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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  Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By lissa - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I really love my Mazda Tribute, it drives well and has lots of room inside. The wind noise is pretty bad on the interstate.

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  gas guzzler - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By wedgeclose - June 29 - 2:00 am

  took delivery in mid january...got a very good price on the car...a rare LX with luxury pkg. including sun-roof in lt. tundra (green). the sales experience was fun but im glad we did our homework on pricing and invoices. we got it out of there for $24K. the car is really pretty and there were no flaws whatsoever. They gave us a free tank of gas which is good because if they had given us only a 1/4 tank we would have run out before we got home. 30 miles! Very disappointed in the gas mileage.

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  Electric Problem - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By thecoop51 - June 24 - 5:10 pm

  Although I believe this vehicle is a decent mid-size SUV, I cant believe I had an alternator problem at 19,000 miles. It has to be replaced already and the dealership has to wait approximately 7-10 days for a new one. So Im driving a rental until Mazda decides to ship a new one. Ive had cars with 100,000 miles on them and never had an alternator failure. Anybody else experience this problem so early in their purchase?

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  We love our Trib! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By MLewis - June 23 - 10:00 am

  The Tribute is just about everything we were seeking in a small SUV. It is compact enough to manuever easily in traffic and in and out of tight parking, yet roomy enough for comfort, with a decent cargo capacity. It has a stylish, not-too-sporty look, and as much "get up and go" as we could ask for. When the time comes to replace our 2nd car, another Tribute will be a strong contender. ZOOM ZOOM!

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  Overall a Good Value - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Murf130 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  We wanted a car based mini-SUV that could get around the city while still having the ability to haul and go off- road; we got it in the Tribute. It hauls my 3000 lb boat with no problem. It is sure footed in the mud of the Pac NW and you can get it in any parking spot in Seattle. You can tell however that you are buying an "economy" vehicle as its missing some of the bells & whistles that my Silverado has.

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  Good so far - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Happy so far - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle to replace my 12 year old(180,000 mile) Mazda MPV and so far, I am happy with the purchase. Good looks and mechanically sound.More than sufficient power. Continental tires a bit noisy. Door armrests could be padded.

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  Very disappointed - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By JOSEPHINE - May 15 - 12:10 pm

  Two weeks after I bought this car I started experiencing hard starting and a loud clicking sound in the passenger/driver door. I took it to Mazda service center and they confirmed my concerns. They serviced this car 3 times for the same issue and up to now they havent resolved the problem. First they said it was the battery, then second it was the software that needs to be updated. The third time the technician cannot fix the problem and they have to involve the manufacturers engineer. Very disappointing since this car is supposed to be brand new. Almost everyday the car has difficulty starting. As for the door clicking noise no parts available to replace it until ?????

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  fun and power!! - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By DONALD - April 22 - 10:00 am

  The Tribute is the fourth SUV Ive owned. I had the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Subaru Outback an a jeep cherokee. The Tribute out does them all. As fun to drive as the Outback with more towing capacity and power. The v-6 makes this a hands down better suv that the subaru and was 3,oo less. The tribute also has more reliability than the jeep or subaru, the grand cherokee was in the shop 6 times in one year. Never had problems with Mazda and a better warranty! Hands down the best SUV Ive owned.

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  Disappointed with mileage and performance - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By maskita - April 2 - 2:06 pm

  Purchased used with 106K on the clock, now has 113K. We were attracted to the exterior styling and interior features of the 2004 Mazda Tribute. It gives a very stable and comfortable ride. I hate the poor air conditioning controls. When you select the A/C, you cannot select which vents (high or low) the air comes out of, unlike the Toyotas and Hondas that I am accustomed to. The V6 engine pulls fairly well at low speeds, but seems to have a difficult time maintaining 70 mph on some highway inclines. I expected better than 22 mpg from a modern Japanese vehicle of this size. Would not buy another one.

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  Be Careful - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By thenetz - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I have had a clunking noise from my 2001 Tribute for about 1 month now. The dealership keeps telling me they cannot find anything wrong. They rotated the tires and changed a shock. They say it was my fault for not rotating the tires every 5000 miles, after only 17000 miles there should not be such a problem that it feels like a constant flat tire, but that is what mine feels like. The dealership doesnt seem to care that there is a problem. Be careful who you buy from how their customer service is.