5 Star Reviews for Mazda Tribute

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.40/5 Average
944 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 251 through 260 of 944.00
  • doctor - 2004 Mazda Tribute
    By -

    i have driven it i really felt comfortable. very reliable,

  • 2003 Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
    By -

    I love my new Tribute! It handles beautifully, has plenty of interior room, and is almost as much fun to drive as my miata!

  • Zoom Zoom - 2003 Mazda Tribute
    By -

    I traded in a Mazda Protege for the Tribute and I love it!!! I have never owned a SUV before and I was a little leery about all the hype about the SUVs and safety. The Tribute handles very well and takes curves on the interstate as well as the Protege did. I feel much safer when driving/riding in it than a car. The interior is roomier than other SUVs I have looked at and the cargo space is great for hauling all the camping gear.

  • sports car soul - 2005 Mazda Tribute
    By -

    This zippy SUV is perfect for the Sierra foothill region. Its on demand 4WD creates the most sure footed vehicle on the road. Interior supports everything we need to do, camp, shop, carry large objects and is a great weekend toy while still being a good looking car for business.

  • Much to Like - 2004 Mazda Tribute
    By -

    I have approximately 20,000 miles on my 2003 Merlot ES. Its a great vehicle for the commute, as the traction in the winter is exceptional, and I average silightly over 21 M.P.G. I had one major problem at about 4,000 miles, when an engine leak developed. The engine was pulled to find a camshaft seal leaking. Mazda provided me with a loaner for the 4 days of the repair, and its been smooth sailing ever since. I like the looks much better than the Escape, which I briefly considered. The warranty was much better on the Mazda.

  • Nothing can still compare - 2002 Mazda Tribute
    By -

    So powerful that youll not notice youre speeding already.

  • This is why I waited.... - 2005 Mazda Tribute
    By -

    I know Ive only had my car for 48 hrs. but Im in love. Spending around 25,000 (before tax and license) for a fully equiped SUV was a smart choice. I like the new design for the 05, the interior looks much better, a little more up-scale, I love the shape and exterior design of the SUV, heated leather seats, 6 disk Cd changer, sun roof... if I had to pick something I would change would be the gas mpg. I live is southern cali, I need all the mpgs. I can get, with my V6 I avrg. 20- 25, I wish (25-30) Its a better choice than the others.

  • Love this SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
    By -

    I love, love, love this car. My tribute currently has 89,000 mi. Its everything a small SUV should be. In the V6 with 4wd, its powerful quick. I spend 2hrs in mine daily, both highway and dirt roads, and its just as stable on the mud as it is on pavement. Im getting around 25mpg. On our first big snow, I hit 4WD, and drove this thing through the mud and 16" of snow up a hill without so much as slip. Its much more stable than I feel the Jeeps are, and when test driving, blew away even the Escape. Mine also has an enormous sunroof, stylish leather and idiot-proof 6 CD changer. There also isnt a dog, a ladder or power tool my hubby and I cant fit in it.

  • Reliable, Great Value, Strongly Recommen - 2004 Mazda Tribute
    By -

    Our 2004 ES 4WD has been a super truck, very reliable, reasonably good mpg (20) for a vehicle this big with this much power. Great value for the money as well, compared to the Grand Cherokee, Subaru, Explorer, etc I am really happy with this vehicle. Has great visibilty and handles very well. Great for people (like me) who need the height of an SUV but still want sporty handling.

  • We love our Trib - 2008 Mazda Tribute
    By -

    We have really enjoyed our Tribute. Nice and quiet and a smooth ride around town. So far we have not made a road trip in this vehicle so my observations are for around town only. Fuel mileage has been consistent at 19mpg. Power is adequate for our driving styles.

Mazda Tribute Reviews By Year:
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