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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  Tribute - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Shannon Deville - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Great Buy for comfort, duriabilty, sporty, and a fun drive. Strongly sugeest a test ride.

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  tribute - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By denise - September 21 - 10:46 am

  this suv is the best. fun to drive.....fantastic car. smooth driving especially on the highway.

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  The Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By kurthumbug - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my new Tribute. The only down fall about it is the wind noise. It could be reduced. I love the car so much though, that it doesnt bother me. I looked around at almost every kind of SUV, and this was the best one I drove. I would highly recommend one, to everyone.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By steelerfan500 - August 27 - 9:13 pm

  I lovemy Mazda, so far I have not had a bit of trouble with it. I got a great deal on the 6 cyl. and it has excellent pickup. The only 2 mistakes I made is to buy a black vehicle and to get cloth seats (I have a child) but the car is great I have no complaints at all. If I had to list something it would be to get better gas mileage, currently I get 21 MPG in the city.

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  Loved the 1st one so much I got a 2nd - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By stormy - August 10 - 10:00 am

  My first Tribute was a 2001 and I had no problems with it. The only reason I decided to change out for a new one was when the 2001 tribute was about 8 mths old we were hit from behind and flipped onto the drivers side. I was very happy with how it performed in the accident. My 9 mth old slept through it from the back seat! 9k damage repaired (mostly cosmetic) it now had squeaks that couldn’t be found. One thing that is still slightly strange to me is that there is only one keyhole on the entire vehicle.

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  The 1st was so good I bought a 2nd one - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By stormy - August 10 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Tribute. My first was a 2001 and I had no problems with it. The only reason I decided to change out for a new one was when the 2001 tribute was about 8 mths old we were hit from behind and flipped onto the drivers side. 9k damage repaired (mostly cosmetic) it now had squeaks. The new one a 2003 does have several things that they changed that were for the better. Moveable headrests, lumbar on the drivers seat, reconfigured where the defrost button was, and changed the radio slightly. I had no issues with the Tribute the way it was, but these are good changes.

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  Great SUV - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Roth - August 1 - 5:03 am

  Ive had my Tribute for 1 year and its been everything Id hoped for in the 30k miles Ive put on it so far. Its big enough to haul almost anything I need to move, it drives and handles great in any condition, including sand and deep snow, it even does great when pulling a trailer. There are a couple minor problems; wind noise is louder than it should be, and the Ford built automatic transmission shutters if you dont frequently flush the tranny fluid. Gas mileage tops out near 20 even on the highway The gear shift selector blocks the radio controls, but you get used to that. Overall, its a great little SUV for the money.

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  best runner ever - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By jwallin - July 30 - 4:13 am

  This thing is just fun to drive. It handles like a car and is easy to drive in 4WD in bad weather. Looks nice in my driveway!

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  The Best Vehicle Ive EVER Owned! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By tributetomazda - July 22 - 10:12 am

  I bought it in Nov. 02. I just cleared 170,000 Miles. Sure! There have been some quirky issues. The most annoying: the illuminating light which shows you what gear you are in went out recently and there is a short in a harness that indicates the status of the airbag. I had my power moon roof switch replaced. Most expensive repair 150,000 mile tune up required the replacement of the "Coil Packs" on all 6 cylinders @ $118 each! With the other routine maintenance I had performed = $1000. Replaced the Battery @ 170,000. Replaced steering linkage arms "clunking" at 125,000. First tires went 70,000. Second set 70,000. Now in only the third set. Brakes, somewhere way back when. Oil! Thats it!

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  great awd ride for $18,900 dollars - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By mazdajerry - July 13 - 9:50 pm

  Most bang for the buck for an awd suv, the Kia Sportage would be close behind. 200 hp and still 18-19mpg in town, and 23-25 on the highway is fine by me. In my opinion it is the best looking suv, with the MDX close.