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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  Two mths and happy - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Dsquare - May 18 - 7:03 pm

  Purchased my tribute in early June 08 and have been happy. Took car from Va to Fla and did well. A little cramped for the 4 of us + luggage, but still managed 26+ mpg with a/c on the whole way. Excellent auto considering the price point.

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  I love to zoom zoom! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By zoomzoom - May 14 - 10:00 am

  The Tribute is a great mix of practicality and sportyness. I have thoroughly enjoyed my Tribute. It is a great value for the money and towers about its class. The CRV and RAV4 seem cheaper but with options they end up being more expensive with a smaller engine and a rougher ride. I put 5000 miles on my Tribute in the first two months and I have had no problems thus far. While the interior is plain it is practical and you cant get more without paying a lot more money. I dont mind the odd gear shift--it actually makes a nice hand rest when you are flipping through radio stations and allows for more storage space between seats. Zoom zoom!!

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  Loaded & Love It! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By ptbuckingham - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased my first SUV after much research! Compared to the Ford Escape, the Tribute has many more interior features, and looks much sleeker & sportier. The "cold pkg" & "luxury pkg" are a GREAT VALUE! To get heated seats with the Ford Escape, you have to purchase the "limited" model which is very expensive. Mazda Tribute also has a better warranty 3yr/50 bumper to bumper compared to Escapess 3 yr/36. I paid just 2% over dealer invoice for a 2003! No body roll & rides like a dream!

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  wow - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By mrcjw - May 6 - 1:03 pm

  Slick style, well built, nice features, good horsepower, excellent color, nice wheels. nice handling and drive as well

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  tribute to mazda - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By michael - April 26 - 11:46 am

  i test drove all the vehicles in its class. and i came down to mazda and honda. 2 great vehicles, but there wasnt any other vehicle in which i was instantly comfortable and at home. Mazda has always made a top notch vehicle. I had a b2200 for 9 yrs and the truck didnt cost me a dime. So i naturally wanted another mazda.Out of all vehicles in its class, the Mazda tribute has the room and the stability that i was looking for, honda makes great cars also, but for the money i was getting alot more in the Mazda that were standard features like abs brakes and 16" wheels.the 4cyl could be alittle more responsive but is nice, this is the all around the best suv for the money. great vehicle.

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  2001 Mazda Tribute is a Great Vehicle - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Eva - April 22 - 6:40 pm

  I purchased a 2001 Mazda Tribute in 2000. I have driven over 75,000 miles. This is a great vehicle. I have had no major problems with this vehicle. The only two problems I experienced was a broken door handle (inside) in about year three and about three months ago an EGR valve had to be replaced. The door handle cost was $75 dollars and the EGR valve $120. These are the only expenses I have had with my vehicle as far as repairs. This is a great everyday vehicle. Its roomy, the steering is excellent, it runs great and stops on a dime. Im going into my fifth year driving this vehicle and I plan to drive it five more. My Tribute is well worth the $16,700 I paid for it back in 2000.

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  GOOD SCOOT ABOUT OR ROAD CAR - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By zippadeedudah - April 20 - 10:26 pm

  I am averaging 23 mpg around the city and recently got 26 mpg on trip from Atlanta to Virginia. The 4-cylinder engine is all most people need for the pep they would expect. Price is extreme reasonable if you negotiate and stand steadfast. This car is stylish and has been extensively engineered. I am a staunch proponent of it.

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  Best Small SUV - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Big Tom - April 12 - 9:00 pm

  Test drove and priced several small SUVs. I am 69". This one has plenty of head and leg room and is comfortable to drive. I have the ES model and it has everything to offer that vehicles selling for $10000 more have. The gas economy is a little weak but appears to match other 6 cylinder vehicles with the same horsepower.

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  awesome - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By lovelytribute41 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  awesome experiance,enjoy all features did homework b/4 purchase. Great warranty,good resale value,affordable price. good customer satisfaction

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  my mazda - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By mikenysf - April 3 - 2:00 am

  i love this suv