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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  2005 Mazda Tribute - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Laura - November 16 - 2:43 pm

  Mazda Tribute with fwd and 4 cylinder engine gets great gas mileage city and highway. Its great fun to drive.

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  Small SUV Zoom Zoom - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Native Austinite - November 12 - 4:06 pm

  Research led me to the CX-7, but turned away from the premium gas requirement. Looked at/drove the Tribute and although "boxey," unlike the sleek CX-7, I insisted on a vehicle that operated on regular gas. Ive had mine since the end of April and have had a couple of road trips. The ride is smooth and quiet, its roomy, handles well, seats 5. V6 has the power to get you through traffic, not real impressed with the brakes, a bit mushy. The leather interior really dresses it out. A very good value in comparison to other small Japanese SUVs. Fun to drive.

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  Zoom Zoom Zoom - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Shawnee - November 11 - 10:00 am

  We have owned 2 Mazdas. Great value, reliable, fun to drive.. The seats are awesome.. so comfortable. Would purchase another Tribute without a thought..

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  $18,500 well spent - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By JamesinHouston - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased an LX w/luxury package (6 disc indash cd/7 speakers + sunroof). Im real happy with the price and with the vehicle in general. Handles great with plenty of power. A-C blows cold and strong like a Ford - Will do well in the Texas summer heat.

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  Mighty Fine SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Zumb - November 7 - 10:00 am

  The ES has a luxurious interior with a lot of extras like reclining back seats, high padded arm rest between the front seats, and all the extras you expect from a higher level vehicle. It is a lot roomier inside than you would think a "small SUV" would be. It is surprisingly quiet inside even on rough surfaces. The engine has steady power and pick up, the automatic transmission shifting is smooth and it handles well on turns. It offers a smooth ride on a variety of surfaces. The exterior appearance is not boxy but also not like it is trying to be a van. It is a nice mid-level vehicle with an aesthetic but not flashy appearance.

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  I love my car - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By maji96 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This is an overall good car. I am very pleased with the performance.

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  My new rig - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By dale nelson - October 19 - 7:33 am

  Previously drove an Infiniti G35 for two years and find the Mazda Tribute to meet all of my needs....excellent stereo (nearly as good as the Bose system in the Infiniti)...Lumbar adjustment works well....plenty of power, but only getting about 16 mpg in town so far....Anyway I would rate this rig as an 8 against the 10 of the Infiniti.....not far behind for $15,000 less cost and cargo room is excellent even compared to larger SUVs that I compared it with......I swore I would never own an SUV, but I love this rig.........

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  Great SUV - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By plugf15 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Downsized from a Durango. Tribute is much nicer ride and fun to drive. No problems and great value!

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  Fantastic Car - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Greg - October 18 - 4:03 pm

  This has been the best car purchase. I wanted to get a 4x4 for Minnesota winters but still have a car thats fun to drive. This definitely lives up to it! The revamped interior with a substantial center console and gear shift make it much more luxurious than past models and its space and handling create a much more versatile car than ones like Chevy Trailblazer. On road trips I get about 28mpg and all the comfort you could want.

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  My 2002 Tribute Review - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By bluehills55 - October 17 - 10:00 am

  After 9 months and 12,500 miles, all I can say about my Tribute is that it has been a real pleasure ride and theres not a day that goes by that someone compliments the exterior design and looks of this SUV (I have black). I just came back from Florida and put the 4WD to the test on the most sandiest and secluded beaches without any problems. You never know your driving a SUV.It drives, feels and handles like a higher end mid size car. The only problem I have had was a broken back seat latch which the dealer replaced and the horn stopped working (not sure why yet and have an appt with the dealer). No other problems.