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:

• 

  Tribute Overall enjoyed but.... - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Sonaran - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Overall, I have enjoyed my Tribute since getting it in 2001 but I have had some problems. One losing power while driving-2001. In 2002, I had to have the brake lines and coolant lines replaced due to a leak as well as the stalling problem started again. The delearship replaced everything except for the engine and electrical lines. 2003, I had to have some of my electrical parts replaced-OBDII light came on one night and the next day my Tribute wouldnt start. But despite all of this-I really like my Tribute and even though I have had problems. So,Im thinking of either getting 2004 or 2005 model.

• 

  LOVE MY SUV - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By SUE LOEWE - June 9 - 2:00 am

  AFTER RESEACHERING SUVS ON EDMUNDS DECIDED TO TEST DRIVE THE TRIBUTE. LUCKLY THE DEALERSHIP AND SALESMAN WERE THE BEST WE HAVE EVER DEALT WITH. LOVED THE VEHICLE & THE DEAL. THEY GOT ME THE COLORS AND PACKAGES I WANTED.I ADDED ES (LEXUS)EMBLEMS,CHROME TIP TAIL PIPE,PINSTRIPE,MUD GUARDS,MOONROOF WIND DEFLECTOR & REAR BUMPER STEP PLATE. THE SUV IS CLASSIC WHITE AND REALLY LOOKS SHARP.

• 

  Its a Ford, people. - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By rjpaxton - June 2 - 2:00 am

  We purchased the 2WD DX model instead of a small pickup, and were pretty happy with it for a few months. It looks great from the outside, and the interior design is well-thought out and easy to work with. Its slooooow, though Im sure the V6 is zippier. Decent handling once you put good tires on it. Problems with: stereo, drivers side window, rear hatch window, failed wheel bearing, clutch pedal squeak, clutch chatter. Quality wholly unacceptable.

• 

  Fun at First...but then - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By brokken12 - May 31 - 1:50 pm

  When we first got the Tribute we really loved it. We got an extended warranty since we bought the car used. This was a good thing because wheel bearings, the 4WD shift controller, Rear Suspension where just some of the things that needed to be fixed in the first few months. We took on a trip through the Maritimes and it had lots of pick-up, no issues on climbing some hilly terrain or passing. The comfort inside was great, but the radio broke and cup holder kept coming off. The all leather interior on our model was great and easy to clean.

• 

  great small suv - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By john - May 28 - 11:00 pm

  the car is fun to drive and with the v6 eng it is very peppy on the road-the sound system is top shelf-i got the top model- i like that they only have two models and they come fully equipped depending on which one u get -i have the es it came standard with side airbags-it is supposed to be like the ford escape but the escape only has a 3 year 36 warranty the mazda has a 4 year 48 warranty-the ford model charges you for everything extra-ford wanted $100 for a cargo cover on the xlt escape and the tribut had it as standard-my only complaint is that in my model the column mounted shifter blocks a radio volume control a bit but this has now been eliminated with the floor console

• 

  Great price, good entry-level SUV. - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By MAA - May 28 - 6:16 am

  Driving is great especially considering the choices if you want an entry level SUV from a foreign car maker. As expected pick-up is slow. Even thought its Japanese, it reminded me of my 1995 Ford Taurus, design seemed very similar to Ford. And as expected instruments in the car are not as sturdy and are more of Ford quality. But its too soon to say anything, its only been driven 350 kms!

• 

  My second Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By BC - May 24 - 2:13 pm

  This was my second Tribute having turned in my 2001 Dx for the more luxury ES.Does most things well excpt,sucks gas,13to18mpg,and Continental tires suck big time.Biggest piece of garbage for tires,after 5000 miles they feel square and makes lots of road noise

• 

  sporty, easy to maneuver, catchy - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Mazda Tribute rocks - May 23 - 10:00 am

  This is the best vehicle we have ever purchased. The titanium exteriorcolor is so sporty, and the interior is sportier than most sports cars. It has plenty of room, which we need with a new baby. Dont settle for less than the V-6, and check this vehicle out before looking at a bulkier, more expensive ride. The Tribute is just plain fun to drive, while the vehicle itself is anything but plain!

• 

  I still love my little Tribute!!!! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By fastmonte24 - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had my little Mazda for almost 8 months and still love it! Knock on wood, I have had not one single problem with it. My Trib goes anywhere I need to go, in any weather condition. The push button 4 wheel drive- very convenient!!!! I will buy a new version on this vehicle in a few years. Yes, I still miss some of the features of a CAR, but would not trade my Trib anytime soon.

• 

  Horrible Car - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By chase11 - May 19 - 1:53 am

  I purchased a brand new 2008 Tribute a little over 2 years ago, in the past year I have had problem with faulty valve stems on 3 of the tires, peeling plastic and paint on the exterior, sealing problems with the doors and back window hatch, and just today the driver door almost completely came off! I had to lift the door up and push it in just to get it shut good enough to drive home. I have never had so many car troubles in my life until I bought a mazda. My advice...look elsewhere!