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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  review after 6 months - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By bigbaby - January 7 - 9:26 pm

  Still love it after 6 months. If you want a small suv with the combination of room and fuel economy, this puppy is it! No problems, Mazda dealer has been great on the minor issues. I recommend the Tribute.

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  Mazda Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Mazda buyer - December 8 - 10:00 am

  This is and excellent car and even though it looks small, it is big on the inside.

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  Very nice Compact SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Felipe - November 19 - 10:00 am

  I am surprised with the previous review of 2.8. The transmision problem you had does not reflect that all the Mazda tributes are bad. All cars have issues and you were just an unlucky guy. You do have the right to be upset at the fact that the dealer is not being helpful. I like my car very much and do suggest it to other potential buyers in that price range.. I compared to the Escape, Liberty and the Mazda was a much better car for the money. I encorage other people who own tributes to also write and share their experience.

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  Love my Tribute - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Benne - November 15 - 10:00 am

  Just bought in June of 2004. LOVE my tribute. Great ride, plenty of room and EXCELLENT gas milage compared to previously owned jeep cherokee.

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  What a find! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Dan - November 8 - 1:23 am

  I recently purchased a 2005 Mazda Tirbute 4wd, 6cyl and have been very pleased. I took it on a long journey and it exceeded my expectations for handling, comfort, and performance. I owned a Buick Century and was used to geting 30 miles per gallon on the highway. With this SUV the mileage on the highway is about 22 and around town 18. That is the only drawback to this vehicle. It is fun to drive, loaded with safety options such side and front air bags, ABS standard brakes, all wheel drive and much more that makes it a real asset for your driving pleasure. After researching and researching compact SUVS for months, I am glad I purchased the Mazda Tribute. I think you will enjoy this vehicle

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  Mazda tribute - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By MIRANDA - October 27 - 8:26 am

  I added the leather seats and they are so comfortable. It is small enough to get in and out of easily but has the handling of a car. I love it and my 2 year old loves it.

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  Tribute to Tribute - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By roger moore - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding vehicle regardless of price equal to Lexas 330

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  I love my Mazda Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By vp1618 - August 17 - 10:00 am

  After test driving several different SUV, I drove and feel in love with the Mazda Tribute. Great handling makes it feel like your driving a car with the the perks of an SUV. You wont be sorry with a Tribute!!

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  good - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By grinch - August 17 - 10:00 am

  just purchased i love it my wife is very happy she picked it out!!

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  2005 Mazda Tribute - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By anttoad - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I just recently purchased my Mazda Tribute and thoroughly enjoy every aspect of it. It is everything the salesman told me it would be. It is fun to drive and rides way better than I ever imaged it could. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone!!!