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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  Pretty good, but many small headaches - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By No Name - October 3 - 1:00 pm

  Bought my 2003 Tribute FWD LX new and have been pretty pleased overall. 90k miles, still has original tires with plenty of tread. However, have replaced wheel bearings (~$450), brakes and rotors, throttle cable sticks and steering wheel squeaks, even after several attempts to have fixed under warranty. Now, power steering fluid leaks, alternator is going bad (seems to be common problem), and rust is forming on the tailgate (water collects on the window frame). However, gets decent MPG (20 city/ 25 hwy) and drives great, handles snow and ice well with FWD. Comfortable seats and fits my 6ft frame with no problems. Ok overall, but wouldnt buy again compared to others.

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  Zoom...Zoom...Zoom - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Mike - October 1 - 8:10 pm

  My family of four really enjoys our new Tribute. Its peppy and gets you where you need to go in a hurry! We plan to drive on our family vacation this Fall. My dealer had dual personalities, prior to receiving our cash and post cash. Mazda should better scrutinize who gets a franchise. The product though is Zoom...Zoom...Zoom!

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  Too much gas - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Lovett - September 26 - 10:00 am

  A fun car to drive. Gas milage is a problem. Comfortable to drive. Has good get up

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  Mostly a great car - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By zel1 - September 25 - 6:48 am

  We have put 164,000 miles on our Tribute, including many long highway trips and back woods driving on two-tracks in the UP of Michigan. We required a new (rebuilt Ford) transmission at 94,000 miles, which possibly can be attributed to driving with cupped tires that probably vibrated it to pieces. Mileage is so-so, up to about 21.5 on the highway (we are usually pretty heavily loaded on trips). A/C, defroster, heater have always given some problems, but still work OK. Never burned a drop of oil, and still has good power on the highway. Hoping to make 250,000 miles.

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  Noisy!!! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By bbason - September 19 - 11:16 am

  After having the Tribute for less than a year, I couldnt take the creaking noises coming from the doors. I took it into the dealership to be fixed. They say it is the door strikers and they had to be adjusted. That only worked for about a month and then the creaking came back. Although it doesnt look as good, I applied electrical tape around the door catch and have not heard the noises anymore. However, the outside noise is awful. When Im on my cell phone, callers say it sounds like my windows are open. Outside of the noises, the car is awesome. No maintenance problems after 3 years.

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  Buy it, then buy new tires - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By pedersen - September 13 - 4:50 pm

  Love this SUV. Have 20,000 miles on it at the time Im writing this and already planning to buy another one this spring to replace another vehicle we have. Have had no problems whatsoever other than the subwoofer died. Dealer replaced it in an hour, no questions asked. If youre shopping for one, there are two things to pay attention to. One, the driving position; with the power seat all the way back the steering wheel is a long reach. Two, compare the Tribute and Escape carefully. They package the options very differently. I find the 6-way power seat very necessary for comfort. You can get that feature in lesser priced editions of the Escape compared to the Mazda.

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  Not a bad little SUV - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Ryan - September 13 - 3:13 am

  We have had our Tribute for a little over 2 years and it has 50,000 miles on it. It had not given us one bit of trouble. The major thing that has disappointed me is the lack of power, but that is what you get with a 4 cyl. It gets fairly good gas mileage. We went on a trip a couple weeks back at it averaged 27 MPG. Its roomy enough in the cabin and Im 64" and feel comfortable in it. Do wish there was a little more backseat space. A/C blows cold and the radio is easy to use and stylish. If it runs anything like the old Mazda B2300 I had we will keep it for a long time. I would recommend one.

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  My New ZOOM ZOOM MOBILE - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Jus4tday - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Overall, I love the Tribute. I have really enjoyed driving it and sitting up high with the 16 alloys wheels. Its my first SUV and I love it! ZOOM ZOOM!

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  Zoom - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By tom kuester - August 9 - 10:20 pm

  So far so good. Some tire road noise. Not sure about transmission. Exhaust needed repair. Still like it a lot. Good ride and mileage. Tows OK for a 4 cyl.

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  a bit disappointed - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By elizabeth ochoa - July 31 - 10:40 am

  SUV is comfortable, stylish. Disappointed with the quality. 6-CD player has been changed 3 times, disappointed to find out I get refurbished CD replacement, not a new CD player, even under factory warranty. Steering wheel pin has been changed twice; starting to squeak again. Discs - front disc brakes have been replaced, braking is too low. Moon roof mechanism already replaced. Very disappointed with factory warranty, service and treatment. Not pleased with Mazda quality.