Overview & Reviews

The 2008 Mazda Tribute has been heavily revised with significant changes made to the exterior styling and a more stylish, functional and better constructed interior. Like the closely related Ford Escape, the Tribute's engines and chassis carry over virtually untouched. A hybrid-powered Tribute is also expected for this year.

• Comfortable interior, impressive list of standard safety features.

• Mediocre braking, disappointing fuel-efficiency, folding down second seat a multistep process.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 58.00

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  I love it, but it could be better - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Greg - June 22 - 3:10 am

  The look - the exterior is much cooler than the 2002 which I previously owned, but no vinyl side panels that saved me a bundle when I got hit in the older one (no damage!). The interior - I love the high gloss look, but the sunglass holder door drops open every time I hit a bump. You still have to take the head rests off the back when putting the seat down. The rear cup holders on the console dont have the sleeve that the front ones do, so its very difficult to clean what the kids manage to put in there. Driving - it handles like a dream. I love driving this car.

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  Wow! - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Trebor - March 29 - 3:33 am

  Ive only driven this 2.3 L Sport 5 spd 400 miles or so. Traded a Mazda3 hatchback 5 speed with a variation on the 2.3 less torque and more hp. That engine is very sweet in the tribute and the shift linkage is nice. Its quiet at speed with a nice ride and quick good steering feel. And the epa nos. (22, 28) lead me to believe that 30 mpg on the highway will be possible. The interior is nicely designed and colorful (yellow/black upholstery/dash). If the fuel efficiency is similar to 3s, then Mazda/Ford have hit a home run by adding the 2.3L engine and stunning body upgrade. Great value!

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  Death Machine - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By mansonslayer - March 15 - 9:14 pm

  I have mine since 2008 and only thing i had to replace was the a/c/evaporator, even when its a v6, the fuel comsumption is lower than many others 4 cld i had. maneuvability is awsome and the anti skid is good. I had a few changes done with the horsepower and now i run 1/4 mile in 12.5 sec.

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  Great vehicle for the price! - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By ChuckFuller - March 6 - 7:13 pm

  Over the years, we have owned 3 Mazda Proteges and 2 MPV vans. Mazda has always delivered the highest quality vehicles we have owned and we expect no less of our new 2008 Tribute. We decided on a fully optioned Grand touring model in the the i series with the 2.3 liter 4 cylinder. I find acceleration to be quite responsive and Im sure to appreciate the better economy. Unless you need a tow vehicle, I highly recommend this combination. Im surprised by some of the less than complimentary professional reviews regarding styling cues as I find the vehicle to be gorgeous (gloss black over "stone" leather). All in all, an A+ experience to date.

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  Great Car! - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Shannon - January 22 - 8:53 pm

  Ive had my Tribute for 14 months and I still love it the same as I did a year ago. Its very reliable, good gas mileage and was a good choice for me and my family. I have a 6yr and a 1year old, even on long trips, its a little small.. but good on gas (which is most important to us) I would buy from this Mazda again because my buying AND service experience has been great!!! I would recommend this car to anyone that wants a economical small SUV!

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  Small SUV Zoom Zoom - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Native Austinite - November 12 - 4:06 pm

  Research led me to the CX-7, but turned away from the premium gas requirement. Looked at/drove the Tribute and although "boxey," unlike the sleek CX-7, I insisted on a vehicle that operated on regular gas. Ive had mine since the end of April and have had a couple of road trips. The ride is smooth and quiet, its roomy, handles well, seats 5. V6 has the power to get you through traffic, not real impressed with the brakes, a bit mushy. The leather interior really dresses it out. A very good value in comparison to other small Japanese SUVs. Fun to drive.

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  Love This SUV!! - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By c.sims - August 8 - 12:00 pm

  I just purchased this SUV after looking at, reading about and test driving almost every small SUV out here.This is one of the sharpest ones, inside and out, on the market. It has every standard feature you would need and the dash is black and shiny and looks really expensive. The interior design altogether is just beautiful. Great job Mazda!!

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  Very Pleased with Quality - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Al - June 30 - 11:10 pm

  Waited for this much improved model to be available; we are not disappointed. Quality of workmanship is superb. Body is solid as is performace; interior design very user friendly. For the price this vehicle is worth every dollar.

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  The Perfect Suv, Love It!! - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By willowby - July 3 - 1:33 am

  This SUV is perfect for city driving, and does great on the highway. The engine is not over powered if youre running the air conditioner in the city, but thats not that important, but the pick-up is there if you need it. I love the the black trim around the vehicle, your seeing less of this,the monochromatic look is not for me. The engine is not loud and you dont hear excessive road noise.

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  Im enjoying my SUV - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Im enjoying it! - June 18 - 8:06 pm

  I have gone from $70 plus for a fill up to $40.00, from 12 mpg to 24. In the three weeks I have had it, we have been thru 4 inches of snow and two days of near 80 degree weather and it has kept me warm, cool and got me from point A to point B even while driving 15 miles per hour on the freeway. What’s not to like.