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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  Great 2nd Car - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Leon DeHart - June 20 - 1:20 am

  I was coming from a long period of driving full-size pick-ups and looking to downsize! This was a good choice to go smaller with good fuel results, and yet not feel much had changed in the process. I still sit up higher. Interior can carry cargo too.

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  Surprising 2004 Mazda Tribute LX-A - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By hughlock - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is just plain old fun to drive. The steering is extremely responsive with no "center dead space" to limit reaction time. Some people have complained about the wind noise at high speeds; I suggest you test drive some of the other makers of SUVs and you will change your mind. The Tribute is an overall success at a great price. Mine was less than $20,000.

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  Great Value - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By akepley - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Never owned a mazda before and have been extremely happy. no issues, maintentance problems, drives smooth, nice interior, equip and knobs very functional. I cheaped out and got the 4 cyl-5spd and the 4 cyl is a bit weak, but fuel econ is great for SUV as i get 25-27 regularly. Very smooth, solid, car like drive. I bought due to the incentives and picked it over the Honda CRX and Honda Pilot. Chose Mazda over Ford due to styling and better warranty.

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  4WD option - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Ed Solari - May 28 - 7:03 pm

  This is my second 4x4 Tribute S. Also own a 2002 4x4 ES. The vehicle is both good looking and dependable. I only have two concerns. #1 in the 2002 model there is a 4x4 button so you can select full time 4wd. I like this feature a lot. In the 2005 it is fully automatic and you dont have the option to select full time 4wd and for that matter there is no indication what so ever if your in 4WD. I want to know if the system is working and if I am locked in. #2 The gas mileage I would consider to be on the poor side. I dont believe for a minute that the fuel economy is what it is rated at. This seems to be a common problem for many Ford motors.

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  V6 tows great - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By ddeemo - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Owned a LX V6 4WD for over 2 years and now have almost 35,000 miles. It gets decent gas milage for a SUV with so much power. Tows very strongly, towed car and equipment on trailer 3000 miles cross country with no problem. Able to pass many cars up hills that could not go faster, while pulling about 3500# trailer load with little effort. Reliability concerns initially with a leaking brake master cylinder, security key error and a few minor problems fixed under waranty. It has been reliable last 25000 miles and has not left me stranded ever like my friends BMW X5 has 3x.

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  Great Value And Good Looks - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Tyler Bolden - May 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd Tribute. I purchased a 2001 DX/V6 and loved it. I traded it because I receive a good deal for a new 2003. Its a great vehicle for the money and performance.

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  First Mazda - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By John - May 21 - 6:13 pm

  This vehicle is just ok. We traded in our Eddie Bauer Expedition so its hardly fair to compare the two. The Mazda is louder inside than we expected and the mileage isnt really that great. Comfort is ok when you consider the size.

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  Fun to drive - around town - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By ArtB - May 17 - 10:00 am

  This IS a fun car to drive and looks great but someone my age(74)should be driving something more comfortable. I much prefer our 96 Voyager on trips. Mileage is disappointing, usually about 17 mpg. Car is OK, Im just 30+ years too late. Car had to have steering box replaced about a month after we bought it. No other problems.

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  So far so good - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By JoeSLV - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I have under 1K miles on it but so far I have been very impressed. After switching from a Jeep GCL V8, I was concerned about the loss of power. This car has enough power for me. The column shifter isnt a big problem at all. And I have read complaints about it being noisy at high speeds. I havent encountered that at all. The car handles pretty well and have no problem passing. After a couple thousand miles, I will give another review, but so far, so good!

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  My New Tribute - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By polly - May 13 - 12:56 am

  I purchased my Mazda Tribute in April of 05. My model is a 4 cylinder base model. For being a base model it is pretty loaded up. It has power windows and locks, window tint (back windows), AM/FM stereo with CD player, and it has 16 inch alloy wheels. The truck is very sporty looking for 2005. My only wish is that it came with a larger 4 cylinder engine as it doesnt have the power of some of its competitors. However, I am very glad that I purchased my 05 Tribute and am very happy with it to date.