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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  Fun to drive - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Her truck - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I traded my 99 Ford Expedition for the Tribute.Really fun to drive. Handles great in the snow, better than the Expedition. Much better gas milage. Enough room for a family of 4. Can get many options and accessories without spending lots of money. Great vehicle for the price. Very happy with it so far.

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  I love my Tribute!! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By CB - November 11 - 12:13 pm

  I have had my Tribute for almost a year now and I am still crazy about it! My 2004 Tribute is an amazing vehicle, fun to drive, wonderful interior room and looks awesome! I have had one issue with a recall (back hatch latch) but it was taken care of quickly and have had no problems since. I highly recommend the Tribute, there is no greater small SUV out there!

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  Ive had my Tribute for 6 years now - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Meredith - November 5 - 7:43 pm

  I came on here looking for how long Tributes last for but I cant find anyone with higher miles than mine. I currently have 124,000 miles and yes, Ive been needing to replace a few things, but they all seem like normal wear and tear. However, Im a little worried because of the high miles and cant afford costly repairs, but I LOVE my car. Ive been pricing used ones, haha, yes I am thinking about getting another one. Its due for a tie-rod replacement and I need to have the spark plugs replaced, which will all hopefully be done this weekend. Also, my ash/trash tray thing on the backseat drivers side door has fallen out, for no reason, but otherwise, cosmetically, its doing well.

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  Happy With Choice - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By jim & deb - October 28 - 2:00 am

  We did not know what we wanted to buy, So we ended up with our Tribute, and are we happy we did . It is a lot of fun to drive, nice handling,pretty quick , and very roomy inside. Most of all we think the price was reasonable,it is a lot of vehicle for the price tag

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  Nice Vehicle - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By dwfkyf - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I went to the dealer just for a test drive and wound up buying the car. It had all the features I wanted and I enjoyed the feel of the ride. Nice amount of cargo space and roomy seating. Special thanks to the folks at 128 Mazda in Wakefield, MA. It was an excellent buying experience. The staff was informative, they came right out with a price that was great and offered me fair value for my trade-in, can’t thank them enough. It was far better than my last couple of car purchases through other dealers. I’m looking forward to owning this vehicle for a long time.

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  My Tribute - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Evelyn - October 27 - 3:56 pm

  After driving minivans for 12 years, I needed a change but did not want to drive an "ordinary" car. After alot of looking and comparison shopping, I spotted the Tribute and was sold. Ive only had it for 3 months but havent had as much fun driving a vehicle since I was 20 and had a sports car. I love it and it has lived up to my expectations so far. Only thing that gets in my way is the gear lever when I reach for the radio controls, and that is a minor point.

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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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  Great Buy for an SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By John Taylor - October 24 - 2:16 pm

  Vehicle goes anywhere without problems...weve been off road, the beach, highway travelling, city commuting, Texas thunderstorms, Texas heat, loaded with family, and never experienced any problems with over 95,000 miles on the vehicle.

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  Great car, IF it starts! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Kathy Cass - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I have had much distress over a repetitve problem that the service people cannot fix,sometimes my car wont start,leaving me stranded.They replaced the immobolizer.They cut and reprogramed new keys,a tech took it home,and couldnt get it started,had to be towed back to the dealer.Then they thought it was a wiring harness connection,took apart and reconnected, and were convinced it was fixed.I am so stressed and upset over this,I was to go on a trip this morning,but still need to get the car towed,and confront the dealer.This may be a lemon,but I have had trouble getting callbacks from the servicing dealer,Pugi.

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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.