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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Excellant Value - 2003 Mazda Tribute
By renabg - February 28 - 2:00 amI gave my wife a choice of new cars. I actually had a Mercedes C320 set aside at the dealership for her. She being a "High Maintenance Girl", I thought that shed bite on that in a New York minute. However, she held firm on the Tribute and it was a great decision. In fact, since it is my turn to get a new car, I opted for a Mazda6 instead of a Mercedes, BMW or Lexus. I still think that they are superior cars, but the Mazda6 at half (or less) their price is irresistable.
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Happy Tribute Owner - 2001 Mazda Tribute
By Buck101 - February 5 - 2:00 amThe Tribute has been an excellent vehicle. Its brakes and engine are excellent. It is predictable and sure footed in the snow. Quality has been very good, except the windshield wasnt properly sealed from the factory and the rear windshield wiper needs a stronger spring to keep it to the back window. Weve had no other problems with it. The only disappointment is its fuel economy. I was hoping for more than 23- 24 mpg on the highway. I do have a heavy foot though.
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Buy one before theyre gawn! - 2006 Mazda Tribute
By Lee - January 30 - 9:10 amIve owned 15 different Volvos whilst living in Sweden ... and for the price, this vehicle is a winner. Looks, comfort, style, economy, height/ clearance, sound system, most details, handling, quietness and fun driving. So far, it seems worth its price.
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good buy - 2005 Mazda Tribute
By sun chaser - January 24 - 10:00 amvery happy with suv so far. shorter than most suv,s , but easy to park and high enough for good visibility.More practical than a full size suv,better gas mileage,smaller trailering load of 3500 pounds however.I would spend a little more and get one loaded with sun roof ,ect.Wife likes better than her toyota camary.
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IZOOM4 - 2005 Mazda Tribute
By LEW - January 24 - 10:00 amWe looked ot SUVS on and off for a couple of years before we drove the MAZDA. As soon as we drove it we both noticed it drove more like a car than most others we test drove. We have had many coments of how nice looking it is. This vehicle is a luxury for us we basicly only use it on the weekend,or when we are going together someplace. It is roomy on the inside and very comfordable. The leather heated seats are highly recomended. The way the seats fold is perfect for our Greyhounds 1 fits in the back & 1 in the back seat area(we just pull the seats up but dont put the backs down).
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05 Tribute a Best Buy - 2005 Mazda Tribute
By Tribute One - January 20 - 10:00 amI purchased my new, 2005 Tribute five months ago after test-driving several larger, more expensive SUVs, and the Ford Explorer. The Tribute continues to impress me every time I get behind the wheel. Its manuverability, quiteness, handling, and responsiveness are excellent. The suspension provides excellent road feel and control. Overall, Mazda has put together a great package in a small SUV, combining the perfect degree of style, performance, and comfort that I was looking for. I have owned two Mazdas prior to this purchase, This is my first SUV and I highly recommend the Tribute.
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4cyl Tribute 29 mpg - 2005 Mazda Tribute
By golfguyy - January 4 - 7:26 pmFor what this vehicle is, a small suv with a 2.3L 4cyl that you can fill with your stuff, it is PERFECT. It comes loaded w/single CD, AC, alloy wheels, per W/L/M, tilt. The only option I wanted was cruise and that was only about $150 extra. 2.3L w/the 5 spd has plenty of get up and go, AND just checked mileage again to find this 4cyl front wheel drive got 29.1 mpg! For the size of the SUV and what you can haul in it, you cant beat it.
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Fantastic Car - 2001 Mazda Tribute
By seacogirl - December 24 - 2:00 amI cannot say enough about this car. I love it!!! It is the BEST buy for the money! I only regret that they dont make a "high class" model. No woodgrain, fancy bells and whistles, but who needs them! It has 6 CD changer IN THE DASH AND AM/FM, Cassette all in the dash -- other fancy high class cars dont offer that. The back seat folds down completely flat -- fantastic feature. This car is not too heavy to stop - when you hit the brakes, expect it to stop, unlike larger SUVs. It is also not a gas guzzler. I just cant say enough about this car. LOVE IT!!!
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Mazda Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
By Karval - December 19 - 2:00 amThe Tribute is my 5th Mazda. I love it. It andles well, has great pick up, has a nice feel. The 6 way powered and seated heat is great. Very roomy inside. It is just as roomy as the 2000 Mazda Van I had with the ezception of the 5 seats. It truly does hold a 4X8 sheet of plywood with ease.
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Zoom Zoom Zoom - 2001 Mazda Tribute
By Roxanne - December 10 - 2:00 amThe only part of the design I do not like is the shift -- hard to see dials on the dashboard--a stick shift would have been better.
