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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Fun to drive - 2002 Mazda Tribute
By Bop - November 12 - 10:00 amThis is a new-owner review. I will write a follow-up later, maybe after 6 months or a year. Initial experience, after extensive test-drive and comparisons, is that the Tribute is the best value for the money out there. And it IS fun to drive. I have no complaints at this time, and can only recommend one.
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Very Satisfied - 2005 Mazda Tribute
By LMcGee - November 3 - 10:00 amI test drove many kinds of suvs on the market. The Mazda Tribute was the most comfortable suv to ride in. It is spacious and "oh" does it draw attention. I have been asked by many what is it called. I chose the Tribute because I received more options for my money compared to others that are similar.
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super purchase - 2003 Mazda Tribute
By howell - October 25 - 10:00 ampurchase about six weeks ago. handles and rides great not too harsh not too soft. easy to get in and out of. solid features for the money.
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Zoom, zoom, OH YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Mazda Tribute
By Fyerstrtr - October 7 - 2:00 amDid alot of test driving and research in the SUV area, and I can honestly say that this is THE SUV to have for every reason! The reliability, handling, comfort, and design are impeccable! Arguably the best ever built!
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My Zoom-Zoom - 2005 Mazda Tribute
By jgoldfish - October 6 - 5:30 amThe Tribute is an excellent SVU. It is perfect to haul the skis, kids, dogs, bikes, etc. with a great sporty look that we were looking for. We tested the Saturn look alike, thought it was too cheap inside. We didnt every let the kids in at the dealership because we were afraid something would fall off in the interior of it. The service at our Mazda dealer was superior to any dealer in the area. Even a year after the purchase our dealer and the Mazda dealership is always there to answer any question we have just as friendly as the date of purchase.
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My Mazda - 2004 Mazda Tribute
By Dskelly - October 1 - 2:00 amI enjoy driving my vechile. It gives a great ride and is easy to manuever. The gas mileages is about 23 hwy which is what I am use to
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GOOOD CAR - 2005 Mazda Tribute
By ISA GALLASHAW - September 20 - 10:00 amTHE CAR IS VERY PRETTY AND ONE OF THE BEST SMALLER SUVS THAT I HAVE SEEN. I LIKE IT A LOT BUT I AM LOOKING FIRWARD TO PURCHASING A TRAILBLAZER.
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A comfy little SUV with looks and power. - 2003 Mazda Tribute
By JWW - September 18 - 2:00 amI wanted a small SUV and based on reviews and recommendations of friends I decided to pursue a Honda CRV. I also liked the Tribute and the reviews were good as well but no one I knew had ever heard of it much less owned one. I set out one Saturday to check out the Tribute on my way to find a CRV and I never made it to Honda. One test drive and two hours later I was driving one home for about $400 below invoice. The power and ride are great and my 66" body fits fine. The stereo with in dash cd and rear subwoofer sound terrific. I only have a couple of thousand miles on it as yet but I cant wait for warm weather so I can really see what this baby can do!!
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Mazda Tribute ES - 2003 Mazda Tribute
By WBL68 - September 18 - 2:00 amA fun machine to drive. Very smooth and speedy performance. Smooth shifting auto transmission. Comfortable seating. Excellent visibility and control knob placements, interior space unimpeded by a floor console shifter.
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2006 Mazda Tribute - 2006 Mazda Tribute
By Cougar 02 - September 16 - 9:36 am2006 Tribute that we have now 18 months and it has been great up to this point. 19,000 miles on it. Ride is not bad for an SUV. Made a few long trips and got 23 MPG. Handles very well and made it through the winter of 07 here in the NE of Pa, and with roads around here thats saying a lot. Some road noise at times.
