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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  9 Month Review - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By MPV39 - December 5 - 4:53 pm

  I had a hunch that the Tribute would be a very good vehicle because I have owned 2 MPVs and knew the Tribute would be a great addition to the family. Fun at the Beach, in the mountains and love to ride with the Moonroof open. Great Vehicle......so far. Needs the front bracket mounted, but I mounted it anyway because there are 2 small places where you can drive screws into the bumper and display your favorite tag. Go Noles/Dawgs!!!!!

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  Mazda Overview - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Joseph C. Campa - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Nice vehicle to own, fun to drive. Lousy dealership for work to get done on it.

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  This Tribute goes zoom-zoom - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Michael - November 29 - 5:43 am

  The Tribute drives and handles well and is roomy for its size. Good performance with the V-6, easy to spin the front wheels. Seats are comfortable. A bit of a choppy ride on uneven roads. Looks and feels put together well and more stylish than its cousins, the Escape and Mariner, not to mention less money and it has a longer warranty with the 4yr/50000 mile bumper to bumper.

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  Love MY Tribute - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By luvmytrib - November 28 - 4:43 pm

  My wife and I just got ours this week. We love it. The way it handles, the ride, the power. We just love it. Test drove an Escape and it doesnt compare. Showed it to my inlaws and they are thinking of getting one. I will write another review in a few months updating how things are going with my new Trib.

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  you need to get one - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By printblue - November 18 - 10:00 am

  This is my favorite vehicle that i have owned so far - it beats the mountineer that I just turned in.The ride is smooth, pickup for a 6cyclinder is great.All the features for the price, heated seats,sun/moon roof,cd changer,awd select on switch,cargo area that you dont have to stoop over to load,leather seats,on and on, this vehicle is wonderful.

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  THE BEST 4WD EVER !!!!!! - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By trackfever - November 18 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle handles great!! Fantastic power when getting onto interstates. I have a moonroof which is great for all that fresh air without messing up your hair. Comfortably seats 5 sdults with plenty of leg room. Lots of room for groceries and even the rear seats fold down for those extra large purchases. I love my Tribute!!! ZOOM-ZOOM !!

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  Mini SUV Exceeds My Expectations - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By NewTributeDriver - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Looked at all the similar sized models of mini suvs. This came out on top by far. Lots of standard creature comforts. Lots of interior space and storage cubbies and pockets. Has a much bigger feel than it is. I got this one completely loaded...no option left unturned and it was still a reasonable price considering.

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  Our New Tribby... - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Johnny - November 3 - 6:36 pm

  My wife and I traded in a 2003 Land Rover Freelander SE for a 2006 Tribute i 4WD and let me tell you how happy we are! The Freelander gave us nothing but agony... it was in the shop for mechanical and electrical problems almost every 3-4 months since we had bought it and the service dept. was always booked! Since purchasing our new Tribby, our lives have become much less worrisome. Its nice having a SUV that is fun to drive and actually reliable all at the same time. Our Tribby comes with power everything, 16 in. alloys, and a fuel efficient engine that has been getting 23 MPG around town. We love this car and we now love Mazda. I am buying the new Miata next! The Tribute is a great buy!

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  No Ford badge = higher quality - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Todd - October 26 - 6:03 am

  Great little suv. Mazda has taken the escape platform and made little improvements across the board that add up to alot. Four year 50,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty coverage, 16" wheels, floor mats come standard(not with Ford). Mazda stands behind their product. Ford ? Tribute average mpg; 24.7!

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  my first SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By big old baby - October 24 - 6:23 pm

  After 2 months its all good. I think this is the perfect size SUV for someone who is moving out of a sedan. Quality is top notch. Ride is smooth and quiet. Fold down rear seats allow a ton of stuff to be hauled. I like the style better than the Escape. Combined mileage of 22 MPG is pretty good.