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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  creaks, ticking, moans - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By kelleyartist - February 9 - 8:50 am

  MY TRIBUTE is a creaking, ticking mess!! These sounds come from all the doors, all the time, except on the freeway. I have a 2005 with 8000 miles and the dealer has determined that the sounds, which are constant and getting louder, are "flex" noise and most Tributes have it. The Factory Rep drove it and determined the same, and Mazda will do nothing to help me. They cannot fix it, and they consider it standard. Anyone else who hears it considers it a defect, and the car a lemon. I have read many other reports from consumers with similar complaint. It is appaling that Mazda passes off a brand new vehicle as "normal" that sounds like a old wooden boat. I will pursue this with Mazda

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  In sum: great value. - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By zoom-zoom baby - January 28 - 1:53 am

  The good: Fun to drive. Good driving visibility. Roomy. Rugged. Good looking SUV. Easy to maneuver in the city. Comfortable when taking road trips. Sufficient power for most needs. The bad: MPG. Another couple of miles per gallon would make me feel better. With the second row seat folded down the center console will not open fully. Duh. Cupholders dont accommodate various sizes and heights. Tall drinks next to the center console latch wont fit and is in the way of your arm resting on the console lid. Further, two cups are tough to hold at the same time. I find 20 oz cups/12 oz cans work best. Drop something between the seats, good luck getting it out! Need more places to store stuff.

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  Great little SUV - even after 120K! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By wbzcourt - January 25 - 3:11 pm

  I am sad to say that I recently totaled my tribute and am now shopping for a new one. I bought my 03 used with 25k miles on it. I was super impressed with its reliability in the 6 years I owned it. Bought new tires once. Major tuneup before a trip at 100k. Other than that - just oil changes. Ran perfectly. It did have some wind noise which was slightly annoying, but certainly tolerable. Other than that, no complaints. It was the perfect size for our family of four..not too big, not too small. Pretty good mpg. And super fun to drive..very peppy lil guy! Ill miss my trib!

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  Only 3 flaws - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By webjock - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Fun, like a car. Not as peppy as it seems, but still a potent 200 hp. Sits high off the ground with no fear of rollover. Corners and steers well, lots of hand grips throughout the cabin for rough terrain. 3 flaws: 1-Move shifter to floor--too easy to knock the Bute out of gear reaching for the radio. 2- Interior molding comes loose easily. 3- At highway speed, we had sudden power failure...no steering / brakes...engine died...scary! Mazda says most Butes do this, yet theres been no recall! Unacceptable! Nonetheless a satisfying ride. Worth a close look in the small to mid-sized SUV class.

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  not by choice, but over the miles you go - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By maria12 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  like title says this was not by my choice -- i personally liked another products style a lot better but... when "hes" buying cant really complain lol -- this is as stated fun to drive in city and looks nice but is it durable enough with all the leather and luxurys of top of line to stand the tough terrain that i would like to do on weekend getaways????? that is get it home and washed and waxed and detailed before he finds out i was stuck in the mud puddle on top of a mountain? lol time will tell ill let you know lol but yes i like it and get complimented on it a lot -- some even think its a mercedes lol (what will they think of next??? lol )

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  great car - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By gpdorward - January 11 - 2:00 am

  excellent vehicle - lots of power and quite reliable. We are very satisfied except for the gas mileage which has been low (at least through 4,400 miles).

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  robs - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Robtc - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Great Car!! We love it. I am 64" and I fit just fine in this car. Pleanty of head room and leg room.

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  Driving an SUV can be FUN - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Tribute lover - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I drove 5 other SUVs and this stood out as the overall winner. Some other SUVs did certain things better - but this was the best package. Wind noise does intrude over 40 MPH, but with the radio on it drowns out the outside noise. This SUV really does handles great. My old car was an Acura Integra and I was worried Id be bored in an SUV. This car is fun to drive and it is zippy. It has a smooth ride, and lots of cargo space. You have to test drive this car. I drove it last and bought one that day (after driving the other SUVs for 3 months!).

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  Awesome...but.... - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By andrewcaudillo - December 1 - 5:44 am

  I love my Mazda, I really do. But after 10 years of babying, I feel that it should fare better than it is. We bought it brand new in late 2000. It looked incredible then, and it still does. However, there are a few issues: 1) (minor) the fabric panelling on the doors is falling off. ($20 fix) 2) (minor) The headlights are all fogged up ($15 fix) 3) (major) The PLASTIC intake manifold gasket has gone bad ($1000 fix) Would I buy another one? Mmm...probably not. Im driving a 2001 Toyota Camry LE (4 cyl) while the Mazdas in the shop, and though it doesnt look as good, drive as well, or sound as awesome, it hasnt given my grandparents a single issue... Ill buy a VW or Toyota next time

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  So far, so good - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Elmo60 - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven Mazdas for years. They tend to be the same quality as other "Japanese" makes and typically much cheaper. I had debated an SUV for some time but just didnt want to pay 35-40K for a truck. I drove the Tribute and got hooked. I absolutely love the thing. I have a ton of room, Its fun to drive, peppy, etc. I read the reviews of other owners and feel bad for them. I expect it will happen to me as well and might lower my current very high opinion of my Tribute. But,til then, zoom-zoom.