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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  What a find! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Dan - November 8 - 1:23 am

  I recently purchased a 2005 Mazda Tirbute 4wd, 6cyl and have been very pleased. I took it on a long journey and it exceeded my expectations for handling, comfort, and performance. I owned a Buick Century and was used to geting 30 miles per gallon on the highway. With this SUV the mileage on the highway is about 22 and around town 18. That is the only drawback to this vehicle. It is fun to drive, loaded with safety options such side and front air bags, ABS standard brakes, all wheel drive and much more that makes it a real asset for your driving pleasure. After researching and researching compact SUVS for months, I am glad I purchased the Mazda Tribute. I think you will enjoy this vehicle

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  AOK by me - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By teleskier - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had the Trib for 3 months, but so far Ive enjoyed my purchase. My biggest concern was performance in snow, as I live in a mountainous region and like to ski. The Trib has done fine driving through snow storms and up snowy mountain roads. It also holds all my gear with out a problem. I like the power it has to go up Mountain passes and to cruise on the highway. The roof rack could be a little higher as the clamps for Thule ski rack I put on dont have enough clearance off the roof. The gas milage is disappointing, Ive been averaging 18-19 mpg with a combination of highway and city driving. R

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  Mazda tribute - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By MIRANDA - October 27 - 8:26 am

  I added the leather seats and they are so comfortable. It is small enough to get in and out of easily but has the handling of a car. I love it and my 2 year old loves it.

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  Pizza love - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By frichardc - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Loved the vehicle when I first got it and most of my 39 month lease. Lately it has developed electrical and mechanical problems. Warning lights come on when nothing is wrong. The windshield has developed a leak and worse of all the transmission shudders when shifting in and out of overdrive. I was going to by it but am now happy to return it to the dealer with only 26000 miles on it.

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  Save Your Money-Spend it Elsewhere - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Mazda-Hater - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Actually I have a 2002 Mazda that had to have a new transmission at only 18,000 miles. The dealership was very unhelpful. First they stated that compressor for the air conditioner came in but, after a week they stated not all the parts were there (who knows why it took them a week to discover this). Then they did not have the tool to fix the car (I would think that they had tools to fix the cars they sold). They had our car for two weeks and still did not fix two of the three problems (one was supposed to be fixed by the new transmission). I would not recommend this car to my worse enemy! We are currently looking to replace the car.

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  Unlucky - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Unlucky Owner - October 4 - 12:16 pm

  Ownweship experence, Wow where do I start, one alternator, four coils, new breaks all around,a front drive shaft and today a sensor costing 1200 before labor & taxes all before reaching 100,000K. Mazda claims there are no problems with the Tribute, but I say they need to look into it more closely. The SUV is just getting broke in at 97,000 what happened to having a product you could see 100,000 miles on.

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  End of 3 year lease - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By bigbaby - September 28 - 4:13 pm

  3rd review of the Tribute. Its still a great car after 2.5 years. I do want to get something new so Ill be trading this in (lease has positive equity). Absolutely no problems. Just put gas and do oil changes and it runs like a champ. Recently went on I-30 from Dallas to Arkansas. Set the cruise at 65 and wound up getting 29.5 MPG. A 6 cyl SUV with only a 4 speed automatic! Some lucky used car buyer is going to get a winner with this car.

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  Best values/Reliability is your luck - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Wayne - September 26 - 10:50 am

  After only 600 miles, the transmission is locked up. Dealers replaced it with a rebuilt transmission within two weeks. It should be replaced with a brand new transmission. The car now has 7000 miles on the odometer and it is running fine now. Actually, I am kind of lucky to have the transmission completely lockup. Otherwise, I will only get 8-10 miles a gallon but it will never get fixed.

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  Its Okay........I guess - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Lt - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I think it is over priced for the value.Ive had it for about a year now and the ride has seemed to gotten worse.

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  Frustration with the Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Robyn Teigman - September 8 - 10:00 am

  i have had this car for almost three years and have had numerous problems with it from the day we purchased it. It is the second Mazda I have owned, the first being a 626 and I am finding similar types of problems. I have had leaks from the body, have had to replace all four tires, the sun roof and electric seats do not work intermittently, the lastest problem - when the car is cold it sounds as if my power steering is not working. I have had the car in for countless services. It is frustrating as I enjoy the ride and the comfort of the car, but do not trust it.