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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  Quality Vehicle for a good price - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Tim PD1 - May 10 - 10:00 am

  This is a well built vehicle. I would buyanother one and tell friends to buy one. It looks better then the escape because of the matched color paint on the outer body. I do wish it would get just a little better gas mileage. over all I would get this SUV again in a heartbeat.

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  GREAT LITTLE SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By joey72447 - May 10 - 10:00 am

  It was a toss up between the Tribute and the Escape. The Tribute looked better and appeared to be roomier. There were too many confusing models with the Escape and I believe the Escape price was higher for the same options. I chose the Tribute hands down.

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  2002 ES Model - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By jake - May 3 - 10:00 am

  I sent a request thru Mazda web site and dealer e-mailed the next day. I got a quote over the phone for below invoice. Bought it. Nice SUV.

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  2002 ES Model - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Jake - May 3 - 10:00 am

  I sent a request thru Mazda web site and dealer e-mailed the next day. I got a quote over the phone for below invoice. Bought it. Nice SUV.

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  "I Love My MADZA TRIBUTE!" - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Madza Tribute - April 23 - 1:16 am

  The day I gave this black SUV a trial run I had to buy it. It was the first one sold in Contra Costa County. Every where I went people asked me what kind of SUV it was ... I still get compliments on it. It has been the true "ZOOM ZOOM" that they advertised. It pulls my Sea-Doo with no effort. The 4-wheel drive is easy to use and works great up in the snow. The ONLY thing that was negative is that they put the shift control on the steering wheel instead of on the floor; sometimes when you change the volume on the radio you accidentally hit the steering shifter. I think they have remedied this on newer models. I love this SUV!

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  Lemon is the color of my Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By wbc-dc - April 17 - 10:00 am

  At 5000 miles (3mos)-started hearing strange noise when car was cold-found out steering seals were installed wrong and rack and pinion steering needed replacement. As soon as that was repaired-noticed vibration and rushing sound with acceleration-determined that it needed a new transmission. Went in for transmission repair and found out that the bolt holding the transmission was only in by two threads and transmission could have fallen off. Obviously a bad day at the factory- whats next-I am scared to drive it!

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  Great - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Shon - April 17 - 10:00 am

  We love the handling, power and features the Tribute has. This SUV is perfect for a family of four.

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  My First SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By MWi1068196 - April 3 - 10:00 am

  My experience with my 2003 Tribute ES 2WD has been outstanding by most accounts. Previously owning a 2002 Millenia, I was familiar and comfortable with the Mazda lineup. After much research, I decided to purchase the Tribute. Im very satisfied with my decision. Its a great vehicle for me in all areas and I love the way it handles, drives, and rides. The build quality is great, along with the improved warranty over the 2002 models. My Tribute has all the bells and whistles less the 4WD option, but that wasnt necessary for me. Plenty of room, fun to drive, excellent value for the money. Ill definitely purchase another one down the road.

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  Mazda Tribute LX-V6 2002 - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By jbondjbond - March 25 - 7:13 pm

  The vehicle has been reliable. It is fun to drive and reasonably comfortable even on an all day drive. It could use a little more back seat leg room and a little more rear storage width. The back seats wont fold flat unless you first remove the headrests. It definitely needs more soundproofing. It is a noisy highway ride. Actual mileage is about 2-3 mpg less than advertised. Overall the vehicle has more pros than cons. We have never had any regrets on the purchase.

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  My Mazda - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By sexyblkgyrl1981 - March 24 - 7:40 pm

  I love my Tribute and would not give it up for anything.