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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  Love this SUV! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By ReggieL - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I researched long and hard before buying my Tribute. I test drove the new Honda CRV, the Ford Escape, the Saturn VUE and the Hyundai Santa Fe. Without a doubt, the Tribute was the most fun to drive and felt more solid than any of the others. I would strongly suggest that anyone shopping in this SUV segment test drive the Tribute. You wont be disappointed.

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  Fun Little Car - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By wendylou16 - December 13 - 12:53 am

  I got this for fuel economy, after driving a 2000 Ford Explorer. So far I love it! It give me just about as much space as I used in the Explorer, and has the feel of a SUV. I love it so far!

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  It DOES have the soul of a sports car - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Sports Car Addict - December 8 - 2:00 am

  I have always had a sports car in my garage for the past 40 years, from MGs, TRs,V-12 E-Type Jags, Morgan +8 to the latest RX-7. When I needed an SUV I drove nearly all of them, but the Tribute is the only one I think is really FUN to drive plus high quality fit and finish. By the way, Im 6 7" tall and very comfortable in the Tribute...more than I can say for the sports cars!

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  Zoom-Zoom-Zoom - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By VanTastic - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Tribute after test driving a Santa Fe. I liked the Hyudais shifter, but the Tribute beat it hands down in power and ride. The only problem in 5k miles is getting the dealer to make a second key (they lost it)...dealer satisfaction was low, but car satisfaction is high. The ride is smooth and not to stiff. Gas mileage is fine for a vehicle this size. Even the wife creature likes it. I almost wish I got the 4wd, but its not really necessary in Las Vegas. Im thinking of adding the rear spoiler (to help keep the back window clean), mud flaps (should be standard on a SUV), and bug deflector. All-in-all I love my Trib. ZOOM-ZOOM-ZOOM

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  Very Enjoyable - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By lovemymazda58 - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this on the 2nd of Feb., this truck is great! I got the cold package.... the heated seats are wonderful. The milage is on the poor side, but everything else is great. Very smooth, and peppy V6.

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  good - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By sgtbobbo - October 15 - 10:00 am

  good response in the pedal, handles well, zoom zoom, great fuel mileage

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  Wonderful car - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By mia - October 12 - 7:36 pm

  This is a great vehicle! My favorite part is the height above other cars and despite the gas prices it still makes great miles per gallon!

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  30,000 review - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By lap - September 27 - 9:03 pm

  Im not sure if Im just lucky, good with preventative maintenance, etc. - but with 30,000 miles on my Tribute Im happy to report I havent had one thing go wrong! I still love my truck after 2 years.

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  happy to buy it - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By mulawin - September 27 - 12:53 am

  We just got the Tribute after all the research on the net and I can say the roomy interior surprised me! I was glad I chose it over the CRV which is smaller and has a less classy feel on the inside. My husband loves the way it handles like a small car but packs power. Windows are tinted and I love the lighted vanity mirrors. How considerate. I also appreciate that they made the roof rack standard. Like it outside and inside. Its a very nice SUV to have.

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  Zoom Zoom Zoom of a SUV - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By John Bell - September 25 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive, Handles well in all conditions. V6 offers great pickup. Very good gas MPG.