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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  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!

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  A Few Problems - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Drex - March 10 - 9:56 am

  So far Ive had to change the alternator. Replacement was done at the dealer (ouch) so I was given an OEM alternator with a whopping 1 yr/12,000 mile warranty. Nice going there. The shifter gets in the way too much. I notice if you put the SUV in park, it still has a tendency to roll a bit after you take your foot off the brake. Even after fixing the recalled accelerator cable, the SUV still has a tendency to lurch forward when taking your foot off the accelerator. Rear liftgate hatch has broken and wont lock. Cost of repair is over $300. High highway noise, not so good gas mileage, not pleased with Mazda overall.

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  For the price you cant beat it. - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By judyrom1 - March 10 - 6:56 am

  I love my truck, leather seats, power everything, nice sound sytem, I love the way it looks. Roomy interior and easy to see out of all the windows/no blind spots like some other in this class.

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  Great vehicle - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Rob Ellis - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 2001 Tribute for over three years now and I am very happy with it. The engine performance is very adequate and I have had very few problems. The few problems I have had were covered under warranty. The service plan under the waranty has been great because it includes rental car coverage.

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  Road Noise and Tire Replacement - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By S. J. - February 1 - 6:20 am

  I have a 3.0L 6-cyl. automatic that I bought new in Oct. 2006. It has performed well and has required no warranty work to date. I had to replace the tires at 23,783 due to very loud road noise that continued to get louder over time. It was the poor quality Continental Tires that were factory installed. Once I replaced the tires, no more road noise. I wish that I had replaced the tires long ago.

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  Just okay.... - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By ShelleyA - December 14 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2001 Tribute in September of 2000. I now have 61,000 miles. It has been in the dealership several times for various problems such as the transmission (had to be replaced and they used a rebuilt), sunroof, sensors, fuel smell when you first start the vehicle. (Dealer said it is normal) The interior has never been quite right near the top of the back window. It always seems to sag.This was the first year model for the vehicle so maybe the 2002 & 2003 models improved some. Overall I am not sorry that I purchased the vehicle but am certain that I would not own another one. You definitely get what you pay for.

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  Careful - has a Ford engine. - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Riley - December 13 - 11:00 pm

  All Mazda Tribute models are built with a Ford engine. Whether this applies to all Mazda products, I do not know, but I am entirely sure that if nothing else, this does have a Ford engine, and from my experience, most Ford products arent worth the time or money. Now this SUV has a nice drive to it. A lot of pep or "get-up-and- go," takes corners well, and the steering couldnt be better. Although, when you step on the gas, the engine feels slightly weak, but all things considered, it could be worse. I am sorry to say that this model has given me countless problems, though. Ive had to replace all my spark plugs three times and replaced all three catalytic converters. Some transmission probs.

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  Great ride - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By a_clemons - December 6 - 4:40 am

  Very dependable and capable car. Great on trips: plenty of hauling space for our small family and plenty of room for stuff and/or large dogs. Gets excellent mileage if you dont exceed the speed limit. High (but bearable) wind noise at highway speeds. Drives like a car. Easy to park.

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  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

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  Pizza love - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By frichardc - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Loved the vehicle when I first got it and most of my 39 month lease. Lately it has developed electrical and mechanical problems. Warning lights come on when nothing is wrong. The windshield has developed a leak and worse of all the transmission shudders when shifting in and out of overdrive. I was going to by it but am now happy to return it to the dealer with only 26000 miles on it.