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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  Mazda Tribute LX V6 - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By jkannard - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I really like the pep my Mazda has. It has been a really reliable vehicle and is roomy enough for our family of four.

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  Best Small SUV - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Big Tom - April 12 - 9:00 pm

  Test drove and priced several small SUVs. I am 69". This one has plenty of head and leg room and is comfortable to drive. I have the ES model and it has everything to offer that vehicles selling for $10000 more have. The gas economy is a little weak but appears to match other 6 cylinder vehicles with the same horsepower.

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  Save Your Money - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Rozy - April 11 - 3:50 pm

  Buyer beware... save your money. This was the first car I bought new and was in love with it until the second day I had it and it wouldnt start. The car went back to the dealrship 5 times for this problem and they had no idea what was wrong, just started to change wires to play guess and check. My car shut down on the highway because the alternator went at 30,000 miles. Then my transmission went at 50,000 (no longer under warranty). Mazda wont do anything to rectify the piece of junk they sold me! They are not helpful and said these problems were my fault. 2 days old and broken... not my fault. This car is a heap of junk for all the problems it caused.

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  awesome - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By lovelytribute41 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  awesome experiance,enjoy all features did homework b/4 purchase. Great warranty,good resale value,affordable price. good customer satisfaction

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  my mazda - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By mikenysf - April 3 - 2:00 am

  i love this suv

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  This is the ONE - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Mojo - April 2 - 10:00 am

  I have finally found the perfect SUV to fit my lifestyle. I have been looking for something to fit my tastes as well as my budget and the 02 Tribute ES-V6 was the perfect match. The ride is smooth and handles just like my wifes Mitsubishi Galant. The interior is plush and the exterior is sleek and stylish. I would defintitely recommend this to anyone out there in the market for a compact SUV.

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  Classy Appearance - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By jchris - April 2 - 10:00 am

  I saw one on the road and was immediately drawn to it back in 2000. I went to look at one right away. I was impressed and I thought the exterior and interior complimented one another and was impressed that it seemed to look and feel more like a car than a truck. Overall it fit my desire to not be too sporty or to be too much like a luxury SUV.

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  So far so good! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By ccarlson - April 2 - 5:23 am

  Took some time getting used to after driving a car; felt tippy and had too many column levers, kept turning wiper blades on to put it in gear. I agree with some others that it needs a lighted key ignition, hard to locate in the dark even after 3 years. I had engine light come on first year and a couple recalls but all were fixed in a timely manner by the dealer. Seats were and still are hard as a rock, but holding up well. Love the front wheel drive, rarely need the 4WD. Has good visual all around. Tire & wind noise on the inside is loud. Had 6 disk CD player replaced once, has nice sound. If made a little wider and fixed above items, it would be the ultimate small SUV. Good vehicle!

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  Fuel Pump Sensor/computer is shot - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By phxbarb - March 30 - 7:38 am

  Everything has been fine until now. Nothing major. Yesterday driving along fine. Park. Go to store, come out. Starts, shakes, stops. Starts, shakes, moves a little, stops. Absolutely no warning anything wrong. Now a bill for $600 to get a sensor thing installed. What the?

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  Nice car, fun to drive - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Hasan - March 27 - 4:36 pm

  I have the car for a month now. I had a long trip from L.A. to the Grand Canyon. Very powerful with 5 people inside and full luggage including on the top and we had no problem of driving uphill in any speed on the mountains. However over 70 (speed limit in AZ is 75), gas mileage drops 20mpg on highway.