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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  This is the ONE - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Mojo - April 2 - 10:00 am

  I have finally found the perfect SUV to fit my lifestyle. I have been looking for something to fit my tastes as well as my budget and the 02 Tribute ES-V6 was the perfect match. The ride is smooth and handles just like my wifes Mitsubishi Galant. The interior is plush and the exterior is sleek and stylish. I would defintitely recommend this to anyone out there in the market for a compact SUV.

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  Nice car, fun to drive - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Hasan - March 27 - 4:36 pm

  I have the car for a month now. I had a long trip from L.A. to the Grand Canyon. Very powerful with 5 people inside and full luggage including on the top and we had no problem of driving uphill in any speed on the mountains. However over 70 (speed limit in AZ is 75), gas mileage drops 20mpg on highway.

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  Great Car - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By John - March 16 - 11:50 am

  I narrowed my choice to the Tribute/Escape, Forester, and CR-V after deciding to trade my Honda Accord. I chose the Tribute on the basis of handling, interior room, style, and value. The Forester had less rear seat room and I didnt like the door mounted spare on the CR-V. Also, both were more expensive after the available rebates and incentives. It is a comfortable car to drive and I liked the feature set on the "i" including the standard 16 inch wheels. My only options were cruise control, heavy duty floor mats, and the rear bumper step.

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  Nice car/suv - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By jbertha - March 15 - 2:00 am

  very peppy, handles like a car, corners nicely, easy entry/exit, smooth ride, great in snow very stable

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  1 year of research brought me to MAZDA - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By K. Abbruzzese - March 15 - 2:00 am

  being single and buying a car!!!WOW I was not looking forward to that experience, but was treated well at Mazda City. LOVE my Tribute. I researched on the internet for over a year, test drove a dozen cars over my spring break - for the money this Tribute is a joy to own.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Rocketmancpa - February 25 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our Tribute about five months ago I am impressed. We drove it on a 7 hour trip recently and found it to be the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned. The power, roominess, comfort, and reliability is awesome.

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  BEST, AFFORDABLE, RELIABLE - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By trexy2 - February 24 - 10:00 am

  GREAT SUV in style and performance...Choose the es-v6 4wd!!!

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  Barbs car - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By barb - February 14 - 3:56 am

  Ive driven Tributes for almost 8 years. This is my 3rd one. They are great; peppy; fun to drive.

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  great value among all SUV in market - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By 4cyl 2006 tribute - January 18 - 10:00 am

  this is great SUV, for less than 19k , which i paid this suv is great for its class and performance, i drove 29k miles and still going great , did not spend any dime other than regular oil change sporty and sexy suv,can not beat its value and class and modest price tag

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  Best SUV for under $30,000 - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By lachom - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Tribute for a year and a half now. I usually replace my vehicles every one to two years, however this one is staying with me for a while. I love to drive this little SUV. Its like driving a tall sport sedan. Tight, Fast and sweet to look at. The best line I ever heard about the Tribute is...It looks and feels like you spent a lot more.