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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  Its great...but light - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By littlepriest - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Having bought my tribute three months ago and 5,000 miles ago I so far only have one complaint. It is so much lighter than my 96 Jeep Grand Cherokee...I have had problems with zoom zooming too fast around turns and sliding. Road noise is not too much of a factor. The gearshift for some reason doesnt bother me at all. Nice stereo with the luxury package. Another complaint, I know I said only one earlier but I think that this is just a fluke, the power to my rear view mirror (temperature and compass) cuts on and off...some electrical problem there that I am sure the good people at Lawson Mountain Mazda will fix pronto. Great Car!

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  Very Pleased with Quality - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Al - June 30 - 11:10 pm

  Waited for this much improved model to be available; we are not disappointed. Quality of workmanship is superb. Body is solid as is performace; interior design very user friendly. For the price this vehicle is worth every dollar.

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  I Like This SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By jerseypaws - June 2 - 10:00 am

  This Tribby replaced a Ford Explorer Sport. What a difference! Handling, ride, comfort, performance, gas mileage, even radio reception are all much better than the Explorer. Has the feel of a much bigger SUV inside than the Liberty and RAV4 which I also tested. This Tribby came with Continental tires which I chose to upgrade to Michelin Cross Terrains for an additional $240.

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  I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By chicago2624 - May 27 - 10:50 pm

  I bought my tribute over a year ago- with over 100k miles on it- a lot, I know, by Im a poor college student! This was well worth the investment. I do all normal maintenance regularly And have had no major problems. Its really roomy, reliable, and safe! I love the 4WD in the winter! I am amazed at how smooth it drives. I do not have a garage to store it in unfortunately, but there have still been no issues- in the winter I. Let it warm up and it does great. The back storage is great, it seems like Im always packing up. I would definitely recommend this car!

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  I Love My Tribute! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By wgBeethovenV - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Being a senior citizen with a diabetic physical handicap, I had my share of problems entering sedan (low seating) type vehicles. With the Tribute this problem no longer exists. Its height affords the driver an ease of entry together with a very comfortable/roomy driving position. The "over the hood" windshield viewing area is superior . The maneuverability and handling of the miniSUV feels like a sedan most likely due to its unique suspension and steering ratio. Great vehicle for the price!

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  THE MAZDA TRIBUTE - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By jl - May 25 - 2:00 am

  It is just a great all around SUV. No matter what anybody says

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  HAD TO BUY ANOTHER - 2010 Mazda Tribute
  By slim loewe - May 11 - 10:00 am

  still the best bang for your bucks in SUVS. still have my 2004 tribute es. my wife has a bad back and loves this car. love the V6 (zoom zoom)in both vehicles.decided time to buy with no payment 90 days and 0% for 60 months.lucked out as this was the only V6 in the state of florida. the 2010 has all the bells and whistles, michelin tires, back up camera , sun roof , heated front seats (great for bad backs) etc. i did test drive hyndai sante fe (nice), kia sorrento (nice) and mercury mariner (ok). im 64" wife 52" no problems.so had to stick with mazda tibute. got a GREAT deal from dealer plus a surprise $500 loyalty rebate.

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  I LOVE IT - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By I love my Mazda - April 29 - 7:33 am

  I love this vehicle and we have put lots of mileage on it, lots of room and very comfortable, handles very nicely on highway with little noise. We drive all over on ATV trails in the bush, on the highway and around town and are extremely happy with out Mazda Tribute. When I decide to trade in I am almost certain to get another Tribute. My only complaint with it is the gas mileage considering the size of this SUV.

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  Great car - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By zips - April 27 - 10:00 am

  This car is wonderful. I went in to buy a 2004. They were offering great incentives, but they didnt have all the options I wanted. I bought a fully loaded 2005, for just 700 over the 2004 price, which wasnt much over invoice! They want to move cars on the lot. And the Lapis blue color is awsome! Ive already received several comments on the color. My friend has a 2002 Escape, the sister car of the Tribute, and she had had no problems, 35, ooo miles later. And the stereo is just amazing. Buy a Tribute..NOW!

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  Sweet - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Downie - April 20 - 10:00 am

  We looked over many of the SUVs, but decided on the Tribute. We have been happy so far. Rides like a car. Feels tight. My choice was finalized by my contentment of owning 3 Mazdas in the past and they were very reliabil. This is for the 2005 year model S with the V6.