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! - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Shannon - January 22 - 8:53 pm

  Ive had my Tribute for 14 months and I still love it the same as I did a year ago. Its very reliable, good gas mileage and was a good choice for me and my family. I have a 6yr and a 1year old, even on long trips, its a little small.. but good on gas (which is most important to us) I would buy from this Mazda again because my buying AND service experience has been great!!! I would recommend this car to anyone that wants a economical small SUV!

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  Best SUV Ive Had - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Alex - January 11 - 9:20 am

  I have had it for about 2 years now and I have just hit 100,000 miles and it still runs great. I have only had to replace a few things like the air conditioning compressor and i just got new brakes put on it today which reasonable for a car that has gone that far. I also had the brake booster replaced right away and i have not had any problems since that. I love this SUV soooo much that I had the cloth seats taken out, and I bought custom perforated real leather seats and i also had a sunroof installed. Both from Classic Soft Trim.

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  2002 Mazda Tribute Review - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By bud - January 5 - 5:30 pm

  Drives like a sports car. Strong V6 has great acceleration. Highway gas mileage averaging 23.8 mpg. Power sunroof is great, no drafs or wind noise.

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  mazda tribute lx - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Justine Ryan - December 29 - 1:46 pm

  I decided to buy a 4 wheel drive SUV as my purchase due to the fact that I drive frequently to VT and it is very hilly and snowy in my destination area. I compared many type and model SUVs and opted to purchase a mini SUV. I then selected the Mazda Tribute for its looks, its desent gas mileage for an SUV and its excellent safety record.

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  My Tribute - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By plinard - December 14 - 8:13 am

  This SUV really drives like a car. Very reliable and easy to maneuver. Easy to park in any space.

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  Awesome - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By tribute2me - December 2 - 4:16 am

  I love my Mazda Tribute ES-V6. Its fun to drive. I can go just about anywhere and its absolutely awesome in the snow and ice. It handles wonderfully. Its nice for a change not to get stuck in my driveway. I drove it through blizzards and rainstorms and the weather hasnt scared me or it, yet. This is the most amount of fun Ive ever had driving this SUV.

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  What A Great Ride and Performance! - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Mr M - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I have only owned this car (truck) for a month and I just wished I had bought one sooner! I truly find this Mazda a Joy to drive! It handles great and has Power to keep up and run away from most cars! I love my Stereo with the 7 speakers and 6 CD player. If anyone knows about a Tribute car club in the New England area please drop me a line. Thank you and Happy Driving everyone!

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  Cream of the Crop - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By srambus - November 28 - 3:36 pm

  My 16yr old son and I spent a good month of his summer vacation test driving and researching smaller SUVs. After extensive research and many many test drives, the Tribute clearly rose to the top. Best combination of gas mileage and style and comfort. When a KILLER deal came up in the local paper I jumped on it. I love the fact that the interior gives me the feeling of driving a much larger SUV, yet the actual driving and handling are definately carlike and peppy. The steering wheel has a nice grip and texture to it. In other SUVs I felt a roll or tipping sensation going around corners, but in the Tribute its practically non- existant. All in all, Zoom Zoom for sure!

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  Found an SUV I like - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Bob DeSantis - November 26 - 8:50 pm

  We have a Lexus 430 for long trips and nights out but wanted something to run around in. Since our kids are adults we never liked the big vans & SUVs & the small ones didnt feel comfortable. We didnt want to invest the money required to buy a Lexus SUV. We walked into Mazda and were immediately intrigued. The next day we bought it. We are having a ball looking for excuses to run to the store. We strongly recommend you consider this SUV.

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  Competent Performer - 2009 Mazda Tribute
  By Fun to Drive - November 22 - 10:30 pm

  This vehicle is fun to drive. A lot of vehicle for the money. A lot of extras are standard like fog lamps, tire pressure monitor, rear window wiper,washer, defroster. Great AC!