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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  Couldnt be more satisfied. - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Todd - May 14 - 11:26 am

  Have driven it for two months in all types of weather. Took longest trip on the day of the worst winter conditions we have experienced. Snowy, windy conditions were sending others spinning and sliding into the ditch or median. The sure traction of the automatic 4WD was outstanding. Glad we bought it every time we drive it.

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  Mazda Fun - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By dcurbelo - May 9 - 10:00 am

  The Tribute has been very fun to drive. It handles more like a car than a truck. It is very roomy & comfortable. The leather interior and design are great. I like the styling of the Tribute the best of all the small SUVs. The V6 is very quick and the braking is excellent.

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  2nd one is better - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By jaybud31 - May 7 - 11:00 pm

  I bought one in april 2003 brand new 400 miles on it (from transporting) was in the shop m-fri for i think...the first 3 weeks, I got it back on weekends, they couldnt figure out the problem with the engine/cooling lights coming on constantly. I requested after the 4 week, I get to "swap" for a different one, as i had a 1200 mile road trip planned, that was why i bought a new vehicle, so I picked another new one with 15 miles on it in May 2003 paid more, but the 2nd one has been great! no regrets. I love it.

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  2001 Mazda Tribute Rock On!! - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Flameworker - April 30 - 9:03 pm

  I have had this 2001 Mazda Tribute since it was new, and we have never had any problems with it. Only once when it was new, it shut off by itself on the highway, but this was soon resolved. It was a recall situation that got cleared up quickly for us. After that little incident it has always been smooth sailing with this vehicle. Great car based SUV! This vehicle is powerful, fun to drive, and very very very reliable.

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  Great - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Steve Carbone - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car about two months ago and have had no problems. Was looking for small suv since the birth of a son and decided on this one from the deal. saved thousands over competition. Seats are hard but still comfortable for long rides.

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  Nice for a small SUV - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By CreamCorn - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Driven for 2000 Miles with no issues. Found that after 1000 the transmission was a little more responsive whle in OD. Nice classic look that will not go out of style unlike others in the same catagory.

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  A Tribute to Mazda s Success - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Meri24 - April 10 - 10:00 am

  This is the first SUV I have purchased and I absolutly love it. I have have been looking for a mid-size SUV for the past 2 years, but nothing really caught my eye... until Mazda released the updated 2005 Tribute. WOW, I love the redesigned interior and overall look. Punchy 3.0, not bad gas mileage for a 6cyl SUV (approx. 22mpg hwy), smooth ride like a car not a truck.

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  Love my New Mazda - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By lisacab - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I have always been an owner of Mazda. I love my SUV and completed satisfied with it! I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a small SUV.

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  Like it so far - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Lee - March 7 - 12:56 am

  ...for the price, it seems to be a good choice. It is fun to drive & its nice to not see a lot of identical ones on the road.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By bporse - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought the S with the 3 pkg, that loads up this SUV with Moonroof, heated Leather seats, upgraded 6 CD radio. Only 150 miles but having fun driving it. Checked out all the smaller and midsize SUVs and this is the best! Much nicer than Escape. Great visability, power, comfort. A must test drive before buying anything else.