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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  Love my Tribute - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By bevhath - September 27 - 10:16 pm

  Ive had this 2001 for little over 2 yrs now, over 105K miles. ONLY problem Ive had is running rough when you first start it and occassionally rough "surges" at stop lights/signs. Any idea what that can be? Fun to drive, radio not very good, was hoping for a little better gas milage - gets around 18 around town & 24-25 long haul driving (interstates, etc). Looking for another in addition to this one now!

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  lots of car with a nice price tag! - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By sdz4747 - September 6 - 9:40 am

  Love driving the car, SUV look but handles like a car. Great get up & go! My husband is looking at buying a Porche Cayenne & still says my car drives great compared to it. Have had only minor problems with the car... tape player has never worked right, was under warranty but didnt get it fixed, never used it so always forgot! Cable on drive gear broke ($200) & now my drivers side door handle is broke.

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  What a cool SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By E. Johnston - September 4 - 10:00 am

  After 1 year of owning and driving this ute, I still think it is one of the best utes you can buy for the money. It is as roomy as a full-size SUV inside (I think because they dont waste space with a 3rd row -- which no one can use or even fit into). It drives better than most sedans. The AWD really works, whether offroading (done it) or driving up an icy road to ski at 13,000 (done it).

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  new es-v6 merlot/w beige interior - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By bmartyntx - September 4 - 10:00 am

  we purchased this vehicle because we wanted a small suv that can hold 5 people comfortably i am 6-3 and i looked at all the suvs out there pilot,crv,toyota full line,nissan,gmc,chevy,etc. and out of all of them i looked at i needed something that would fit and i found the ford escape does that but the tribute is actually a ford escape but with a nicer more rounded look and i feel has a better package w/ standard anti-lock brakes and is actually a little less than escape. also the warranty is better and also has roadside assist. w free loaner car. coupled with 0% financing it was very hard to find anything else even close.

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  Perfect Family Vehicle - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Bigkay - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I truly enjoy my new Tribute. It is very comfortable and so much fun to drive. I have 2 children and feel completely safe having them in the car with me. I thought I would miss my 1998 MPV when I traded it in, but I love this vehicle, I highly recommend to anyone looking for a reliable SUV.

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  JJ - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Jim - September 1 - 3:23 am

  I purchased this for my 17 year old daughter. She is worst than any torture test ever conceived. (35,000 in 12 months). The car has performed beautifully with no problems what so ever. Averages 26 mpg. It drives and handles like a compact car but has better visibility. I highly recommend the car. If fact my wife liked it so much I bought her one a month later. The 4 cylinder has plenty of power up to about 80 MPH.

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  awesome car - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By chris123 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  this is an awesome car!! i love the car!

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  04 Tribute LX 4wd - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By libsdad - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car only after I was looking at a Mazda 3. Much more usable bang for the buck, never has a suv before, but this one seems great for what I am using it for. Had a snowstorm 2 days after I took delivery and it never even spun the wheels. I went where I needed to go with no problems.

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  Mazda Tribute is Best compact SUV Value - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By agc - August 18 - 10:00 am

  The best way to show the value you get with the Mazda Tribute is to compare it to another. I bought the Tribute and a co-worker bought a Toyota RAV4 recently. We paid nearly the same for our vehicles. I got a powerful smooth V6, ABS, towing package, side air bags, flip up rear window, retractable cargo cover, overhead opening rear door, more room & comfort, & he got none of these.

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  Does the job - 2009 Mazda Tribute
  By Hugo Chalifour - August 6 - 9:56 pm

  I have this SUV for more than a year now and i am very happy with it. Very reliable in any conditions. Roomy enough to go around and do some winter and summer activities out in the woods. Original tires are Michelin and they are great.I choose this one over fords only due to looks. Did not want the fake Bling bling shiny look. Front end is sportier looking.