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 - Gorgeous SUV, bad fuel economy - 2005 Mazda Tribute
By philsphan23 - April 3 - 10:26 pmWe got the s-model with the AWD, 6- cylinder and automatic transmission. It is a really good looking SUV (red with a silver bottom) and very fun to drive, however, if I had realized that the around town gas mileage was so poor, I dont know if I would have purchased this car. I dont do a whole lot of highway driving. I am getting just 16 miles per gallon! When you pay over $2 a gallon, it feels like I was ripped off! The sticker said 21 mpg and the salesman confirmed the number, but obviously was looking for a sale, not my interests. Id love to hear what the 4-cylinder drivers are getting for gas mileage. You couldnt beat the incentives, though ($4000 cash back, or 0% financing).
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Viewpoint from a Professor - 2002 Mazda Tribute
By Professor - March 31 - 10:00 amI have had my 2001 Tribute DX/V6 for a little more than a year. Call it luck, or simply a reasonably well-designed vehicle, no problems at all @ almost 40,000 miles. With the exception of some wind noise at highway speeds, and wishful better fuel economy...pretty satisfied with my purchase. I would encourage a tight maintenance schedule however.
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Should get better gas mileage for a 4 cylinder - 2005 Mazda Tribute
By dennis - March 2 - 5:00 pmTraded my Camry for this and wish I had kept it mainly for gas mileage. Thought a 4 cylinder would do good but I get only 23 on trips even with just myself in the car. I added a power roof which I like. Passenger door does not accept key so the only way in is the drivers door if you dont have remote. This is sometimes a pain as I try to keep my keychain from being too bulky esp. if carrying remotes for other cars too. There was a recall for the back hatch door lock which was minor. I have about 17000 miles and no real problems so far other than it is sluggish on the highway, esp. hills and has to downshift to climb. It does that a lot on trips. It does ride smooth and is sporty. It is just OK.
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Good Deal, but needs some minor help - 2005 Mazda Tribute
By Heather - February 11 - 11:43 pmOverall, my 2005 Tribute S has plenty of room, handles decent & good pickup. Ive always driven high-end luxury sedans & SUVs and while this isnt in their class with style, comfort, drive and some of the interior options, bells and whistles, it is a great deal. I get alot of compliments and would recommend this SUV for someone restricted to that price bracket. I transport alot of sporting equipment on the roof. This is the one reason I will not be a repeat Tribute owner. Mazda made a huge mistake making the rook rack extremely short.Unless you replace the entire rack with a custom rack, then this is not the SUV for outdoor enthusiasts needing to carry sport equiptment on the roof.
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(Sometimes) Ol Reliable - 2004 Mazda Tribute
By Brittanyd - January 7 - 1:59 amThis car was my first purchase. We bought it from a family friend who had it as an extra and didnt use it much. The owner before it put 113,000 miles on it. As soon as we got it all the eletronics went out- radio, clock, lights, etc. $700 all the dealership. Over the past 2 1/2 years we have sunk over $2,000 in repairs. We actually got it out of the shop again today. Thankfully, repairs for this car tend to be on the lower end and its easy to find parts. Despite everything Im in love with this car. Its just the right size, I love driving it, and the gas mileage doesnt seem as horrible to me because I take short trips.
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A pretty good SUV - 2001 Mazda Tribute
By dan18932 - December 8 - 3:16 pmI have had my Tribute for 1 year now. I bought it used from the original owner. It has gone through all of the recalls and I thought it was fine, until the transmission went out at 47000 miles. It had burned up one day while I was driving home from work. The original warranty had expired because it was a 2001. I took it into the dealer and they said I needed a new one which would cost $3000 dollars. I told them I never heard of a cars tranny going out so soon. After fighting with Mazda they agreed to pay half and the dealer I took it to paid some so it only cost me $1,000 dollars. I do not think I would ever buy one again though it drives nicely and has pretty good performance. My mpg is 19.
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Fun and power - 2003 Mazda Tribute
By Atong - December 1 - 10:00 amI accually bought my Tribute in 2001. Except for some manufacturing defects (ford) it has been a great SUV. I put alot of miles on it every year and so far it it takes me anywhere I need to go and is fun getting me there.
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Zoom! Zoom! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
By Patriotjim - December 1 - 10:00 amIve had my Tribby for a few months now. Its been great. I dont get the complaints about the shifter or road noise. Mine is fine. I love the feature that allows you to roll up the windows after youve turned off the engine. Gas milange has been 20 mpg, insurance cost low, great room and driving. Get one. When I bought mine, the Tribby was the better deal over its sister the Ford Escape (better financing/rebate and warranty).
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Tribute to my Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
By karen6036 - November 13 - 2:00 amJust turned 20,000 miles on my 2003 Tribute. Other than car washes, gas, oil changes, one wheel balancing, and insurance, I have spent no money on this vehicle. NO WARRANTEE repairs either. I would like better gas mileage, but I actually get 18.9 - 19.3 around town and 24.5 - 25.3 on strickly highway driving.
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Not a 6 - 2005 Mazda Tribute
By Wayne Ferguson - October 23 - 6:56 amPurchased a Mazda 6 11/04. Not a thing gone wrong to date. Tribute had lock problems from factory, engine failure (plugs and computer) at 9K. You can see the Ford connection in this truck. Also no where near the advertised fuel mileage. First and last Mazda SUV.
