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 SUV Rocks! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Satisfied Driver - May 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought an ES-4WD three weeks ago. I already racked up 1600 miles. So far Ive been very impressed. After driving a sports car for seven years, I wanted a car-based mini-SUV with somewhat similiar performance. The Tribute doesnt disappoint. Its quite nimble to drive and has plenty of power to boot. Fuel economy averages about 20 a gallon ... not too shabby. Ive test-driven a few other mini-SUV (Honda CRV, Toyota Rav4 ...), I think the Tribute is definitely a good buy for its class.

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  18/22 mpg??? - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Goober - May 21 - 8:40 pm

  Dunno where they get these fuel ratings. I get 27 on my commute & up to 30 hiway. Have never gotten lower than 25 mpg, even pulling the trailer. Not bad for a 2.0 4 cyl.

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  Its really just a Ford - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Mike - May 12 - 7:36 pm

  I bought the Tribute new and at 3100 total miles, my transmission broke and had to be replaced. There were no error codes when technicians hooked up to the test computer. The dealer had it for over 10 days until I got it back. The wheels and brakes continually squeak at slow speeds (typical Ford). I dont really trust the vehicle now because of the transmission and am seeking to trade it for something else (not Mazda). Unfortunately it may be awhile before I can do that as the Tributes trade in value has severely decreased since I bought it, and continues to decrease. I will never buy another Mazda or from the dealer I purchased it from. Also poor workmanship in body panel on r/front door.

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  So far so good! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By lmvp17 - April 25 - 3:20 am

  I bought my gently used 05 fully loaded Tribute (3.0, 4WD w/ towing package) couple months ago and so far so good. Had some trouble with the engine light but that was fixed by replacing the gas cap. I tow my 16ft fishing boat with ease and felt confident when the 4x4 kicked in to pull the loaded trailer out of the lake. Left the moon roof open one night through a rainstorm and had my interior and dash completely soaked! Surprised to say absolutely no electrical problems and leather still looks brand new. Only thing I wish it had was ability to play MP3s!

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  Tainted love - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Alberta - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought this used vehicle with under 20k miles and fell in love with the first test-drive. Still love to drive it, but am finding annoying issues arising on continuous basis. Like others, dont like the placement of the gear-shifter, but also have lost use of rear window water "squirter." Will cost $200 (CDN) just to check the line because it runs inside the vehicle! In cold weather, driver and passenger windows squeak like nails on a chalk-board. Mechanic said the rubber was extremely dried out -- more than youd see on a 15-yr old vehicle. Brakes also squeak in cold weather.

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  Madza2004 - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By AlaskaKurt - April 11 - 3:43 am

  This awd suv is a great little drive. We can drive in snow and ice and it has great traction. Love the dark interior that always goods clean.

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  Air conditioning - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By hockey2day4u - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Turned on the A/C this weekend and it did not work. Of course,the warranty expired in January. Call the dealer DCH in Maplewood and was told that they are no longer a Mazda dealer. Called another dealer and they said it may be covered under warranty still because I complained last summer that it was not getting cold.

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  Dont buy it for the fuel Economy - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By No gas savings here! - March 30 - 3:26 am

  If most of your driving is in local traffic this is not the car for you. The sticker promised 18 mpg city driving, Im getting 12.5!!! When I called both the dealership and Mazda home office they said I had a heavy foot (not true) or it needed more time to break in. Well its been 7 months and no improvement is found, however the highway mileage was much better then stated. The sticker stated 21 mpg Im getting 26 mpg.

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  Gettin use to it... - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By sydney - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I like my tribute, which i bought 11/02...i think! Im mostly getting over the mpg shock. okay, i may be a little lead-footed, but i was hoping for better than 20 mpg, mostly highway driving (was spoiled by my previous Mazda GLC and Protege). As for sporty and fun...it is. I hate the placement of the gear shift on the column (it makes it difficult to reach radio controls...do i go over or under the gear stick???) Im still getting use to the blind spot on passenger rear side, and have hit my herbie curbie twice to prove it. Overall, i like it, but like a good pair of shoes, gotta break it in.

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  2003 Mazda Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By phw1443 - March 14 - 10:00 am

  Having been the owner of suburbans, this was a little bit of a change. Besides the size and the power differences, I never thought I would like the smaller SUV, however driving it has been fun and relaxing. No fighting the traffic changing lanes. Rides smooth. I would recommend the Tribute.