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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  Mazda Tough, Mazda Reliable - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By odydapogi - March 2 - 7:10 am

  Rough, reliable sporty. The best SUV. An all rounder. Very very reliable.

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  tribute to me!!! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By weiszer - February 24 - 2:00 am

  the 1st time i ever saw the tribute i knew i had to have it. it was the cutes thing i had ever seen! my in-laws had just bought my sister-in-law a brand new jeep g.c. all they could talk about was how great it was. i would try to tell them about the tribute, they never heard about it! i went on the internet and e-mailed pics. to my mother-in-law. she also thought it was the cutest. i found silver star mazda on the internet, russ found what i was looking for, and now all my relatives can say is your little suv is soooo cute! a tribute to me!

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  Mazda Tribute - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By j seiler - February 17 - 5:50 am

  This vehicle has been a joy to own and drive. I get 20 mpg in town and 26 mpg on the interstate. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone!

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  Best Bargain in the Industry! Top Notch! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By markregel - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I was in the market for a car, not a SUV. Saw an ad for a Tribute for 15K so decided to have a look, was very impressed. It seemed huge inside compared to the cars I was looking at (P.T. Cruiser, Mazda P5 and M6). What impressed me the most was the build quality, refinement and amount of features for $15K. Why buy a Lexus when you can get this kind of build quality on a $15K car. And for that it has all the nice options, like alloy wheels, pwr windows and keyless entry. You would be hard pressed to get a fully loaded Neon for this price!

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  HAPPY NEW OWNER - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By HAPPY GREAT GRANDMA - January 5 - 5:00 pm

  I was looking for a reliable, economical, dependable, good looking car. I found it in the tribute Mazda. I feel secure and safe in this vehicle; in fact I just returned from a emergency trip to Texas. I went by myself. I am a female 67 years old and I felt secure driving the Tribute. The gas mileage was good 26.7mpg on the highway. My average speed was 67mph. I am no speed demon. I have had many compliments on my vehicle, all of them positive.

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  little jewell - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By mazdon - January 1 - 10:00 am

  We are very happy with the Tribute, it gives us enough space to carry our 4 year old girl and her stuff, and still feel comfortable. The cargo cover and the tinted back windows make us feel secure when leaving things in the cargo area.

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  LOVE IT!!!! - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By zoom zoom! - December 17 - 9:06 am

  I just got this SUV a few days ago. What I can tell you is that I absolutely love it. I had a Honda Element and the Tribute blows it away. The Honda 4 cyl. isnt enough for the weight of the Element. I also had a CRV and the Tribute blows the doors off it. It has exceptional power to it without hesitation. No problem getting on the highways or passing. I have no intention of towing with it. The inside is way above the inside of the Hondas. The Tribute has a more elegant look to it and tons of leg room and cargo space. The long list of standard equipment provided is what also makes the Tribute and excellent choice for the money! ZOOM ZOOM!

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  Pleased with my Mazda SUV - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Irina - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Very reliable, sporty for an suv, fun and most importantly feeling of security while driving.

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  Great so far - 2010 Mazda Tribute
  By hmiwb - October 31 - 12:26 am

  Bought this car about a month ago. Great experience so far with no defects or adjustments needed. The six speed automatic has been very user friendly and the fuel economy has been surprisingly good. Around town its okay, but on the highway I can easily get in the low 30s with little difficulty. Great for such a boxy shape.

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  Great Compact SUV - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Shad5000 - October 16 - 12:03 pm

  The AWD V-6 Grand s touring model is top notch in its class. I upgraded from the 2003 Tribute this year and I am very pleased. The car/truck gets lots of compliments and its new styling is a hit. The drive is smooth and the cockpit is sporty and overall is a great drive. Small glare during the day from the dash color on the glass but Im sure I will get used to it.