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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  Mazda love!! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Kathy Austin - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I first saw the Tribute on the road. Had to check one out. I am in love with mine. Fell asleep at wheel one day and went into gravel. I feel like I should have flipped, but my Tribute kept me upright after a slight struggle. That is when I knew this was the SUV for me. Hope to enjoy it for many years to come. Riding in style!!

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  2003 Mazda Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Ahmad - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle. I also like the fact that yo see them everywhere.

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  Mazdafied - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By jack leni - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Having driven this Tribute since 9/01, I can honestly say I have enjoyed every minute. The vehicle handles well and response is quick and trustworthy. At higher speeds(70 mph) the car is noisey from the wind factor. Fuel mileage is great, 19mpg city and 22mpg highway. I would like to see a more dressy interior to complement the over all vehicle. I definitely would purchase another Mazda again.

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  Awesome Tribute - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Angelica Botello - August 1 - 12:20 pm

  Tribute is really a really fun and exciting vehicle to drive. The first time I got my tribute my husband I drove it off road to Big Bend National Park in Chisos Muntains and it preformed awesome. The four wheel drive was very useful and did great in the chihuahan desert off roads. i would definately recommed this vehicle to anyone, its a very good price and at the same time, i love the leather interior, sun roof and surround music system that I upgraded it with, now, you have the option to put in the navigation system also! Wish I would have purchased it with that option when they fist came out in 2000. But I love my little tribut and will probably trade it in soon for a 2006!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Best of the Best! - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By grblake - July 21 - 2:00 am

  After reading Edmunds reviews, I was a little skeptical. Dont believe what the Web Site says! The main vehicle is co-built by Ford as the Escape. Ford builds most of their vehicles well, as does Mazda. The engine is NOT a rotary, therefore is very quiet. On gas mileage I am averaging between 21 and 28 MPG. My first trip was from the L.A. area to Barstow and I got over 27 MPG with the A/C on! If you want a roomy, fuel-efficient SUV, this is it!

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  tribute to tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Jim Eckenrode - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Nice "cute ute".Enough room inside,better looking outside than the Escape.It does need rear disc brakes and a limited slip would be nice.Too few dealer accessories available to customize. Minor customization only! Little add ons to make it "mine".

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  I love my 2004 Mazda Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By ChiChi - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I just turned in a leased Nissan Pathfinder and purchased a Tribute. Once I test drove a Tribute, I knew I had to have it. It handles like a dream and is the perfect size for me. On demand 4WD is great and I can find nothing about it that I dont love.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Maria - July 20 - 2:46 pm

  This is my second Tribute. I upgraded to the 2005 from a 2002 when the interior was redesigned. I have no complaints about this fun, peppy, good looking and reliable vehicle.

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  zoom, zoom, zoom - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Hoppy41 - July 15 - 2:00 am

  The way I was able to just get into this vehicle and drive it was unexplainable. The smoothness of a car and the power of a truck.

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  Mazda Tribute - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By goelker - July 13 - 10:00 am

  Nice platform for best looking SUV on the market. Same mechanicals as the Ford Escape, it is cosmetically superior with softer features and better exterior colors. For what we wanted, the price is less for the Mazda than the Ford. Actually, very fun to drive for a SUV. Great visibility and interior space for a vehicle with such a small footprint. Great in small parking lots.