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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  First time Mazda owner - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Judy H. - June 16 - 7:03 pm

  Ive been driving my 2006 Tribute now for 3 weeks. I really like it. It handles very well, its very comfortable, the controls are easy to reach, though at first a little confusing! Nice rebates and getting a good deal helped convince us to go with the Tribute over the Mariner or Escape.

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  Tribute Overall enjoyed but.... - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Sonaran - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Overall, I have enjoyed my Tribute since getting it in 2001 but I have had some problems. One losing power while driving-2001. In 2002, I had to have the brake lines and coolant lines replaced due to a leak as well as the stalling problem started again. The delearship replaced everything except for the engine and electrical lines. 2003, I had to have some of my electrical parts replaced-OBDII light came on one night and the next day my Tribute wouldnt start. But despite all of this-I really like my Tribute and even though I have had problems. So,Im thinking of either getting 2004 or 2005 model.

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  Its a Ford, people. - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By rjpaxton - June 2 - 2:00 am

  We purchased the 2WD DX model instead of a small pickup, and were pretty happy with it for a few months. It looks great from the outside, and the interior design is well-thought out and easy to work with. Its slooooow, though Im sure the V6 is zippier. Decent handling once you put good tires on it. Problems with: stereo, drivers side window, rear hatch window, failed wheel bearing, clutch pedal squeak, clutch chatter. Quality wholly unacceptable.

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  Great price, good entry-level SUV. - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By MAA - May 28 - 6:16 am

  Driving is great especially considering the choices if you want an entry level SUV from a foreign car maker. As expected pick-up is slow. Even thought its Japanese, it reminded me of my 1995 Ford Taurus, design seemed very similar to Ford. And as expected instruments in the car are not as sturdy and are more of Ford quality. But its too soon to say anything, its only been driven 350 kms!

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  My second Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By BC - May 24 - 2:13 pm

  This was my second Tribute having turned in my 2001 Dx for the more luxury ES.Does most things well excpt,sucks gas,13to18mpg,and Continental tires suck big time.Biggest piece of garbage for tires,after 5000 miles they feel square and makes lots of road noise

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  great atTRIBUTEs - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By axlr8 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This is our very first SUV and we are very happy with it. The power and handling is comparable to many sports cars and you get a higher driving position that gives you a panoramic view with little or no blind spots. Room is ample for both passengers and cargo. In my opinion, it is also the most beautiful small SUV in the market. And we like the fact that the road is not saturated with them.

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  3 years and Going - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Kentucky Driver - March 21 - 10:00 am

  My wife loves to drive it because of its get up and go. Drives as smooth and comfortable as a sports car. After 30,000 miles I took it in to replace pads. I was surprised when the rotors were worn down to nothing. Cost me $400. I was always curious why this car generated so much brake dust. At 45,000 miles, the car just stalled. I read other Tribute drivers experienced this. For the most part, we love this SUV...now if we can just get rid of that incessant rattle in the hatch.

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  So far, so good.... - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By MickeyD - NJ - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I was most impressed with the styling. I am a little concerned about the spongy brake pedal. The cigarette lighter doesnt work and the fuel door is problematic. The premium sound system breaks up a little when pushed. The stalling problem?... While coasting into a drive, the car began to buck and would not move forward. Worried, I checked the gear selector and discovered that I had inadvertantly put the car into reverse. I simply placed the car back into drive and its been fine ever since. Ive gottten about 25.4 MPG (not bad at all). This car is so much fun to drive, Ill make any excuse to run to the store or just simply, to take a ride.

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  Very disappointed in gas mileage - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Jeff Thomas - February 23 - 5:46 am

  Great car, I love almost everything about it, except the gas mileage. I chose the Tribute primarily because of the EPA estimate of 29 mpg hwy, but, even though I drive 95% hwy, and at normal speeds, the best Ive gotten (after 3500 mi) is 23 mpg, usually about 21.5. Other than that, I love it, but would like to know what is wrong.

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  So far so good - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Doug Paradore - February 16 - 9:20 am

  I have owned a Tribute for one year now with absolutely no issues. Im very satisfied with the vehicle so far. Great pep, great stereo, comfortable and roomy, great in snow, good handling and road vision, excellent braking. Could use more illumination in cabin for things like the key ignition, cruise control on steering wheels and reading lamps would be preferred in front instead of having to reach behind. And of course the gear shifter is too long. But since the car is such a pleasure to drive and own, these small things are easily overlooked. Buy one now! I also considered and test drove the Highlander, Pilot, & Forester. Believe me this is the best choice of all of them.