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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  Tribute 2003 - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By saria - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Handles very smooth, does not drive or feel like a SUV/truck. So far, gas mileage is very good.

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  great SUV! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Lissa - October 16 - 7:20 pm

  I bought my Mazda Tribute last October. I love it; I bought it because I thought it looked like a sporty SUV with a lot of room to haul things. I have the v-6 and it has a lot of pep and go. Gas isnt the best (but no SUVs are good on gas) but to me its worth it to pay a little more at the pump and to love and have fun in what I drive! :)

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  Like Sports Car, but smoother, quieter - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By jody80918 - October 10 - 8:56 am

  The 2.3L is surprisingly peppy for the 3500 lb curb weight. Handles more like the sports car I traded in for it, just not as quick on takeoff, yet the ride is more like a luxury car, much quieter then the sports car was (still some road noise). Gas mileage could be improved. Electronic 4WD system seems capable after I ran it through mud & snow. Ground clearance is adequate to have some fun, but I would not risk damaging the sexy exterior look. I feel safe in this competent, comfortable, roomy compact SUV. Factory cargo space flooring materials could be upgraded, but serve the purpose.

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  Excellent SUV - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By lyle - September 24 - 2:00 am

  My experience with the Tribute has been nothing but positive since purchasing the vehicle last fall. The Tribute is extremely roomy inside and very comfortable. It drives smoothly and feels much like a car. Only negative I would say is the range. 16 gallons isnt enough in my opinion. But overall, I HIGHLY recommend this SUV. Their somewhat rare and thats another reason I like it.

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  Good buy for the price - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By lkiersh - August 17 - 8:46 am

  Love the truck, runs and handles great. My evaluation was that MAZDA offered the best package of this SUV compared to FORD Escape or Mercury Mariner. Downside is, no passenger operated power door locks. No daytime running lights offered. No tinted windshield offered (upper band). No backup warning system offered. Spare tire under the vehicle is a minus.

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  Very Satisfied - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By noname - August 16 - 10:00 am

  Surprisingly satisfied. I test drove the Grand Cherokee, Trailblazer, Bravado and Montero Sport. The Tributes comfort was better than any (except Bravado). Its performance was better that most. Its perfect for me. Mileage 1st tank 18.5, second 19.5. Go the ES model.

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  great suv - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By phil - August 10 - 5:43 am

  Smooth Running, never had a problem, great gas mileage. wonderful suv to own

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  04 Tribute LX 4WD - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Scout101 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Owned about 6 months now, no problems, peppy and fun, can fit everything I want into it. It rides better than most of the SUVs I tried, not trying to be a truck.

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  great mini-suv - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By James W - August 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my second experience with purchasing a new car. The only bad experience I have had from beginning to the present is a pushy salesman from another Mazda company. We went elsewhere, found a nice and easy going guy and love our vehicle. It was well worth the money and besides average gas mileage, my wife and I plan on keeping this car as long as it runs.

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  LOVE IT! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Kris - July 17 - 11:06 am

  When my husband and I went shopping for a new vehicle for me, I wasnt sure I was ready for an SUV. Ive always considered myself a "car" person" so I was leaning more toward upgrading to a newer Honda or Acura than taking home an SUV. I am so glad that we came across the Tribute--it is so fun to drive, gives me all the space I need and more, rides as smoothly as a car, yet gives the visibility of an SUV. We take the Tribute everywhere and it really is exceeding our expectations. The gas mileage could be better (but I was used to a 5-speed Honda!) but all of the other perks definitely outweigh that one negative!