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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  Transmission problem - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By john - July 12 - 1:10 am

  Great driving car and reasonable gas mileage. All was fine until 68,000 miles when the auto trans started slipping when shifting into 3d. Upon disassembly the hub assembly P/N 7G120/a was found to have a cracked weld, unfortunately two new replacement hubs were also bad, took a third one and two weeks to be fixed. Other than this $2200 bump in the road its been a great ride.

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  Dont Buy - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Not so happy owner - July 11 - 7:13 pm

  Don’t buy it! I’ve had my Tribute for 6 months and have 9700 miles on it now. I bought it new. I wanted wait a while before posting anything online. I’ve had problems from the beginning: 1. One of my doors had messed up clear coat. Had to get refinished. 2. Missing clutch bearing plate. I am mechanically inclined, but never had a manual so I don’t know what that is. But sure as heck sounds important. 3. When changing air vent flow from ground to upper vents, the ground vents blow air out for about another 10 minutes. Only happens on AC, not on heat. Go figure. 4. One of the upper vents does not close. 5. When it is cold out, it is near impossible to get back into first gear.

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  Pleasantly suprised - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By yellowpit - July 10 - 10:00 am

  While the creature comforts arent luxury level and the four banger wont rocket you into traffic, it is a nice vehicle at a great price. I got the last 04 on the lot $1300 less than Edmunds suggested. Just took a 750 mile trip on less than two tanks of gas, worked well on both the Interstates and PAs dirt roads.

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  Mazda Tribute Going Strong 160,000 mi. - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Susan Barry - July 7 - 1:03 pm

  These are such well built, reliable SUVs. Our 2004 with 160,000 mi. has never broken down or failed to deliver power towing our 18" SeaRay boat back and forth between FL & WI. No problems ever in the motor, drive train, electronics, operational parts like doors, lights, AC, heat, seat controls, etc. Well drive it on until we need to buy a new Mazda.

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  Good Move - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Bill Cupo (The Coop) - July 1 - 2:33 am

  I traded in a Mazda Protege 5 for this SUV and found a vehicle that was just as much fun to drive and believe it or not, not that much worse on gas mileage. This 4 cylinder SUV has plenty of pick-up for me since I wont be towing a camper or boat anytime soon. Plenty of front leg and head room, good view of the road, and comfortable on long rides, I plan to keep this vehicle for a while.

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  Can you say, "Recall(s)" - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Pete - June 25 - 2:00 pm

  From the a month after buying, we had our first of now 5 recalls. I actually bought the 2003 model. Since then I have heard of no significant difference in the number of complaints to dealerships. The Tribute drives well around town and is built solid, but the engine proformance is horrible. Constant transmission problems. Dealerships are blaiming that on the non-Japanese built engine. The seats feel good at first, but after an hour, your rear end goes numb. Not a good road trip car. But around town, for the price, you cant beat it. I give it an average rating, all things considered. I recommendend paying an extra 2-3 thousand and getting more a SUV. I will never buy again.

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  Great SUV Purchase for the Money - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Stephen Waldrip - June 20 - 10:00 am

  Just a lot of fun to drive and very sporty looking. Feels like I spent a lot more money I actually did.

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  First time Mazda owner - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Judy H. - June 16 - 7:03 pm

  Ive been driving my 2006 Tribute now for 3 weeks. I really like it. It handles very well, its very comfortable, the controls are easy to reach, though at first a little confusing! Nice rebates and getting a good deal helped convince us to go with the Tribute over the Mariner or Escape.

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  I love it - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By judyrom1 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SUV, so Im not used to the gas mileage, though im not as surprised as everyone seems to be at the lack of it. I have the fully loaded dark titanium 4wd. I absolutely love this thing! I have over 5,000 miles and havent had a problem yet. Its better looking than any of the others in its class and drives fantastic. If I had the money id buy another for my 17 year old daughter. No complaints.

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  Perfect basic transportation - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By MazdaRob - June 15 - 3:00 am

  I have always owned Toyotas, but hate the redesigned RAV. So I looked at the Tribute and got a great end of year deal. Now, I only require a vehicle with a CD player and AC, so features dont interest me. This car is reliable, economical (I get nearly 30 mpg on the highway and high 20s around town. Ive had no mechanical problems in 45,000 and the tires are still original. Honda CRVs chew up the tires! The Tribute has room to tote lumber, move furniture and carry tools, but its also comfortable on long trips and handles very well. I would buy another one in a heartbeat. Plus, my dealer charge for service is very reasonable. Its a great SUV!