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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  Best small SUV available - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Kingofposen - October 24 - 10:00 am

  We love our Light Tundra ES-V6. Heated Leather, moonroof. Great styling, and handling. Couldnt be happier with our decision to buy a Tribute.

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  2005 Tribute AWD - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Hcormier - October 17 - 5:53 pm

  So far so good, vehicle has proven to be a good towing workhorse for our boat. Only issue has been the installation of a wiring harness for towing (did not purchase with towing pack). Had to wait until March 2005 for harness to be developed by Mazda as any aftermarket harness would void warranty due to compatibility with design issues. Otherwise it has proven to be a very good vehicle in the snow and loose gravel.

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  Excellent - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By lastwgn - October 15 - 5:13 pm

  Traded a Sable wagon for the Tribute and couldnt be more pleased. With three kids age 8 to 15, we were concerned about the middle seat. Not a problem at all. Excellent rear seat room, good cargo space, and the mileage has been adequate at 18.5 mpg for in town driving. When you first look at the Tribute, it seems very small on the outside, but it is somehow packaged just right to provide maximum inside space, and the trim exterior helps make this car an absolute blast to drive. It really does have the soul of a sports car.

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  Going Strong 125k - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By tannerrocks - October 12 - 1:47 pm

  This is the second Mazda I have owned; but this one has been the best car I have ever had thus far. I have had five cars in my life. I have replaced brackes, had some suspension work done (tie rods etc); but having had it since it was brand new I find it stellar. I dont off road with this; I drive on roads only. I travel with it almost annually; and it is our primary car on weekends so I average about 14k a year. I am very disappointed with the newer designs; if i wanted a Jeep I would buy a Jeep; not a Mazda look alike. I am replacing the stereo this year by choice so I can keep driving this one for many more miles.

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  Used to love her... - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By niccorcal - September 24 - 7:56 am

  We purchased my 06 Tribute brand new in 05 with only 17 miles on it. We couldnt stop raving about how nice it was and how we had never had any issues with it. That was until the transmission gave out ONE month after the warranty expired. It only has 33,000 miles on it & Mazda Corp. refuses to help me out. I couldnt produce sufficient paperwork proving that Ive had oil changes showing that weve been maintaining it. After two weeks of waiting for Mazdas response its now at a local garage getting a new transmission on MY dollar. I have two Mazdas, long time customer, I will never buy another Mazda again.

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  I love my SUV - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Gina - September 11 - 7:13 pm

  I just purchased a 2006 Mazda Tribute in December 2006 and I love it! It handles nicely, rides comfortably and my daughter and I just love it. It was only the 2nd car I test drove. Its the perfect size, not too bulky and small enough to fit in compact spaces.

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  Only one complaint - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By elgin - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I have 8,000+ miles on my Tribute. I had a hard time making up my mind what to buy. I am very happy with my purchase. My children love the SUV. With 3 vehicles in the house to drive, they are constantly borrowing it.

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  A solid B performer - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By FCM3 - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my LX -4X4 for 1yr and 2 months now (15K) and I rate the car as a solid B+. The car is speedy, handles well, and acts like a car. The down side is I ve had 3 warrenty items fixed ( I am going in for a 4th next week-the sunroof stopped working) all have been nuiscences that have required the car to stay at the dealership for 1 or 2 days. However the problems started after 8 hassle free months.(sagging headliner, check engine light(bad O2 sensor), and 4X4 switch broke-in on position. I average 18mpg/city and 21 on the highway. Ive been overall pleased w/ the ride, handling, power, and space. For the $$ this has been a good car.

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  Not built for the long haul.... - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Pitt Fan - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle, but Im starting to think it isnt built for the long haul. I recently had the dealership perform a transmission adjustment to eliminate an occasional "rumble strip" noise that would randomly occur in the 40-50 MPH range. They said theyre getting about 4-5 of these problems per month! Ive also noticed the mileage is getting worse. I was getting about 20mpg with combined city/highway. Now Im down to about 17, which STINKS.

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  Rust problems - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Mazda lover - July 28 - 10:00 am

  My 2008 Mazda Tribute have been working fine until recently that I found that the rear door seems and rear fender are rusting. The exterior face of the fender is peeling off and the inside is rusted. My vehicle has less than 60k miles. I usually wash my car during winter almost weekly to avoid this type of problems. The vehicle also has been in a garage all nights so I dont get why only a 2.5 yrs old car is rusting. I talked to the dealer where I bough it and they told that has a rust 5 yr warranty but covers everything that can make or made a hole in the body. They need to take pics and send it over to the regional warranty guy for approval. Im trading in for a real Japanese car.