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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  Decent SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By spd - August 27 - 10:00 am

  Good power, fun to drive. Problems are that the disc brakes and rotors wore out at abt 30,000 miles. Mazda agreed to pay for it this time as they should have lasted longer. Recently I have a great deal of road noise due to tires wearing in a strange way. They are not worn out, but still have to be replaced. This vehicle is driven mainly on the freeway and should not have these types of problems at this mileage. Also, there is a whistling that occurs on the drivers side at around 70mph. Not a good thing when you spend most of your time on the freeways.

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  Love the V-6 - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Tim in Iowa - August 24 - 7:13 pm

  The V-6 Tribute is fantastic--very smooth and a blast to drive. Does not have that tippy feel that SUVs often have. I am 61" 195 lbs and feel very comfortable in the drivers seat. Gas prices seem to have motivated sellers-- I got mine below invoice plus $4000 in rebates. People complain about the gas mileage. I am getting a solid 20 mpg -- not great but better than I was led to believe. Good driving habits help. I got pkg 1 -- interior is okay, maybe a little plasticky. Pkg 2 gets you leather and walnut dash but no moonroof which I had to have. Pkg 3 gets you everything but it will cost you. I live on a gravel road where dirt is an issue. The titanium gray does a good job hiding it.

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  Good SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By CChan - August 18 - 9:16 pm

  So far this SUV has been an enjoyable experience, except for the incompetence I experienced at the dealership. I have always had full sized SUVs, but I test drove this one due to the rebate and liked the appearance of it and knew it was for me. All is running good so far.

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  lots of room for improvement - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Vishal Lakhotia - August 18 - 10:00 am

  In about 2 monhts, i found that it makes too much noise, when iam above 60 mph. I had to increate the sound level so high to drown out the wind noise. leather quality is not good. Anything on the leather slides left right, back and forth. The A/c controls are a lil weird. Since I cannot put the full a/c blow between face and legs.. it only works on the top ( face) and not anywhere else. Too much body roll on sharp turns, much more than a subaru.. ( tested both on same turns).

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  Good Value - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By s-b - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Most of the features of the higher- priced competition. Short wheelbase makes for easy parking/lane changes in traffic. Mileage not bad for the class. Better warranty than the twin Ford Escape and better looking! Good rebate on mine and good dealer service. Drivers seat adjustable for all drivers comfort.

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  stranded w/ 2 kids - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By stranded w/ 2 kids - July 24 - 10:00 am

  I have only had my Tribute for 3.5 months and it died on me. I had two kids in the car and it was 100 degrees outside. My youngest was only 2 months old! My dealer came to our rescue and got us out of the heat pretty quick. Turns out there was a power control module that had to be reprogrammed. We had a Mazda MX3 years ago and loved it but my confidence has been shaken this time.

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  Better than average - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By extragno - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Good overall.

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  Happy buyer - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Sigor111 - June 8 - 8:33 am

  I must say that this is one of the best smalll SUV in US market I didnt want to waste money on . I bought it with 4 cyl engine sincegas with V6. MPG is currently around 22 which is good for the first 1500 miles. Car drives great and it has enough power for drriving around town. The only thing that I dodn;t like about this car is that the engine is very noisy. I dodnt know if that is normal, but I will check with my dealer to make sure that all bolts on the exhaust are tight. I am not used to that sound of engine. Other than that great car and with 4 000$ in rebates this is currently the best buy in this market segment.

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  GOOD FUN AND RELIABLE - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By vinlanda - May 17 - 1:30 am

  Wasnt sure at first, but have grown to like this vehicle. Good pep, sporty style, and easy on the eye. Only downfalls, are the interior collects way to much lint and dirt, and the gas pedal is too hard or sticky. But overall it is a good vehicle and am pleased. Little noisy, but better tires helps that.

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  My experience with my Tribute - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By rebecca - April 18 - 4:53 pm

  I like my tributes design and the space in it,I fit 5 adults in it comfortably. I have had a problem with my back washer line coming out, and it has been in the shop 4 times since having it. However it is a good driving vehicle. Feels like your driving a car just heightend up a bit. I would recommend it to a small low budget family.