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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  Amazing - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Robert Easterday - December 15 - 10:00 am

  For abd SUV this car drives just like a car without all the hastel of driving a car that is to large. Truly a blessing to drive.

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  Cool SUV - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By NFNA - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Had a terrible accident in a sedan that opened my eyes to the fact that you can just kill yourself down on the ground. Switched to Tribute after my car was totaled and have had very good experience with it. They could have used better quality material but I guess then it would have been more expensive. Overall I find it a great deal for the money. There is little noise in the cabin while driving. I get very good gas economy. My advise is to use the plus fuel (mid grade) it gives you far more mileage for the price. I avoid the premium fuel since the car is not designed for it and may damage the engine in the long run.

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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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  GREAT AFFORDABLE ES-V6 TRIBUTE - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By TREXY - December 8 - 10:00 am

  CAR-LIKE RIDE, GREAT ACCELERATION, STEREO SOUND IS GREAT....limited package at TOYOTA`S HIGHLANDER starting price !!!!!!!

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  Love it! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By MichaelB - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my Tribute for almost a year and absolutely love it. I have had one minor problem (faulty sensor caused check engine light to come on).

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  Why I Like my Mazda Tribute - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Phil Henderson - December 7 - 1:06 pm

  I researched all SUVs in this category and bought the Tribute based on specific criteria. I wanted a front wheel drive (traction in snow), not 4WD (maintenance risk and mileage), head room (Im only 6 tall and if I pitched forward in an accident in the Sante Fe, it would have hit the ceiling - Tribute has lots of room), 6 cyl, rear gate opens up, carry 4x8 sheet of plywood through the rear window, carry 8 ft 2x4 inside with the doors closed, internal storage of spare tire, fits in the garage, styling interior and exterior, elevated rear seats, visibility for the driver, and excellent driving feel.

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  Great Value - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Crockins - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I guess you would call this a 30,000 mile report. I am very pleased with my purchase of my 2002 Mazda Tribute. I have used it for long trips, camping, skiing and have not had one problem with it. All I have done is the routine maintenance. The only annoying little thing is the rear window creaks when going over bumps in the road. When I take it in for service next time I will have them check it out. Other then that I have been very pleased with it.

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  I like it so far - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By spk151 - November 25 - 3:03 am

  Ive put almost 1,000 miles on my 2008 Mazda Tribute. The Good: I love the looks white with black trim and tinted rear windows. It has performed adequately so far with no problems. It has decent acceleration at 200HP, while handling like a car and gets almost as good fuel economy as my 1999 Chevy Malibu (V6). The interior is roomy in both front and back seats. The complaints: Mazda claims to have a college graduate incentive program, but they do not in the USA. Im not thrilled with the speedometer as it only displays in multiples of 20MPH, I guess writing in multiples of 10 would be too hard??? I do get a lot of reflection from the white hood. All-in-all I would buy it again.

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  2006 Tribute - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By BK - November 24 - 3:23 pm

  So far so good after the first 1,000 miles. Like the ride and handling. First long trip over 350 miles one way and got 21 miles to a gallon.

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  Tribute - fun to drive - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By gapake - November 16 - 9:13 am

  I was one of the first to buy a new Tribute. It was fun to drive and easy to maneuver. The only problem I have is it hurts my toes to drive. I am 53" and when I have to drive in stop-and-go driving, my foot does not rest on the peddle so I have to use my toes. The seat is higher than my non-SUV car so I am thinking that is the problem. Does anyone else have trouble with the peddles?