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:

• 

  No Complaints - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By M J Boyer - December 17 - 2:00 am

  This is my spouses vehicle...and she truly enjoys owning and driving it. The sun-roof feature allows great outdoors enjoyment, and the tightness and overall appearance both inside and out have brought her many favorable comments from co-workers and friends. Were older individuals, and I would certainly recommend to anyone past 50 to consider this vehicle...the 200HP performance is terrific.

• 

  Definitely Worth A Look - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By badlands - December 15 - 10:00 am

  After researching/test driving every SUV $40K and under I kept coming back to the Tribute. Overall,the Tribute is a winner. With the V6 it has better pickup and crisper handling then almost anything out there in the small/midsize SUV categories. Rides better on dirt roads than my Laredo did. 6in shorter than my old Jeep but still has reasonable cargo area and good front/back interior room. The sound system/6 cd player is equally as good if not better than the Infinity the Jeep had.If you are looking for an SUV with reasonable gas mileage(for an SUV), something thats fun to drive(the zoom zoom is for real), and a better bumper-to bumper warranty than most(4 yrs/50K mi),check out the Tribute.

• 

  Somewhat Disappointed - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By STX - December 12 - 2:40 pm

  This is the first time I buy a Mazda Tribute. Was pretty impressed with the design and the interior. Has plenty of room for driver and passengers. Has some good features that are very accessible from the drivers seat. Very good on mileage and economy.

• 

  This is our third Mazda...WOW! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Terri Zooms - December 3 - 10:33 am

  I purchased the 2005 Tribute with every option except the DVD and running boards. I am 240 pounds and my husband is 64". Both of us fit well as other compacts were too small, doggy and had poor visibility for me (53"). The V8 is powerful -- quick off the start and ZOOMS around vehicles on the highway. The cargo door opens 2 ways unlike other SUVs. As with any compact, not a lot of leg room in the back seat. Mileage: town 18 highway 23. It will improve after its driven more. Heated seats and mirrors are awesome, power adjustable seats are a snap to use, leather is high quality, paint job and appearance is second to none. You get the bang for your buck! Audio system rocks even for old folks.

• 

  Great but for the mileage - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Nibby - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Exceeded expectations in quality and value compared to other brands. Two disapointments. No power door lock switch on front passenger door and poor mileage for V6. 22 will never be achieved but still hoping for 17+ in town. Great 6CD changer and power to spare. Very good ride given relatively short wheel base. Two-way rear door/window opening very convenient. Great value for the $.

• 

  a tribute to the mazda tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By brandie - December 1 - 10:00 am

  we have had a great experience with this vehicle, i was impressed with the price and quality. it is the first mazda i ever owned but the third for my husband. it is a great suv for a small family needing that extra room, more room than a car. i think that it is comfortable, sporty and gets you to point a to b saftely. i dont feel like i am going to flip over and it is wide enough to give you that comfort of being stable, such a smooth ride, i love my sunroof and the hitch, the kids really enjoy it, it is a vehicle suitable for anyone in the family to drive

• 

  I would buy another! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By krysnik - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I drove several SUVs before deciding on the Tribute. I chose it over the Escape because of the exterior styling was more pleasing to the eye. This is the only car I have ever had that I would buy another one of. Trust me I am a very picky person!

• 

  Really Great - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Dan - November 27 - 6:36 pm

  No problems in 21000 miles. Acceleration, conering, turning radius, all really good. A very easy handling vehicle with good vision. Mileage, 20 city, 27 interstate at 70 mph. Other than noisy tires I love it.

• 

  I bought a Monteray Grey colored Tribute - 2010 Mazda Tribute
  By John Staehle - November 24 - 5:33 pm

  My wife and I test drove the Mazda Tribute "Sport" FWD/6spd/4cyl with great results and purchased the same.

• 

  This one is a real winner! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Mort - November 12 - 10:00 am

  My ES was my first American Built vehicle after 34 years of owning cars. Never liked American handling and build quality. Well now, I am a happy convert! This is one hell of a well conceived and executed SUV!