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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  Rust Problems Here Too - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By ChicagoDriver - November 16 - 10:00 am

  So I hate to say anything bad about my 2008 Tribute, which we just traded in last week, and I loved owning. It was a simple car without any fuss, and perfect for me! The only bad thing about it is the rust. I noticed a few other reviews mentioning this, and i found it a little too coincidental that we all have found the same rust problems. Mazda must have gotten cheap on their materials, or they stared buying steel from China. I bent down to check on my tires one day and I couldnt believe how badly rusted out the wheel well was. I traded the car in a week later.

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  TRIBLOVER - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By TRIBLOVER - November 10 - 10:00 am

  MY TRIBUTE WAS A MOTHERS DAY PRESENT AND I REALLY LOVE IT. IT HANDLES LIKE A HEAVIER SUV, BUT NOT LIKE A TRUCK. THE CARGO ROOM IS GREAT BECAUSE I HAVE 2 BOYS AND LOTS OF HAULING TO DO. I WOULD RECOMMEND ONE TO ANYONE LIKE ME WHO CANT AFFORD THE BIGGER SUVS, BUT SILL WANTED HIGH STYLE.

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  Objective Feedback . . . - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By DSNJ - November 5 - 2:00 am

  After fact-finding and test-driving, I found the Tribute as my leader among strong contenders (Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Mitsubishi Outlander, Jeep Liberty). The Tribute has great off- the-line power, a roomy interior, and great ground clearance. Lastly, the price point on the vehicle is very reasonable.

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  If only it had a better gas mileage - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By polarsand - November 4 - 10:00 am

  A great overall car to own. Beware of the gas mileage!

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  Quality controls could be better - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By tom gio - October 6 - 10:00 am

  My car was delivered to me with a leaking windshield,anotherleak which soaked the carpet,a damaged headliner and the front end out of line.The dealer did all repairs to my satisfaction.Unfortunately,Mazda customer service didnt think this was anything to be concerned about.

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  Administering CPR - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By maxbassmedia - October 3 - 2:16 am

  Bought this vehicle new in Oct 2000. Been extremely reliable. Had a problem w/sunroof years ago, and opted not to get it fixed. Now on my 4th set of tires, and just turned 253,00 miles. Been aiming to get 300K out of it. Just had first major problem, transmission started slipping :( Going to put a couple of grand in to keep it going, rather than get another car AND car payment. Hope the gamble pays off.

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  Will they learn its all about the seats? - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By John - September 21 - 11:56 pm

  I test drove a 2005 model, 4 cylinder last year, and found it sporty My only complaint was why do the designers not add even 1" more padding to the front seats? This would open the potential to a whole new range of buyers. We decided to buy an 06 just recently, and it is perfect for what we need. Family of four, with two big dogs, who get the rear cargo area. I am 5 11", and 200 lbs, with a 44" chest and I have plenty of room for both with room to spare.

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  Id buy it again! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Tim G. - September 13 - 2:23 pm

  I bought this vehicle primarily to pull a pop up trailer in the mountains. Mine is equipped with all wheel drive. It has performed admirably. However, it doesnt get the best mileage while pulling the trailer, but what car or truck does under these conditions? This brings up another point associated with the mileage; the fuel tank is only 16 gallons, not enough when youre only getting 14-15 mpg. Except for the above mentioned, Im very happy with my choice.

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  First time Mazda owner update - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Judy H. - July 31 - 6:30 am

  I am writing an update to my review of 4 years ago. I still really like my Tribute, and would probably buy another one. Done all routine maintenance and have had no mechanical issues (knock on wood) and hope it continues that way.

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  You get more than you pay for - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Brian - July 29 - 5:40 am

  I bought the Tribute almost one year ago for under $12K with 55K miles on it. It is not perfect. Wind noise is bad on the highway and the shifter is annoying, but everyone is amazed when I tell them what I paid. It has a superb engine and transmission, handles great (better than my old Saturn coupe), and looks good. It is not a luxury vehicle, but it is a great car. I have not had any of the problems listed below like the door leather peeling. I was a little worried by all the Ford parts. I would prefer Mazda to build it on their own, but people looking for relatively cheap SUVs with awesome performance cant be too picky. If you get it at a good price, buying the Tribute is a no brainer.