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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  So far so good - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Doug Paradore - February 16 - 9:20 am

  I have owned a Tribute for one year now with absolutely no issues. Im very satisfied with the vehicle so far. Great pep, great stereo, comfortable and roomy, great in snow, good handling and road vision, excellent braking. Could use more illumination in cabin for things like the key ignition, cruise control on steering wheels and reading lamps would be preferred in front instead of having to reach behind. And of course the gear shifter is too long. But since the car is such a pleasure to drive and own, these small things are easily overlooked. Buy one now! I also considered and test drove the Highlander, Pilot, & Forester. Believe me this is the best choice of all of them.

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  Common Sense SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By cincybucks - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Living in snow country, I wanted a 4WD vehicle that was safe for my family to drive, comfortable for me to drive (6ft.plus), but didnt require a gas tank I needed a home quity loan to fill regularly and still make it 5-6 hours to grandmas house. This is it. While specs dont indicate the facts, it sure seems larger than a Honda CRV which I also considered. Neighbors comments are - "...it sure looks like a regular SUV", meaning big.

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  Best Bargain in the Industry! Top Notch! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By markregel - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I was in the market for a car, not a SUV. Saw an ad for a Tribute for 15K so decided to have a look, was very impressed. It seemed huge inside compared to the cars I was looking at (P.T. Cruiser, Mazda P5 and M6). What impressed me the most was the build quality, refinement and amount of features for $15K. Why buy a Lexus when you can get this kind of build quality on a $15K car. And for that it has all the nice options, like alloy wheels, pwr windows and keyless entry. You would be hard pressed to get a fully loaded Neon for this price!

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  Nice to drive, yet very unsafe - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By AimeeW - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I have the DX 2WD/ 4cyl standard Tribute and it has been a reliable car in general but it is absolutely horrible in the rain/snow. It handles extremely poor in these conditions. When it rains, I hydroplane often and it skids on any road that is slightly slick while braking. I am looking to trade this vehicle in because of this but now I see that it has depreciated terribly as well.

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  satisfied - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By multi ownwr - January 30 - 9:26 pm

  Ford reliability with a better warranty.

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  Mazda does well again. - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Jimmy - January 30 - 5:20 am

  Mazda Tribute has done a great job on its compact car based performance SUV. Its certainly a SUV with a sports car soul. The 201-HP 3.0L V6 is powerful for exhilaration but not as much for towing. Measured 0-60MPH time was 7.48 seconds. The 4WD system works very well on snow, ice, and muddy dirt. The FWD system does show some very torquey steering, at least with the 6-cyl. The seats are sort of uncomfy, but only on long trips. Highway ride and performance is excellent. Handles bumps so-so. 7-speaker stereo works great. AC/heat works well. Reliability after 48k miles has been excellent except for some minor audio display twitches. Buy this car for a used car, and opt for the 6-cyl DOHC engine.

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  Lousy Gas Mileage - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By barbeehd - January 19 - 2:33 pm

  I traded my 2002 tribute, V6 for this car and am disappointed in the MPG. It is worse than my 2002 and is a 4 cyl. Its nice looking but I wanted better MPG than I am getting. I may trade it in sooner than later.

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  2008 Mazda Tribute i Touring - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Robert - January 9 - 4:06 pm

  Nice SUV. Lots of room and very comfortable. AC blows very cold. Good exterior design. Rear seats should recline and fold down easier without removing head rests. Grab handles should not have been left out. Exterior temp would have been nice. Stereo sounds very good. Gauge cluster doesnt look Mazda at all, very Ford. Sportier steerig wheel with audio controls. Lots of standard safety features for the money. Rear brakes should have been disc not drum. Having noises from rear breaks that has been looked at by the dealer twice. Carpet in front foot wells pulling away from the door frame plastic. Very nice Mazda that feels like a Ford. Excellent value for what you get.

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  HAPPY NEW OWNER - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By HAPPY GREAT GRANDMA - January 5 - 5:00 pm

  I was looking for a reliable, economical, dependable, good looking car. I found it in the tribute Mazda. I feel secure and safe in this vehicle; in fact I just returned from a emergency trip to Texas. I went by myself. I am a female 67 years old and I felt secure driving the Tribute. The gas mileage was good 26.7mpg on the highway. My average speed was 67mph. I am no speed demon. I have had many compliments on my vehicle, all of them positive.

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  little jewell - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By mazdon - January 1 - 10:00 am

  We are very happy with the Tribute, it gives us enough space to carry our 4 year old girl and her stuff, and still feel comfortable. The cargo cover and the tinted back windows make us feel secure when leaving things in the cargo area.