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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End of 3 year lease - 2005 Mazda Tribute
By bigbaby - September 28 - 4:13 pm3rd review of the Tribute. Its still a great car after 2.5 years. I do want to get something new so Ill be trading this in (lease has positive equity). Absolutely no problems. Just put gas and do oil changes and it runs like a champ. Recently went on I-30 from Dallas to Arkansas. Set the cruise at 65 and wound up getting 29.5 MPG. A 6 cyl SUV with only a 4 speed automatic! Some lucky used car buyer is going to get a winner with this car.
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Best values/Reliability is your luck - 2005 Mazda Tribute
By Wayne - September 26 - 10:50 amAfter only 600 miles, the transmission is locked up. Dealers replaced it with a rebuilt transmission within two weeks. It should be replaced with a brand new transmission. The car now has 7000 miles on the odometer and it is running fine now. Actually, I am kind of lucky to have the transmission completely lockup. Otherwise, I will only get 8-10 miles a gallon but it will never get fixed.
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Its Okay........I guess - 2003 Mazda Tribute
By Lt - September 25 - 2:00 amI think it is over priced for the value.Ive had it for about a year now and the ride has seemed to gotten worse.
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I like mine - 2005 Mazda Tribute
By Scratch - August 27 - 2:00 amCould get better gas mileage but thats about my only disappointment. Has great acceleration and rides and handles smoothly. Lot of people compliment the looks of the vehi
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2003 Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
By Loriann23 - August 3 - 10:00 amMy experience has so far been excellent. The tribute is fun to drive, and handled well in the Winter on slick roads even with only front wheel drive.
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Sports Car SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
By Jimmy - August 1 - 4:23 pmWell, this 2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 was probably the nicest compact SUV I have ever driven. Performance ... Pros: Dont let a 3.0L 201-HP V6 fool you. This car is explosively fast. Burning rubber and spinning tires from a stop. Cons: Loud exhilaration noise. Comfort ... Pros: Leather interior with heated seats are moderately comfy. Cons: Driving in the car for 2+ hours may make you feel stiff. Fuel Economy ... Pros: Regular fuel. Cons: 15 MPG in a suburban area. Fun to drive: Pros: A Ford Mustang in SUV form. Cons: None! Design: Pros: Sporty inside and out. Cons: Bland back seats. Build Quality/Reliability: Pros: 36 month lease reported only 1 problem-brakes. Cons: Still an American Ford vehicle.
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Tribute ES-V6 4WD ... fun driving - 2002 Mazda Tribute
By orlie - July 20 - 10:00 amA year ago, I was looking for an affordable, useful, and good looking vehicle to replace my old sedan. The Tribute was my #1 choice back then (Jan 01), and it still is now (May 02). Its by far the most useful yet fun to drive vehicle Ive had without breaking my budget. I love the way it handles on just about all on- road conditions although I wouldnt take it off-road -- its not a Jeep. Gas mileage is disappointing at 16mpg city and 21mpg highway, less than the EPA ratings, but that may be because I enjoy driving it too much. Exterior is stylish and refined-looking; interior needs better materials and sound insulation.
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Transmission problem - 2003 Mazda Tribute
By john - July 12 - 1:10 amGreat driving car and reasonable gas mileage. All was fine until 68,000 miles when the auto trans started slipping when shifting into 3d. Upon disassembly the hub assembly P/N 7G120/a was found to have a cracked weld, unfortunately two new replacement hubs were also bad, took a third one and two weeks to be fixed. Other than this $2200 bump in the road its been a great ride.
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Dont Buy - 2006 Mazda Tribute
By Not so happy owner - July 11 - 7:13 pmDont buy it! Ive had my Tribute for 6 months and have 9700 miles on it now. I bought it new. I wanted wait a while before posting anything online. Ive had problems from the beginning: 1. One of my doors had messed up clear coat. Had to get refinished. 2. Missing clutch bearing plate. I am mechanically inclined, but never had a manual so I dont know what that is. But sure as heck sounds important. 3. When changing air vent flow from ground to upper vents, the ground vents blow air out for about another 10 minutes. Only happens on AC, not on heat. Go figure. 4. One of the upper vents does not close. 5. When it is cold out, it is near impossible to get back into first gear.
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Good Move - 2005 Mazda Tribute
By Bill Cupo (The Coop) - July 1 - 2:33 amI traded in a Mazda Protege 5 for this SUV and found a vehicle that was just as much fun to drive and believe it or not, not that much worse on gas mileage. This 4 cylinder SUV has plenty of pick-up for me since I wont be towing a camper or boat anytime soon. Plenty of front leg and head room, good view of the road, and comfortable on long rides, I plan to keep this vehicle for a while.
