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:

• 

  LOVE IT!!!! - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By zoom zoom! - December 17 - 9:06 am

  I just got this SUV a few days ago. What I can tell you is that I absolutely love it. I had a Honda Element and the Tribute blows it away. The Honda 4 cyl. isnt enough for the weight of the Element. I also had a CRV and the Tribute blows the doors off it. It has exceptional power to it without hesitation. No problem getting on the highways or passing. I have no intention of towing with it. The inside is way above the inside of the Hondas. The Tribute has a more elegant look to it and tons of leg room and cargo space. The long list of standard equipment provided is what also makes the Tribute and excellent choice for the money! ZOOM ZOOM!

• 

  Not Bad for an SUV - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By FirstSUV - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for an mini suv with good passing power and comfort. The tribute had both. The V6 engine has great power on demand. Ive had it now for 3 months. The only complaint I have about it is the driver side mirror vibrates at speeds above 70 mph. Otherwise, Im completely satisfied with the purchase. If you are in the market for one, put it on your test drive list.

• 

  crap car - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By jhouse123179 - December 3 - 10:00 am

  this vehicle has been nothing but trouble. Ive had to replace the following: Engine, Coolant Reservoir, Headlights, Tie Rods, Control Arms, Rear Wiper Motor, Windshield needed re- sealed, Rear hatch window needed adjusted so it wouldnt leak, Rear hatch Door Needed adjusted didnt close properly, Sun Roof Doesnt open properly...switch sticks, Transmission doesnt shift properly, brakes wear very fast even the rotors. Its only been 2 years and this is what I get! Am I supposed to assume the Air Bags will work if I ever needed them? Ive only driven it 61 000 kms its got 19000 kms left on manufacturers warranty the hole car has almost been replaced.

• 

  Fun to drive (with lots of repairs) - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By gam4 - November 18 - 4:26 pm

  Everything that I have read that can go wrong with this particular model, has gone wrong with mine. EGR valve, intake manifold gaskets tie-rods, cad. converter, door ashtray falls out, doors stick, etc...Just put a grand into it at 153K. It runs great now, and I do still love to drive it, but with gas prices going up, and the 15MPG it actually gets, I am looking for something more economical!

• 

  Great SUV - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By lunacharsky - November 1 - 5:33 pm

  Love this SUV. Great handling, esp mountainous curves. Plenty of zip. For me (6) perfect seating and ergonomics. After 50.000 miles, only changed cabin filters and brakes. A little noisy on rough roads - key is getting the right tires (BF Goodrich Long Trails are the best). I plan to keep it forever.

• 

  Pleased with my Mazda SUV - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Irina - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Very reliable, sporty for an suv, fun and most importantly feeling of security while driving.

• 

  Great so far - 2010 Mazda Tribute
  By hmiwb - October 31 - 12:26 am

  Bought this car about a month ago. Great experience so far with no defects or adjustments needed. The six speed automatic has been very user friendly and the fuel economy has been surprisingly good. Around town its okay, but on the highway I can easily get in the low 30s with little difficulty. Great for such a boxy shape.

• 

  Love my new Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By JRandyH - October 27 - 10:00 am

  We bought the Tribute as a second car to replace a 10 year old explorer. I mainly was looking for 4WD in a small SUV. I was close to buying an excape but the mazda warranty was much better so went with them. The car drives like a dream and my other car is an Acura TS type L. It sits high and is really fun to drive.

• 

  06 Mazda tribute - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By roshov - October 24 - 6:46 pm

  All is good except: 1. center console moves back and forth showing wear near the gearshift 2. driver seatbelt receptacle rubs/damages center console, needs at least Velcro like passenger seat belt has (near center console) 3. fuel door very difficult to open, people with large fingers would have an extreme time opening. 4. seat uncomfortable to lay back and attempt to nap in (passenger).

• 

  Great Compact SUV - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Shad5000 - October 16 - 12:03 pm

  The AWD V-6 Grand s touring model is top notch in its class. I upgraded from the 2003 Tribute this year and I am very pleased. The car/truck gets lots of compliments and its new styling is a hit. The drive is smooth and the cockpit is sporty and overall is a great drive. Small glare during the day from the dash color on the glass but Im sure I will get used to it.