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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  Can you say, "Recall(s)" - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Pete - June 25 - 2:00 pm

  From the a month after buying, we had our first of now 5 recalls. I actually bought the 2003 model. Since then I have heard of no significant difference in the number of complaints to dealerships. The Tribute drives well around town and is built solid, but the engine proformance is horrible. Constant transmission problems. Dealerships are blaiming that on the non-Japanese built engine. The seats feel good at first, but after an hour, your rear end goes numb. Not a good road trip car. But around town, for the price, you cant beat it. I give it an average rating, all things considered. I recommendend paying an extra 2-3 thousand and getting more a SUV. I will never buy again.

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  Fun at First...but then - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By brokken12 - May 31 - 1:50 pm

  When we first got the Tribute we really loved it. We got an extended warranty since we bought the car used. This was a good thing because wheel bearings, the 4WD shift controller, Rear Suspension where just some of the things that needed to be fixed in the first few months. We took on a trip through the Maritimes and it had lots of pick-up, no issues on climbing some hilly terrain or passing. The comfort inside was great, but the radio broke and cup holder kept coming off. The all leather interior on our model was great and easy to clean.

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  am ready to trade it in - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By rep62ar - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new and loved the look and feel. It was the right size for me - a small SUV. I am about to bring it in for my fourth round of warranty work, however, for four different problems. After dealing with the well documented stall problem, air bag light (will go in tomorrow for that) and problem starting/losing power when slowing down due to air intake valve among other problems, I am fed up. I cant even get my local dealership to give me a receipt for the last warranty work done. This car is not worth the hassle.

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  beware of jim ellis mazda dealers - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By exasperated - February 24 - 2:00 am

  While the tribute is overall a good car, I have had numerous negative experiences with Mazda in the week since I purchased my car. First, the dealer has been inept - offering me a percentage rate, signing the contract, and then calling me after Ive already taken possession of the car and trying to re-negotiate my contract. Second, the day after I brought my car home it began malfunctioning, and the dealer has yet to correct the problems. Third, there is no automatic door unlock on the passenger door - pain for passengers and drivers alike. Overall, pretty good car but sketchy dealers - beware. If it seems like a good deal, read the fine print.

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  Nice to drive, yet very unsafe - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By AimeeW - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I have the DX 2WD/ 4cyl standard Tribute and it has been a reliable car in general but it is absolutely horrible in the rain/snow. It handles extremely poor in these conditions. When it rains, I hydroplane often and it skids on any road that is slightly slick while braking. I am looking to trade this vehicle in because of this but now I see that it has depreciated terribly as well.

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  Lousy Gas Mileage - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By barbeehd - January 19 - 2:33 pm

  I traded my 2002 tribute, V6 for this car and am disappointed in the MPG. It is worse than my 2002 and is a 4 cyl. Its nice looking but I wanted better MPG than I am getting. I may trade it in sooner than later.

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  Pure Frustration - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By sgardner - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Despite a lot of strong points, my Tribute has been nothing but trouble. Terrible build quality. So far the brake pedal assembly, seat heater switch, CD player, cruise control, all weather stripping, and cowlings have had to be replaced. Mazda Consumer Compliance has been very little help, and a local dealer (not where I purchased the vehicle) damages the car each time they work on it.

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  downgrades - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By gliptone - May 27 - 2:23 pm

  i had a 2002 .that model had a sunroof pop up wind deflector 2008 does not 2002 had dual tone horns 2008 does not2002 had rear drum brakes this 2008 still does.rides better than 2002 corners not as well.

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  engine problems - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By mazdasucks - April 26 - 3:06 pm

  I had to replace the engine at 57000 miles.

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  Dissapointment - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Seadog - March 31 - 10:00 am

  No question the performance and power for this SUV were great. But I had it in 4 times for repairs to the drivers outside mirror (vibrated)a rattle in the right rear and an engine failure. The egine was fixed but they were never able to fix the other things.