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 - 2001 Mazda Tribute
By jswindler - September 12 - 10:00 amI was one of the first people to buy a Tribute when they came out in 2000 and have loved it ever since. Very roomy on the inside and good-looking on the outside. Nice power too.
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Zoom Zoom - a great vehicle to own - 2004 Mazda Tribute
By Casak - September 1 - 10:00 amI have owned many vehicles but this one stands taller then any other. I love the handeling and comfort that is delivered to me. Stylish, easy to use instruments make this the one for me. Gas mileage is about 20+ mpg around town with the V6. Of course this is with only 2000 miles on the engine. I expect that will get better when the engine loosens. The dealership also makes the difference to me and I have always had great service at Mazda in Orange Park Mazda.
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luvmytrib - 2005 Mazda Tribute
By Trib05 - August 22 - 5:00 pmThis is my second Tribute, my first was a 2001. They sure have improved the gas mileage and I always get 20 mpg which I think is great for an SUV. This is such a reasonably priced vehicle with such great standard equipment such as the 6 CD changer, sunroof, abs, all power and more. I so highly recommend this SUV.
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Ive owned it 5 years - 2001 Mazda Tribute
By Gary - July 27 - 8:10 amThe Tribute is great. Very fun to drive. Very peppy and MPG is not bad for SUV. Very stylish and comfy. Great heater! Road/wind noise is a little much but the vehicle is well insulated. Tows very well and cargo room is great. Better than a pick-up with rear seats folded down. Premium sound is great and convenience of power mirrors, seat,windows, moon roof, etc. is very nice.
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Best car on the road for the price - 2003 Mazda Tribute
By carrie dunnam - July 14 - 4:43 pmI have always driven Mercedes - this is the best car I have ever owned - I drive 110 miles a day and it has been a wonderful car. The shift is on the column - probably the space would be less and I would lose those nifty pockets in the dash if it was on the floor.
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mazda tribute ES - 2002 Mazda Tribute
By ed villere - July 12 - 10:00 amI love my Tribute. Since I bought my 1st Mazda GLC in 1982, I have owned 12 Mazdas. I have purchased both new and used and at present own the Trbute, 1998 2500 truck,and 1996 MX-6. The only things I would change on my TRibute are the following: add compass and thermometer to rear view mirror, temperature setting automatically on air conditioning, auto door lock when the car put in gear, cd player that has random disc to disc capabilities, Thats about it.
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Zoom Zoom - 2004 Mazda Tribute
By desertdog - July 3 - 10:00 amThere are a lot of choices out there. After researching and driving, the Tribute takes the prize. This vehicle is fun to drive. It has great acceleration, brakes, handling, etc.... I do agree that the front seat should be more comfortable. It does have a lumbar adjustment which helps. The sound system is great. This thing is so much fun to drive I almost wish I bought a stick!
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I love it, but it could be better - 2008 Mazda Tribute
By Greg - June 22 - 3:10 amThe look - the exterior is much cooler than the 2002 which I previously owned, but no vinyl side panels that saved me a bundle when I got hit in the older one (no damage!). The interior - I love the high gloss look, but the sunglass holder door drops open every time I hit a bump. You still have to take the head rests off the back when putting the seat down. The rear cup holders on the console dont have the sleeve that the front ones do, so its very difficult to clean what the kids manage to put in there. Driving - it handles like a dream. I love driving this car.
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Still Going Strong - 2004 Mazda Tribute
By scooter - June 5 - 10:43 amI bought this Tribute new about two years ago. The styling is very nice, and it really is fun to drive. It has great acceleration, and excellent brakes. It is very easy to park and maneuver. The sound system is fantastic. The only negative I have experienced is the fuel economy. I only get about 17-18 city, and about 24-26 highway. Not bad, but for a vehicle this size it should be better. The build quality is very good. No rattles or other annoying noises after 17,000 miles. Overall it is a very good little SUV.
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Love my Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
By Love my Tribute - June 5 - 10:00 amThis is my 2nd 2004 Tribute. The first one I traded for a Mazda 3 because of rising fuel costs back in 2005. I missed it so much that when I found another used 2004 within my price range, I bought it. It had 68,000 miles on it when I bought it and now has 95,000. The only thing that its been in the shop for is recharging the AC. I love the way it rides and drives. I have a 20 mile commute to work and this past winter, when we had several bad snow storms, I didnt miss a day of work.
