Overview & Reviews

Mazda's first sport-utility vehicle since the departure of the Navajo half a decade ago, the Tribute combines car-like ride and handling with the ability to go in the snow and tote up to five passengers and a healthy amount of their luggage. With the most powerful V6 in its class, in addition to handsome looks and a spacious cabin, the Tribute should find huge success despite an increasingly crowded small-SUV marketplace.

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

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

User Reviews:

Showing 91 through 100 of 112.00

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  Nice and Inexpensive - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Ray in Homewood - April 22 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I have enjoyed our Tribute ES immensely. The design is attractive and not overly complicated or austere. The acceleration is quick and handling is nimble, providing a extra measure of safety with all the less than capable drivers we encounter in the Chicago area. The overdrive gear is a lifesaver on the fuel mileage.

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  fun and power!! - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By DONALD - April 22 - 10:00 am

  The Tribute is the fourth SUV Ive owned. I had the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Subaru Outback an a jeep cherokee. The Tribute out does them all. As fun to drive as the Outback with more towing capacity and power. The v-6 makes this a hands down better suv that the subaru and was 3,oo less. The tribute also has more reliability than the jeep or subaru, the grand cherokee was in the shop 6 times in one year. Never had problems with Mazda and a better warranty! Hands down the best SUV Ive owned.

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  Loved my tribute!!I - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By nat - January 30 - 10:23 pm

  I had my lovely car for close to 10 years when a truck backed into it and smashed the radiator and grill :-( still arguing with insurance. It had 150,000 miles on it and ran like a dream-- mechanics all said (both dealer & private) that it had many more miles on it. I had to get a new transmission at 147,000 miles other than that just the regular wear-- oil change and brakes. I am negotiating with insurance but I WANT MY CAR BACK!! I love my tribute and Im sure it has many more years left in it.

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  Overall great small SUV, minor issues - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By HCP - January 30 - 9:00 pm

  I currently have 55K miles on my Tribute and have had no issues with it. There was a factory recall on a computer chip, and a seatbelt which was replaced at no charge, and the dealership gave me a nice loaner while it was fixed. I love the design, and it handles great in snow, mud and slush. I travel gravel roads daily and it is quite comfortable. I average ~17 mpg, which is my only complaint. The paint has held up quite well, and have not problems with molding, etc. The leather has also proved quite durable. The 4WD has performed beautifully in varied terrain. I would definitely purchase another.

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  After 24000 miles... - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By tmatt - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I went straight from a Miata to a Tribute without missing out on too much fun (although I do feel a pang of sadness when I see a montego blue Miata on the road). Im happy with most aspects of the Tribute except for the electrical problems Ive had. Sensor problems have caused the engine light to come on twice and the coolant light once. At one point my radio would not turn off even after the key was out of the ignition. That along with a problem with the windshield washer has brought my Tribute in for warrantee work 3 times. Regardless of my bad luck, Im happy with my purchase and have recommended the Tribute to people looking for SUVs.

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  Well satisfied - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By BKT - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Overall, very well pleased with this vehicle. Prior to buying, we test drove everything else in this size/price class and found the Mazda was head & shoulders the most vehicle for the money. The V-6 is spunky, the handling and ride are very good for a SUV. The interior is surprisingly roomy. Weve got 11,000 miles on the Tribute and it has been flawless so far. Only complaints are that fuel economy is less than expected and the car is a little noisy, particularly under acceleration.

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  Even better than I imagined - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By da - September 10 - 5:20 am

  I needed a family car as we were expecting our first child. This was particularly traumatic for me as I had to trade in my beloved Eclipse, but this car has it all. It performs excellent with quick acceleration in the city and an oh so smooth ride. Im converted to SUV-dom and Mazdas. We change the oil and it does the rest. It is worry free, has that sporty look I love, has the room my wife loves, the safety for my daughter, and my family and co-workers are instantly impressed once they get inside and go for a ride. It pulls trailers just fine and does all I ask it to do. The only reason its not a perfect car is the mpg, but I knew what I was getting into. Two years of happiness!

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  Great value - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By dannybmx - August 24 - 9:37 pm

  I bought my Tribute used when it had only 25,000 miles on it. It now has 228,000 miles. The engine has been great. The weak spot has been the automatic transmission. I have had the transmission rebuilt twice. However the first time the shop did not do a good job so a second time was needed. This has been such a great car for my small family. The inside is really nice a rommy allowing us to pack gear and even a 50cc motorcycle into it. I have used it to tow a motorcycle trailer without problems.

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  2001 Tribute - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Racerog - August 22 - 2:26 pm

  I bought this car new in late 2000 when they first came out. I have put over 160k miles on it and it still feels tight and runs great. I do take good care of it, I keep it clean, waxed and serviced regularly. It has given me absolutely no problems at all. Gas mpg is about 21 overall. It will carry 4 adults comfortably (5 for a short distance) and has large storage area as well. Great traction in wet and snow is no problem - the auto 4WD works flawlessly. Another great thing is it does not have a timing belt (it has a chain)- so you dont need to replace that every 90k like most other cars. In short, I love this car!

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  My last Mazda...ever - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By racetech - July 28 - 10:00 am

  It has been the least reliable vehicle I have ever owned!! The wiper linkage broke in a snow storm, there was a gas leak and the worst thing is the thing just dies. The dealer had no clue what the problem was and said it was just one of those things that happens once and would never happen again. well, it died 4 times while I was driving it. I took it to another dealer who at least tried to fix it by replacing the computer. I thought the problem was fixed, but 2 weeks later, it died on me again. We traded in right after that, and that will by my last Mazda ever!!!