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 31 through 40 of 137.00

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  Good choice for Small SUV - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Carficionado - October 3 - 5:33 am

  Tribute is a nice ride. Was very reliable but there were some annoying build quality issues, like spaces in between the body panels and my A/C - heating went out at 30K! Absurd. Maybe a fan/blower issue. MPG is not good (14-16) if you drive aggressively but its hard not to because the V6 is great. Economic driving will see 21-22 mpg consistently. 4wd works great. Never got stuck & I took it through a few snow storms of 7"plus and this baby plowed right through. Ground clearance is great as I have been light off-roading and gone through severely washed out roads 8-10" of water. Safety is great as SUV is wrecked after someone knocked it into a concrete median on the highway, and walked away with scrapes/bruises.

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  Best value in mini-SUVs - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By cobraal - September 11 - 10:00 am

  We just rolled over 10K trouble-free miles in our 2wd Tributes ES. The Tribute has to be the best value in the mini-SUV market. It has as much or more passenger room (especially in the backseat) and cargo room as some midsize SUVs but in the size and price of a mini-SUV. My wife likes the driving position, its small proportions and low step-in height. It handles well for a tall vehicle, has great power, brakes and steering. The biggest surprise has been how smooth and quiet the engine and ride are. Plus we get 22 mpg in normal driving. Great value, highly recommended.

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  Good looks and great handling - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Lhoward - September 5 - 10:00 am

  I have been researching SUVs for months. The Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota RAV 4 were also on my list of hopefuls and I test-drove each one. What sold me on the Tribute is the handling, power of the V6 and the std. options available on the ES trimline. Because of a fleet program my Company participates in and a rebate offered by Mazda, I got my Tribute for $1,600 below dealer invoice. The Highlander is also nice but too costly once you add all of the same options offered in the Tribute.

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  stranded w/ 2 kids - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By stranded w/ 2 kids - July 24 - 10:00 am

  I have only had my Tribute for 3.5 months and it died on me. I had two kids in the car and it was 100 degrees outside. My youngest was only 2 months old! My dealer came to our rescue and got us out of the heat pretty quick. Turns out there was a power control module that had to be reprogrammed. We had a Mazda MX3 years ago and loved it but my confidence has been shaken this time.

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  No Problems Here - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By GMan - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Have had my Tribute for about 7 months now and am quite happy with it. Only thing which stands out is gas mileage which seems poor. Other than that, comfort and handling is excellent as well as performance.

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  Helloo Money Pit! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Threnners - January 17 - 5:23 pm

  Sigh...In the past three years I have had to replace the dash odometer light, chrome hood piece, IAC Valve, Master brake cylinder, gearshift cable, the drivers side door handle, a fog light, and had to have work done on a misfiring cylinder. It creaks every time I make a left turn (bad sway bar links Im told) and howls in the cold. The cloth is peeling off every interior door. One of the seats in the back wont go down (first time I tried!) Im really let down because I really loved the Tribute (over the Escape) and REALLY wanted this car and to keep it 10 years but I dont think its going to make it. When it does work though, it works very well.

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  TRIBLOVER - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By TRIBLOVER - November 10 - 10:00 am

  MY TRIBUTE WAS A MOTHERS DAY PRESENT AND I REALLY LOVE IT. IT HANDLES LIKE A HEAVIER SUV, BUT NOT LIKE A TRUCK. THE CARGO ROOM IS GREAT BECAUSE I HAVE 2 BOYS AND LOTS OF HAULING TO DO. I WOULD RECOMMEND ONE TO ANYONE LIKE ME WHO CANT AFFORD THE BIGGER SUVS, BUT SILL WANTED HIGH STYLE.

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  If only it had a better gas mileage - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By polarsand - November 4 - 10:00 am

  A great overall car to own. Beware of the gas mileage!

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  Loveit/Hate it - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Lisbek - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought it in 6/02, edited version: door chime rang nonstop when door open, replaced ignition. Happened again and finally fixed. Dashboard scratched during repair, replaced under warranty for being "warped". Odometer replaced (didnt work after dash replaced)resetting the mileage to zero. Incorrect mileage written on door jam sticker. Replaced: master cylinder, drivers seat, drivers side mirror. Repaired: rear window washer (X2), speaker, Air con vent stuck. Currently the power seat wont lower the back half and the replacement seat is developing a lump under the fabric like the first seat. I am going to pursue Mazda buying back the vehicle.

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  Only 3 flaws - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By webjock - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Fun, like a car. Not as peppy as it seems, but still a potent 200 hp. Sits high off the ground with no fear of rollover. Corners and steers well, lots of hand grips throughout the cabin for rough terrain. 3 flaws: 1-Move shifter to floor--too easy to knock the Bute out of gear reaching for the radio. 2- Interior molding comes loose easily. 3- At highway speed, we had sudden power failure...no steering / brakes...engine died...scary! Mazda says most Butes do this, yet theres been no recall! Unacceptable! Nonetheless a satisfying ride. Worth a close look in the small to mid-sized SUV class.