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:

• 

  Pleasantly suprised - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By yellowpit - July 10 - 10:00 am

  While the creature comforts arent luxury level and the four banger wont rocket you into traffic, it is a nice vehicle at a great price. I got the last 04 on the lot $1300 less than Edmunds suggested. Just took a 750 mile trip on less than two tanks of gas, worked well on both the Interstates and PAs dirt roads.

• 

  Mazda Tribute Going Strong 160,000 mi. - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Susan Barry - July 7 - 1:03 pm

  These are such well built, reliable SUVs. Our 2004 with 160,000 mi. has never broken down or failed to deliver power towing our 18" SeaRay boat back and forth between FL & WI. No problems ever in the motor, drive train, electronics, operational parts like doors, lights, AC, heat, seat controls, etc. Well drive it on until we need to buy a new Mazda.

• 

  Great SUV Purchase for the Money - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Stephen Waldrip - June 20 - 10:00 am

  Just a lot of fun to drive and very sporty looking. Feels like I spent a lot more money I actually did.

• 

  I love it - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By judyrom1 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SUV, so Im not used to the gas mileage, though im not as surprised as everyone seems to be at the lack of it. I have the fully loaded dark titanium 4wd. I absolutely love this thing! I have over 5,000 miles and havent had a problem yet. Its better looking than any of the others in its class and drives fantastic. If I had the money id buy another for my 17 year old daughter. No complaints.

• 

  Perfect basic transportation - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By MazdaRob - June 15 - 3:00 am

  I have always owned Toyotas, but hate the redesigned RAV. So I looked at the Tribute and got a great end of year deal. Now, I only require a vehicle with a CD player and AC, so features dont interest me. This car is reliable, economical (I get nearly 30 mpg on the highway and high 20s around town. Ive had no mechanical problems in 45,000 and the tires are still original. Honda CRVs chew up the tires! The Tribute has room to tote lumber, move furniture and carry tools, but its also comfortable on long trips and handles very well. I would buy another one in a heartbeat. Plus, my dealer charge for service is very reasonable. Its a great SUV!

• 

  LOVE MY SUV - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By SUE LOEWE - June 9 - 2:00 am

  AFTER RESEACHERING SUVS ON EDMUNDS DECIDED TO TEST DRIVE THE TRIBUTE. LUCKLY THE DEALERSHIP AND SALESMAN WERE THE BEST WE HAVE EVER DEALT WITH. LOVED THE VEHICLE & THE DEAL. THEY GOT ME THE COLORS AND PACKAGES I WANTED.I ADDED ES (LEXUS)EMBLEMS,CHROME TIP TAIL PIPE,PINSTRIPE,MUD GUARDS,MOONROOF WIND DEFLECTOR & REAR BUMPER STEP PLATE. THE SUV IS CLASSIC WHITE AND REALLY LOOKS SHARP.

• 

  great small suv - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By john - May 28 - 11:00 pm

  the car is fun to drive and with the v6 eng it is very peppy on the road-the sound system is top shelf-i got the top model- i like that they only have two models and they come fully equipped depending on which one u get -i have the es it came standard with side airbags-it is supposed to be like the ford escape but the escape only has a 3 year 36 warranty the mazda has a 4 year 48 warranty-the ford model charges you for everything extra-ford wanted $100 for a cargo cover on the xlt escape and the tribut had it as standard-my only complaint is that in my model the column mounted shifter blocks a radio volume control a bit but this has now been eliminated with the floor console

• 

  sporty, easy to maneuver, catchy - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Mazda Tribute rocks - May 23 - 10:00 am

  This is the best vehicle we have ever purchased. The titanium exteriorcolor is so sporty, and the interior is sportier than most sports cars. It has plenty of room, which we need with a new baby. Dont settle for less than the V-6, and check this vehicle out before looking at a bulkier, more expensive ride. The Tribute is just plain fun to drive, while the vehicle itself is anything but plain!

• 

  I still love my little Tribute!!!! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By fastmonte24 - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had my little Mazda for almost 8 months and still love it! Knock on wood, I have had not one single problem with it. My Trib goes anywhere I need to go, in any weather condition. The push button 4 wheel drive- very convenient!!!! I will buy a new version on this vehicle in a few years. Yes, I still miss some of the features of a CAR, but would not trade my Trib anytime soon.

• 

  Excellent vehicle for your money - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Frankie - May 18 - 6:40 am

  Six weeks after purchase, I got into a bad car accident and I tested its safety; this SUV saved my life. My Tribute got fixed and after almost 60K miles it is still running like new. Fuel economy, quality of the leather interior and difficulty to operate the CD are the only minuses in this car. But the rest are just pluses. I have looked at other SUVs but I have not found the comfort, power and nice look my Tribute has. I think I will have this car for a long time! I took it off road also and its performance was awesome, the rest of SUVs just saw my dust left behind!