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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  Get what you pay for - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By pegness - September 9 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is basically very good- nothing has happened in the past 2+ years. Transmission worries me, it seems to shift endlessly in rural driving. Very basic interior, but it is a cheaper SUV. Gas mileage is not what we thought-seems everyone has that opinion. Not wanting to spend 30K, it has been a good purchase. Next one, though, will be of superior quality.

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  a lot of trouble - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Pat Doke - April 25 - 9:20 pm

  We have had a lot of trouble with our Tribute. Currently, with 50K on it, I have at least one major repair every 3000 miles. Thats more often than an oil change. You name it - power steering, engine idle, stalling, brakes, windshield wipers, tire wear, door handles ($200 each installed) and now a complete wiring harness replacement. The worst vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  In Love - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By sths0609 - April 25 - 9:03 pm

  Ive been in love with the 2001-2004 Mazda Tributes since they first came out. Finally got to get one about 2 months ago. Bought it with 71,000 miles on it, and 2 months later its got 75,000 miles. Shes fully loaded 6 disc CD and cassette, side air-bags sunroof. Plenty of get up, just wish fuel economy was better.

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  Transmission problems within 4 months - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Goforit29 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I really loved my car when I bought it. It was fun to drive and had lots of features for the $$. However, it has only been 4.5 months since I purchased it new (had 60 miles on it) and the transmission has failed. Since this just happened two days ago, all I can say is the dealership still isnt really sure what is wrong with the vehicle and why it malfunctioned. It is just really upsetting to purchase something and have immediate problems with it.

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  Gas Guzzler - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By steve - December 12 - 4:53 pm

  This vehicle while scoring very high ratings is a stone cold gas guzzler. It barely gets 14 mpg. The ride is pretty rough and if you are tall with the sunroof addition you feel very cramped. The all wheel drive works well and for the most part the car has been problem free. I would never buy another Tribute though I would seriously consider buying another Mazda.

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  UNHAPPY..SAFETY ALERT - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By UNHAPPY2 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Since our purchase we have had nothing but problems with the car.It has been in the shop more than home. There have been many issues including faulty break cylinder,windshield wiper motor going out in the middle a rain storm,clunking noise from front end for which they have tried but failed to fix with new tires, left front axel,new transmission and torque converters. The latest while my wife and child were driving on a heavy traffic street the car stalled and would not start again. By the way coming very close to being hit by a mack truck! The reason for the stall a known computer chip problem for which Mazda has decided to fix only after someone has a problem with it.

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  No No No more Mazdas for me. - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By BNAride - October 18 - 8:33 am

  Two weeks after purchase gas pedal stuck wrecked vehicle and could not get parts from customs. Recalled for gas pedal shortly after. I have had recalls for door latches. The headlights have been replaced due to condensation build up. Now the door ajar light stays on. Latest I am told that I need to have the engine replaced due to the oil light staying on. I am really disappointed in this vehicle. I have owned 6 mazdas and they have been great.

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  Lemon is the color of my Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By wbc-dc - April 17 - 10:00 am

  At 5000 miles (3mos)-started hearing strange noise when car was cold-found out steering seals were installed wrong and rack and pinion steering needed replacement. As soon as that was repaired-noticed vibration and rushing sound with acceleration-determined that it needed a new transmission. Went in for transmission repair and found out that the bolt holding the transmission was only in by two threads and transmission could have fallen off. Obviously a bad day at the factory- whats next-I am scared to drive it!

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  Problems..... - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Disgusted Owner - March 8 - 12:13 am

  I love my Tribute, but it has been in the dealership 4 times for the same issue. Frequently the car does not want to start. The fuel pump was replaced twice. On the 3rd attempt, technical support was contacted and told to replace the IAC valve. It started up like a champ for a few days, then the problem occurred again. It also idles higher than normal since the IAC was replaced. On the 4th repair attempt, the engineers were contacted and the claim there is nothing wrong. According to research Ive done on line, other people are experiencing similar issues, down to the fact that Mazda "claims" there is nothing wrong with the car.

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  Bad on mileage and power - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By biggun52 - December 8 - 5:13 am

  I first looked a the Escape and almost bought, but they did not budge for the price. I then went to Mazda and bought the cousin for $2,000 less. Great SUV until the AC is on, then I need someone for a push (No power). ROTTEN GAS MILEAGE, otherwise not bad.