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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  This car rules - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By MtotheC - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the 2005 Tribute S - Fwd for about 3 months and I love it. I have always had small compact cars so I worried about driving an SUV, but this car drives great. I love the new design and the cloth seats. I like how the black is no longer two-toned. It is very fun to drive and is a smooth ride.

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  Nicer than the rest - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By adriane - September 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive been looking for an suv for the past 3 months, and test drove the Toyota Highlander, Rav 4, Honda CRV, Jeep Liberty and went for a 2nd ride in the Mazda Tribute. By far, it has the smoothest ride, and more inside space.

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  1 1/2 Year Review - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By kkcaufield - September 9 - 7:53 am

  I have had nothing but good success with this vehicle. Everyone forgets its a small SUV, not a Limousine. It rides like a little stiff - short wheel base- and seats are acceptable. It will never be quiet like a Cadillac, or smooth as a Mercedes. But its peppy & sporty. Now have 31K miles, and zero complaints. Dealer is excellent. Cant figure our why people complain when they know up front before they buy, its not going to get the gas mielage of a Corolla. And since its a small vehicle, you not going to get a huge gas tank - where would you put it? But...in winter time its great, 4 wheel drive works fine. I would recommend this vehicle highly.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By radney - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I test drove many compact SUVs and I decided to by the Mazda. I love my car. It is fun to drive, and it has a lot of room inside. Overall, my car was worth buying.

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  I like my Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By smithd - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I thoroughly enjoy driving and owning the Mazda Tribute. I have found no problems with it and it handles great. I highly recommend this SUV over others in the same market.

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  Love This SUV!! - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By c.sims - August 8 - 12:00 pm

  I just purchased this SUV after looking at, reading about and test driving almost every small SUV out here.This is one of the sharpest ones, inside and out, on the market. It has every standard feature you would need and the dash is black and shiny and looks really expensive. The interior design altogether is just beautiful. Great job Mazda!!

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  04 Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By russ - July 26 - 4:50 am

  This has been a great vehicle. The cost to own isnt that bad. It gets good fuel economy and can haul a fair amount of stuff. I have two kids so it does see some abuse.

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  very happy with it - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By lotec - July 21 - 10:00 am

  after looking for a small suv for a while coundnt belive the low price with all the options that came with it

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  A Tribute to the Mazda Tribute ES-V6 - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By kim - July 12 - 6:53 pm

  My Mazda Tribute ES-V6 is a 2003. I just purchased it last Tuesday and I love it!!! Its a safe ride, with fun and comfort all rolled into one vehicle.

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  Great! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By TER - July 3 - 10:53 pm

  This is a great car. I purchased mine in February and have had a great time driving it. The sunroof is essential. Fuel economy could be better (I have a 6 Cylinder), but I can deal with that no problem.