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:

• 

  Oh, Gee, It stalled? - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By UnHappy3 - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Our Tribute was in the Dealers shop for 63 days to repair the stalling problem. I was assured by Mazda H.Q. in Irvine, CA that the Tribute was fixed and there has not been any reoccurrences of Tributes that have had this repair done. Less than a month later my wife and child were again driving in the Tribute when it stalled exactly as it had done before the repair. In my opinion someone is going to die in one of these cars.

• 

  Zoom Zoom My Tail!! Bad Car - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By mkburgess828 - September 2 - 11:14 pm

  I posted about 2 months ago because the Tranny went out! This has been the most terrible vehicle that I have ever owned! In addition to the transmission going out at about 108k now my engine is shot. The vehicle has a 112k on it now. Its the 2.3 4 cylinder 2x4. Very Slow, very little performance at all. They look sharp but without doubt a true money pit disaster. I drive my car very easy and perform routine maintanence ahead of time!! All out just a bad vehicle!!!

• 

  Drag a wagon - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Robert Garvey - August 31 - 3:56 pm

  After being lied to about the invoice price which resulted in paying 26,500.00 we did not get the features we wanted. It took three weeks to get delivery because they claimed it arrived at the dealer with "slashes (keyed)" over the front panel. Then it had to have the windshield replaced because a rock hit it while driving it back to the dealership.by then we were no longer eligable for the $2,000.00 rebate. After receiving delivery, it still has a small dent in the chrome on the hood. It rides like a childs wagon being pulled down the street. It hits every imperfection in the road like a speed bump. It makes it impossible to try and make notes or write in the rear seat.

• 

  You Get What You Pay For - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Riason - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Loaded except for Moon Roof. COuld not justify $15000 more for luxury SUV I really wanted but you know what they say about hindsight. Looks and handles great and no mechanical problems but long trips are unbearable due to road noise, no cruising range (300 miles max), and occasional luggage rack vibration. IF you seldom drive more than 100 miles each trip then you cannot beat this for a mini SUV. Great for younger crowd. For longer trips or boomers, look elsewhere.

• 

  My story - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By 02 whttrib - May 2 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been the worst new vehicle I have ever purchased. Many, many problems. It is very fun to drive and the V6 is a great performer, but it all comes at a very expensive cost of satisfaction, dealer trips, questionable cranking, stalling, and overall reliability. It feels extremely cheap.

• 

  Save Your Money - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Rozy - April 11 - 3:50 pm

  Buyer beware... save your money. This was the first car I bought new and was in love with it until the second day I had it and it wouldnt start. The car went back to the dealrship 5 times for this problem and they had no idea what was wrong, just started to change wires to play guess and check. My car shut down on the highway because the alternator went at 30,000 miles. Then my transmission went at 50,000 (no longer under warranty). Mazda wont do anything to rectify the piece of junk they sold me! They are not helpful and said these problems were my fault. 2 days old and broken... not my fault. This car is a heap of junk for all the problems it caused.

• 

  Fuel Pump Sensor/computer is shot - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By phxbarb - March 30 - 7:38 am

  Everything has been fine until now. Nothing major. Yesterday driving along fine. Park. Go to store, come out. Starts, shakes, stops. Starts, shakes, moves a little, stops. Absolutely no warning anything wrong. Now a bill for $600 to get a sensor thing installed. What the?

• 

  Unlucky - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Unlucky Owner - October 4 - 12:16 pm

  Ownweship experence, Wow where do I start, one alternator, four coils, new breaks all around,a front drive shaft and today a sensor costing 1200 before labor & taxes all before reaching 100,000K. Mazda claims there are no problems with the Tribute, but I say they need to look into it more closely. The SUV is just getting broke in at 97,000 what happened to having a product you could see 100,000 miles on.

• 

  Frustration with the Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Robyn Teigman - September 8 - 10:00 am

  i have had this car for almost three years and have had numerous problems with it from the day we purchased it. It is the second Mazda I have owned, the first being a 626 and I am finding similar types of problems. I have had leaks from the body, have had to replace all four tires, the sun roof and electric seats do not work intermittently, the lastest problem - when the car is cold it sounds as if my power steering is not working. I have had the car in for countless services. It is frustrating as I enjoy the ride and the comfort of the car, but do not trust it.

• 

  Make passenger compartment bigger - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By richard - July 25 - 12:40 pm

  I love the vehicle, however it is clear the vehicle is built for women and small men. I am 6 ft, 220 pounds and to be honest, I dont fit in the drivers seat. My shoulders are jammed against the door and the hip room is adequate but snug. This vehicle is not for most American men.