride, leather seats, power drivers seat and power to get on the freeway. Plenty of room for bringing home stuff from the nursery. I love sitting up high and seeing more of the road. Im barely 5 tall and need the optional step tubes. Its a great option, particularily for women.

• 

  Glad to own - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By rickwla - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a Subaru Forester, which was an excellent car, and Im very satisfied with the performance and roominess of the Tribute. Fuel economy could be better, but its par for the course for its class. 7 speaker stereo system has great sound. Wish there were seperate controls for the air conditioning and the vent outlets (why Ford chooses to limit air conditioning only to the front vents is a mystery).

• 

  Pretty reliable after 4 yrs! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By nalarika - May 1 - 11:20 pm

  Had some problems in the beginning with the transmission and exhaust manifolds, warranty covered those so ever since then we have had no powertrain issues. The door seals seem to sag and that is annoying but other than that the car has a ton of features for the price and has made many adventurous trips with us!

• 

  Classy Appearance - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By jchris - April 2 - 10:00 am

  I saw one on the road and was immediately drawn to it back in 2000. I went to look at one right away. I was impressed and I thought the exterior and interior complimented one another and was impressed that it seemed to look and feel more like a car than a truck. Overall it fit my desire to not be too sporty or to be too much like a luxury SUV.

• 

  So far so good! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By ccarlson - April 2 - 5:23 am

  Took some time getting used to after driving a car; felt tippy and had too many column levers, kept turning wiper blades on to put it in gear. I agree with some others that it needs a lighted key ignition, hard to locate in the dark even after 3 years. I had engine light come on first year and a couple recalls but all were fixed in a timely manner by the dealer. Seats were and still are hard as a rock, but holding up well. Love the front wheel drive, rarely need the 4WD. Has good visual all around. Tire & wind noise on the inside is loud. Had 6 disk CD player replaced once, has nice sound. If made a little wider and fixed above items, it would be the ultimate small SUV. Good vehicle!

• 

  AOK by me - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By teleskier - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had the Trib for 3 months, but so far Ive enjoyed my purchase. My biggest concern was performance in snow, as I live in a mountainous region and like to ski. The Trib has done fine driving through snow storms and up snowy mountain roads. It also holds all my gear with out a problem. I like the power it has to go up Mountain passes and to cruise on the highway. The roof rack could be a little higher as the clamps for Thule ski rack I put on dont have enough clearance off the roof. The gas milage is disappointing, Ive been averaging 18-19 mpg with a combination of highway and city driving. R