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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  3 years and Going - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Kentucky Driver - March 21 - 10:00 am

  My wife loves to drive it because of its get up and go. Drives as smooth and comfortable as a sports car. After 30,000 miles I took it in to replace pads. I was surprised when the rotors were worn down to nothing. Cost me $400. I was always curious why this car generated so much brake dust. At 45,000 miles, the car just stalled. I read other Tribute drivers experienced this. For the most part, we love this SUV...now if we can just get rid of that incessant rattle in the hatch.

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  Love my New Mazda - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By lisacab - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I have always been an owner of Mazda. I love my SUV and completed satisfied with it! I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a small SUV.

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  So far, so good.... - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By MickeyD - NJ - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I was most impressed with the styling. I am a little concerned about the spongy brake pedal. The cigarette lighter doesnt work and the fuel door is problematic. The premium sound system breaks up a little when pushed. The stalling problem?... While coasting into a drive, the car began to buck and would not move forward. Worried, I checked the gear selector and discovered that I had inadvertantly put the car into reverse. I simply placed the car back into drive and its been fine ever since. Ive gottten about 25.4 MPG (not bad at all). This car is so much fun to drive, Ill make any excuse to run to the store or just simply, to take a ride.

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  Like it so far - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Lee - March 7 - 12:56 am

  ...for the price, it seems to be a good choice. It is fun to drive & its nice to not see a lot of identical ones on the road.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By bporse - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought the S with the 3 pkg, that loads up this SUV with Moonroof, heated Leather seats, upgraded 6 CD radio. Only 150 miles but having fun driving it. Checked out all the smaller and midsize SUVs and this is the best! Much nicer than Escape. Great visability, power, comfort. A must test drive before buying anything else.

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  Mazda Tough, Mazda Reliable - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By odydapogi - March 2 - 7:10 am

  Rough, reliable sporty. The best SUV. An all rounder. Very very reliable.

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  tribute to me!!! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By weiszer - February 24 - 2:00 am

  the 1st time i ever saw the tribute i knew i had to have it. it was the cutes thing i had ever seen! my in-laws had just bought my sister-in-law a brand new jeep g.c. all they could talk about was how great it was. i would try to tell them about the tribute, they never heard about it! i went on the internet and e-mailed pics. to my mother-in-law. she also thought it was the cutest. i found silver star mazda on the internet, russ found what i was looking for, and now all my relatives can say is your little suv is soooo cute! a tribute to me!

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  beware of jim ellis mazda dealers - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By exasperated - February 24 - 2:00 am

  While the tribute is overall a good car, I have had numerous negative experiences with Mazda in the week since I purchased my car. First, the dealer has been inept - offering me a percentage rate, signing the contract, and then calling me after Ive already taken possession of the car and trying to re-negotiate my contract. Second, the day after I brought my car home it began malfunctioning, and the dealer has yet to correct the problems. Third, there is no automatic door unlock on the passenger door - pain for passengers and drivers alike. Overall, pretty good car but sketchy dealers - beware. If it seems like a good deal, read the fine print.

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  Very disappointed in gas mileage - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Jeff Thomas - February 23 - 5:46 am

  Great car, I love almost everything about it, except the gas mileage. I chose the Tribute primarily because of the EPA estimate of 29 mpg hwy, but, even though I drive 95% hwy, and at normal speeds, the best Ive gotten (after 3500 mi) is 23 mpg, usually about 21.5. Other than that, I love it, but would like to know what is wrong.

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  Mazda Tribute - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By j seiler - February 17 - 5:50 am

  This vehicle has been a joy to own and drive. I get 20 mpg in town and 26 mpg on the interstate. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone!