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:
Showing 31 through 40 of 944.00-
Painfulclunker - 2006 Mazda Tribute
By Bermudez - January 20 - 1:50 amIt is extremely painful to realize that my beautiful car is worst less than a clunker. With only 36k miles, and all the maintenance properly done on time,the automatic transmission broke, the dealer installed a new one which lasted exactly two weeks so a new one was installed, and yesterday, this one broke too; so in the period of 6k miles, it is 42k now, I had three brand new transmission installed. What is my next step? Get rid of the car before the warranty expires.
-
Im in luv with Mazzie! - 2006 Mazda Tribute
By Sarah - December 26 - 7:53 pmThis little suv is a joy! Without spending a kajillion bucks I feel like I did. I only have 1600 miles on this baby so far and we are already best friends! Drove a Mazda pickup for 15 years so sticking with what I know. I bought the red one. Luv luv luv it!
-
Why I Like my Mazda Tribute - 2001 Mazda Tribute
By Phil Henderson - December 7 - 1:06 pmI researched all SUVs in this category and bought the Tribute based on specific criteria. I wanted a front wheel drive (traction in snow), not 4WD (maintenance risk and mileage), head room (Im only 6 tall and if I pitched forward in an accident in the Sante Fe, it would have hit the ceiling - Tribute has lots of room), 6 cyl, rear gate opens up, carry 4x8 sheet of plywood through the rear window, carry 8 ft 2x4 inside with the doors closed, internal storage of spare tire, fits in the garage, styling interior and exterior, elevated rear seats, visibility for the driver, and excellent driving feel.
-
Great Value - 2002 Mazda Tribute
By Crockins - December 3 - 2:00 amI guess you would call this a 30,000 mile report. I am very pleased with my purchase of my 2002 Mazda Tribute. I have used it for long trips, camping, skiing and have not had one problem with it. All I have done is the routine maintenance. The only annoying little thing is the rear window creaks when going over bumps in the road. When I take it in for service next time I will have them check it out. Other then that I have been very pleased with it.
-
I like it so far - 2008 Mazda Tribute
By spk151 - November 25 - 3:03 amIve put almost 1,000 miles on my 2008 Mazda Tribute. The Good: I love the looks white with black trim and tinted rear windows. It has performed adequately so far with no problems. It has decent acceleration at 200HP, while handling like a car and gets almost as good fuel economy as my 1999 Chevy Malibu (V6). The interior is roomy in both front and back seats. The complaints: Mazda claims to have a college graduate incentive program, but they do not in the USA. Im not thrilled with the speedometer as it only displays in multiples of 20MPH, I guess writing in multiples of 10 would be too hard??? I do get a lot of reflection from the white hood. All-in-all I would buy it again.
-
Ive had my Tribute for 6 years now - 2001 Mazda Tribute
By Meredith - November 5 - 7:43 pmI came on here looking for how long Tributes last for but I cant find anyone with higher miles than mine. I currently have 124,000 miles and yes, Ive been needing to replace a few things, but they all seem like normal wear and tear. However, Im a little worried because of the high miles and cant afford costly repairs, but I LOVE my car. Ive been pricing used ones, haha, yes I am thinking about getting another one. Its due for a tie-rod replacement and I need to have the spark plugs replaced, which will all hopefully be done this weekend. Also, my ash/trash tray thing on the backseat drivers side door has fallen out, for no reason, but otherwise, cosmetically, its doing well.
-
Nice Vehicle - 2004 Mazda Tribute
By dwfkyf - October 28 - 2:00 amI went to the dealer just for a test drive and wound up buying the car. It had all the features I wanted and I enjoyed the feel of the ride. Nice amount of cargo space and roomy seating. Special thanks to the folks at 128 Mazda in Wakefield, MA. It was an excellent buying experience. The staff was informative, they came right out with a price that was great and offered me fair value for my trade-in, cant thank them enough. It was far better than my last couple of car purchases through other dealers. Im looking forward to owning this vehicle for a long time.
-
Great car, IF it starts! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
By Kathy Cass - October 20 - 10:00 amI have had much distress over a repetitve problem that the service people cannot fix,sometimes my car wont start,leaving me stranded.They replaced the immobolizer.They cut and reprogramed new keys,a tech took it home,and couldnt get it started,had to be towed back to the dealer.Then they thought it was a wiring harness connection,took apart and reconnected, and were convinced it was fixed.I am so stressed and upset over this,I was to go on a trip this morning,but still need to get the car towed,and confront the dealer.This may be a lemon,but I have had trouble getting callbacks from the servicing dealer,Pugi.
-
Zooooooom Zooooooom - 2006 Mazda Tribute
By nceantonio - October 9 - 4:56 pmIve had this car about a month and I love it, my 2 year old loves to go for drives. Lots of space, my daughter can stick her legs out and not kick the back of my seat. Our 2 week old sons carseat fits in there real nice while the drivers seat can be all the way back if needed.
-
better than my 01 - 2003 Mazda Tribute
By Bucky C - September 21 - 10:00 amthis is my second.Went in for service (sway bar links)and while it was being fixed ended up with a new one. Had a DX V8 4x4 now have the loaded ES 4x4.leather moonroof the works. two years made a nice improvement,plus a better warrantee,was looking into an Explorer but was too pricy.Thought Id give the Tribute one more try.The 01 had 22,000 miles when traded.
