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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  Great Car - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By John - March 16 - 11:50 am

  I narrowed my choice to the Tribute/Escape, Forester, and CR-V after deciding to trade my Honda Accord. I chose the Tribute on the basis of handling, interior room, style, and value. The Forester had less rear seat room and I didnt like the door mounted spare on the CR-V. Also, both were more expensive after the available rebates and incentives. It is a comfortable car to drive and I liked the feature set on the "i" including the standard 16 inch wheels. My only options were cruise control, heavy duty floor mats, and the rear bumper step.

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  Nice car/suv - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By jbertha - March 15 - 2:00 am

  very peppy, handles like a car, corners nicely, easy entry/exit, smooth ride, great in snow very stable

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  1 year of research brought me to MAZDA - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By K. Abbruzzese - March 15 - 2:00 am

  being single and buying a car!!!WOW I was not looking forward to that experience, but was treated well at Mazda City. LOVE my Tribute. I researched on the internet for over a year, test drove a dozen cars over my spring break - for the money this Tribute is a joy to own.

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  A Few Problems - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Drex - March 10 - 9:56 am

  So far Ive had to change the alternator. Replacement was done at the dealer (ouch) so I was given an OEM alternator with a whopping 1 yr/12,000 mile warranty. Nice going there. The shifter gets in the way too much. I notice if you put the SUV in park, it still has a tendency to roll a bit after you take your foot off the brake. Even after fixing the recalled accelerator cable, the SUV still has a tendency to lurch forward when taking your foot off the accelerator. Rear liftgate hatch has broken and wont lock. Cost of repair is over $300. High highway noise, not so good gas mileage, not pleased with Mazda overall.

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  For the price you cant beat it. - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By judyrom1 - March 10 - 6:56 am

  I love my truck, leather seats, power everything, nice sound sytem, I love the way it looks. Roomy interior and easy to see out of all the windows/no blind spots like some other in this class.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Rocketmancpa - February 25 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our Tribute about five months ago I am impressed. We drove it on a 7 hour trip recently and found it to be the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned. The power, roominess, comfort, and reliability is awesome.

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  BEST, AFFORDABLE, RELIABLE - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By trexy2 - February 24 - 10:00 am

  GREAT SUV in style and performance...Choose the es-v6 4wd!!!

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  Great vehicle - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Rob Ellis - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 2001 Tribute for over three years now and I am very happy with it. The engine performance is very adequate and I have had very few problems. The few problems I have had were covered under warranty. The service plan under the waranty has been great because it includes rental car coverage.

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  Ex Tribute Lover - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By ExTributeLover - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I loved my 2001 Tribute then I made the mistake of trading it on a 2005. The Gear Shifter now takes of most of the space in the front. The heater/air controls now have little light-up buttons that cannot be seen in daylight. NO WAY TO TUNE THE RADIO, NO CASSETTE PLAYER. Cheap looking plastic on dash board in. NOT the fun to drive suv that the 2001 was, AND IT EATS UP GAS, 14-16MPG. Even with top pkgs chosen, you DONT get many extras like: WHEEL LOCKS, BUG DFLCTRS, A/W MATS. The 2005 Tribute is an OVERPRICED GAS GUSSLER that lost its zest for life.

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  Barbs car - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By barb - February 14 - 3:56 am

  Ive driven Tributes for almost 8 years. This is my 3rd one. They are great; peppy; fun to drive.