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:

• 

  Fun to Drive - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Doug Stimpy - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I waited almost 6 months to get this. I have one of the first ones. Zoom Zoom is accurate and fun to drive. Had transmission problem. Dealer was very quick and curtious, I am impressed.

• 

  02 tribute review - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By jhouse - September 20 - 2:00 am

  seats are very unconfortable on long road trips and the interior looks cheap

• 

  HORRIBLE!! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By avalencia - September 14 - 3:12 pm

  My first car and I HATE it. Literally one thing after another kept breaking down and has had 2 recalls from Mazda since I have had it. I drove it about 20 times if even that because it was always in the shop. The last thing that went bad was the head gaskets and I need to sell the truck as is because to fix it, it was $1600. If you dont want to go broke, do NOT buy this p.o.s.

• 

  Get what you pay for - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By pegness - September 9 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is basically very good- nothing has happened in the past 2+ years. Transmission worries me, it seems to shift endlessly in rural driving. Very basic interior, but it is a cheaper SUV. Gas mileage is not what we thought-seems everyone has that opinion. Not wanting to spend 30K, it has been a good purchase. Next one, though, will be of superior quality.

• 

  lots of car with a nice price tag! - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By sdz4747 - September 6 - 9:40 am

  Love driving the car, SUV look but handles like a car. Great get up & go! My husband is looking at buying a Porche Cayenne & still says my car drives great compared to it. Have had only minor problems with the car... tape player has never worked right, was under warranty but didnt get it fixed, never used it so always forgot! Cable on drive gear broke ($200) & now my drivers side door handle is broke.

• 

  Roll Over Accident - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Nicole - September 5 - 4:53 am

  I owned a 2006 Tribute. I loved it. But the day before Thanksgiving me and my 3 year old daughter were involved in a roll over accident. Witnesses say it rolled 6-7 times. It happened so fast that I couldnt be sure how many times it rolled. I had my seat belt on, my daughter was sitting behind me in her car seat. WE BOTH WALKED AWAY WITH MINOR INJURIES (some bumps) but WE WALKED AWAY. The frame held up perfectly, the door where my daughter was sitting was almost perfect except a few scratches on the top. I was so impressed with the way this suv protected us that Im going to buy another one. Its all about safety when it comes to my family and this proved safe. This time I will get the v6.

• 

  Will Mazda Live Up to Warranty???? - 2010 Mazda Tribute
  By John - September 4 - 8:30 pm

  Great vehicle and am pleased overall. There is one major interior disappointment. There is large gap across the entire headliner where it meets meets the front windshield area. this is is due to a large cable that goes from the rear view mirror to the rear view camera. An extremely poor installation with no thought given to a 3rd rate workmanship. At this point, Mazda says that they are ALL that way therefore not a warranty issue. Dealer is avoiding my phone calls and emails.

• 

  zoom, zomm, zoom - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By NESSA709 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  NICE SUV TO DRIVE. NICE LOOKING ALSO

• 

  What a cool SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By E. Johnston - September 4 - 10:00 am

  After 1 year of owning and driving this ute, I still think it is one of the best utes you can buy for the money. It is as roomy as a full-size SUV inside (I think because they dont waste space with a 3rd row -- which no one can use or even fit into). It drives better than most sedans. The AWD really works, whether offroading (done it) or driving up an icy road to ski at 13,000 (done it).

• 

  new es-v6 merlot/w beige interior - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By bmartyntx - September 4 - 10:00 am

  we purchased this vehicle because we wanted a small suv that can hold 5 people comfortably i am 6-3 and i looked at all the suvs out there pilot,crv,toyota full line,nissan,gmc,chevy,etc. and out of all of them i looked at i needed something that would fit and i found the ford escape does that but the tribute is actually a ford escape but with a nicer more rounded look and i feel has a better package w/ standard anti-lock brakes and is actually a little less than escape. also the warranty is better and also has roadside assist. w free loaner car. coupled with 0% financing it was very hard to find anything else even close.