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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  Nice small SUV , handles like a car - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By GeorgeP - July 26 - 2:50 am

  I got the stripped down manual transmission version, so no ranting here about useless options. It has held up well now after 3 years. No real rusting yet on the sheet metal. Some of the interior has a cheap plasticy feel, the handling is good on corners, does not want to flip like some SUVs. Motor is a bit underpowered on the 2.3L motor, feels like a 2.0L motor in a SUV. Decent build and design otherwise.

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  Large Gap Across Headliner at Windshild - 2010 Mazda Tribute
  By JLSHD - July 17 - 1:46 am

  Overall.....a good vehicle. However, have the same experience as other contributor with an extremely poor installation of rear view camera cable at forward edge of headliner. No thought was given to installation as they simply pulled the large cable thru headliner front edge causing a gap across the entire headliner at windshield. Mazda says they were designed like this and will ***not*** honour warranty for poor workmanship. VERY substandard installation and extremely poor customer service!! Mazda just lost a life time customer!!

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  Biggest little SUV - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By jimbobstrib06 - July 10 - 4:16 pm

  After owning Jeep products since 1991. When it came time for a new vehicle the Jeep was out because of the Cherokees poor new look and gas mileage was suddenly a factor again. So, since I need the space of the Jeep and wanted AWD with reasonable gas mileage, I kept coming back to the Tribute/Escape/Mariner. A friend got a 2005 Tribute. Once I drove it, I knew this would be the only reasonable Jeep replacement. The Tribute, because of incentives, was the best price of the three. After a long search (AWDs are hard to find) one FINALLY showed up on my local dealers lot with all the extras I wanted and I got it out the door for $25K. I couldnt be happier. Definitely made the right choice.

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  If you own a 2008 tribute beware of RUST - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By D.D. - June 9 - 1:53 am

  About a month ago I noticed the rear wheel well areas were rusting as the paint is peeling. I took it to mazda who sent me to get a quote from a collision place to get it repaired and they said they had the exact same model in the day before and they decided to check the seems of the doors and under the hood, and the back door and of course all the seems are rusting which the guy told me they cannot repair only do a bandage job on it. I was hoping to keep this SUV for a number of years but he said in a couple years holes will start. It only has 62,000 Km on it and I believe it most definitely should not be rusting!!!...I am waiting to hear back from Mazda.

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  good vehicle - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By siebers - May 25 - 2:00 am

  the construction in and out is fragile. Sheet metal and interior plastic easily marred or bruised

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  good all around small SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By nils - May 24 - 11:30 am

  Drove several Small SUVs before deciding on this one (Xterra, Escape, Vue, Equinox, Liberty, others). Tribute was the best overall value. With good rebates got some nice options including moonroof and 6-cd changer. I find the FWD to be just fine for my style of 99% road driving. Dont pay extra for 4WD unless youre going to use it off-road.

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  Fun to Drive - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By kmgwinn - May 8 - 10:00 am

  I owned a Mazda MPV and replaced it with a used Tribute and love it - fun to drive - handles wonderfully - very pleased with my purchase - even with higher miles it handles like a new car. Would recommend it!

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  Loveit/Hate it - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Lisbek - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought it in 6/02, edited version: door chime rang nonstop when door open, replaced ignition. Happened again and finally fixed. Dashboard scratched during repair, replaced under warranty for being "warped". Odometer replaced (didnt work after dash replaced)resetting the mileage to zero. Incorrect mileage written on door jam sticker. Replaced: master cylinder, drivers seat, drivers side mirror. Repaired: rear window washer (X2), speaker, Air con vent stuck. Currently the power seat wont lower the back half and the replacement seat is developing a lump under the fabric like the first seat. I am going to pursue Mazda buying back the vehicle.

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  adequate vehicle - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By bookworm - March 24 - 2:56 pm

  Overall, not a bad vehicle. Never owned a Mazda and after this may go back later on. NOT very comfortable on lower back for cross country trips. Own 5 speed 4 cylinder engine. Performs ok for size. Shifting can be difficult especially for reverse. Upsides - roomy cargo area, better than average front leg room. Handles well at speed. If you buy a Tribute, go for a v6 engine. Not bad gas mileage for an SUV, averaging about 20/23.

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  Hunter Family - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Greg Hunter SR. - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is down right fun to drive,Enjoy outstanding highway gas mileage,Handles very well in wet wheather,