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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  2002 LX Tribute - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By kcowan - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. The only problems we have experienced have been with a sensor on the airbag system.

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  First Impressions - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Laundryman - February 26 - 2:00 am

  My experience with this vehicle has, so far, been good.I admit that I have not owned ot long enough to give an authoritative critique. However Ive found it to be comfortable and well equiped,( having added no extras except for wheel locks). I can live with the sound system although Id advise in favor of the upgraded sound system if youre really into music as I am.

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  Drives like a big truck - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Jody in Plumas Lake - February 5 - 2:46 pm

  My biggest complaint about this SUV is the turning radius. Its very hard to turn into parking stalls or make U turns in tight areas... impossible to do without doing a 3 point turn. The other thing is the road noise. It is very loud while driving. Need to turn the radio up to even hear it. Otherwise its been a great little vehicle. The gas mileage is all right, averaging 19-20, except now after my tuneup, Im getting about 15-16.

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  GREAT BUTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Kimberly Hughes - January 29 - 2:43 am

  Great ride, control and fit...but, the airconditioner vents fell back and broke at 3000 miles....the windshield leaked the first time there was a big rain (1,000 miles on the Tribute) and I was told this was from the windshield shaking during travel...scary thought huh?? Not what I spend $20,000.00 to get! The knobs on the radio fell off at 1500 miles. The CD player skips and continues to each time a bump is hit. It is a nice looking Vehicle but is put together like a hot wheel...I know this because my first Tribute was bought on May 1st and it was such a Lemon that it was replaced by the dealer one month later in June and not much has changed except the windshield does not leak....

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  Mazda Tribute 2002 - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By rbarea - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the Tribute for $250 over real invoice with side airbags, premium sound system and tow pkg. To make it look a little nicer I purchased the wood pkg. for the interior and it looks great. No problems after 5000 miles. Getting about 20 MPG with majority of the driving being stop and go. Only complaint is I wish the engine was more quiet, but hey...

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  BEWARE - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Chris Wood 2 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  At 200 miles the front crank shaft seal developed a pretty serious oil leak. The headliner is separating, and parts are extremely difficult to attain. The selling dealer has been terrific, but their hands are tied. Mazda North America hasnt returned emails. The vehicle now has 1,200 miles and is only 12 weeks old. It is a fun vehicle to drive, and appears to be a good value. However, this amount of initial problems should concern any possible buyers. I have purchased many new Mazdas, and this experience has definately curbed my Mazda purchasing.

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  almost 3 years - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By trohn33 - January 8 - 7:03 pm

  Having owned my Tribute for almost 3 years, it is disappointing to see the check engine light come on and stay on after it has been repaired. For the most part, the Tribute is an extremely enjoyable ride for me, the driver. The passenger seat lacks the same support, so at sudden braking, the passenger may feel as though they are sliding forward. As a lease vehicle, it is a nice choice. However to purchase? Get the extended warranty beyond the given 50,000 miles/4 years. The interior cabin is very roomy, but noisy. In order to hear the radio with some clarity, it has to be turned up quite a bit while driving. You dont realize how loud it is until you restart it. Fuel economy is bad.

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  Tribute vs Escape - 2009 Mazda Tribute
  By p clarke - January 2 - 3:26 pm

  Bought the Tribute rather than the Escape because of interior and exterior styling differences.Ford needs to upgrade both, as well as paint colors. So far so good with the 4 banger.

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  Well worth it... - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By TMLA - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car in Jan 2003 after having a 2001 Kia Sportage for little over a year. This SUV is much better built and has so far taken me, in great comfort, to lots of new places...After much researching my boyfriend and I decided that this SUV has the right balance of features for the price as compared to the other cars in its class.

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  Needed New Engine - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By ajmjd2 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Five days after purchasing a new Tribute and with less than 400 miles on the road, a piston broke off and destroyed the engine. The dealership offered to replace the engine, but eventually agreed to replace the vehicle. So far, no problems.