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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  No Problems Here - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By GMan - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Have had my Tribute for about 7 months now and am quite happy with it. Only thing which stands out is gas mileage which seems poor. Other than that, comfort and handling is excellent as well as performance.

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  Great all around car - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By tributefan - April 1 - 10:00 am

  First time in a truck/SUV. Added this car for the stuff I cant do in my accord (hauling stuff, outdoors stuff, etc). handles just like a car but the suspension isnt too soft and reminds you that you still are in a truck (sort of) Handles/takes corners better than my 02 accord. dont notice a difference Engine and tranny is very responsive and

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  Tributes - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Xzcharly - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had no problems whatsoever with my Tribute. It drive well, handles well and had plenty of cargo space. If I had to think of a complaint, it would be the road noise. It is slightly noisier than my past vehicle.

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  A Tribute? After 6 months of ownership, - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Tribute - March 26 - 2:00 am

  The overall design is a class look, smooth ride and smooth responsive handling.The Tribute has less of a truck look then its brother the Escape. The Escape seems to have a more rigid supension and is a little more responsive in the steering, which taunts you to play a little harder with the Escape then the Tribute. No problems so far in the first six months of ownership with the Tribute except for a sore elbow from the cheap looking hard plastic interior door panels which need to be upgraded, along with the minor annoyance of wind noise, which is not a problem if you wish to have you music on all the time and loud.

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  Wish I got the V6 - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Qmiller - March 22 - 11:10 pm

  I have my 08 tribute for a month now and I wish I would have gotten the V6. I had a V6 escape that I should have kept. So far the 4 has been ok. Some days it feels fast and other kinda slow. I was trying to save gas but for now theres not much difference.

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  zoom...zoom...zoom - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Mike - February 15 - 10:46 am

  I really enjoy our new Tribute. Lots of bells and whistles for the price. The rebates make it awesome. You dont see a tremendous amount of Tributes on the road, I dont like to be "part of the crowd". The gas tank could be larger and the gas mileage could be better. When you accelerate you can feel the vehicle tugging at different rates. The dealership I purchased at had two different personalities, before purchase and after purchase, that is the only "real" negative experience. I can live with the rest! Zoom....Zoom....Zoom.....

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  EXPECTED BETTER - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By JEMII - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES BEFORE THE PROBLEM COULD BE FIXED. WE HAVE NOT HAD A PROBLEM GETTING THE VEHICLE STARTED SINCE THEN. WE WILL NOW HAVE TO TAKE IT BACK A SECOND TIME FOR A DOOR LOCK PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP WILL HAVE TO ORDER THE PART TO DO REPAIR. THE GAS MILEAGE HAS BEEN LOWER THAN POSTED ON THE WINDOW STICKER.

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  great car - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By decerce - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Fun great car no problems

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  excellent choice - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By bloodworth - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This SUV has all the features of a full size built into a mid size.

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  Helloo Money Pit! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Threnners - January 17 - 5:23 pm

  Sigh...In the past three years I have had to replace the dash odometer light, chrome hood piece, IAC Valve, Master brake cylinder, gearshift cable, the drivers side door handle, a fog light, and had to have work done on a misfiring cylinder. It creaks every time I make a left turn (bad sway bar links Im told) and howls in the cold. The cloth is peeling off every interior door. One of the seats in the back wont go down (first time I tried!) Im really let down because I really loved the Tribute (over the Escape) and REALLY wanted this car and to keep it 10 years but I dont think its going to make it. When it does work though, it works very well.