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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  Five on the Floor - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Tributetotribute - July 12 - 8:00 am

  Just traded in a 99 Explorer on this little SUV. So far so good. Its 4 cylinder, five speed is very peppy. We have 2WD which is all most people need. Love the mpg. We added leather and moonroof to class it up a bit.

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  Great SUV - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By MAZDA GUY - July 9 - 10:00 am

  I have been drving (and enjoying) my ES for almost two years (17,000 miles) and I love it. the ONLY problem I have experienced with it is the coolant light has been on for most of the time I have owned the vehicle, it is a small problem that I had checked my a local mechanic but not worth my time to take it to the dealership to have it fixed. I have had several Mazdas including a 93 929 (latest body style), and a 98 Millenia. The Tribute has more power and can handle better than either of them while giving the feeling of still being in a luxury car.

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  So far so good - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Jaddy - July 9 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Tribute for a year now and have no troubles. The ride is very smooth, and the drivetrain is surprisingly responsive, considering the low-end power package. The interior is very roomy for all five passengers, with plenty of cargo area as well. The only negatives I have noticed is in the transmission. It can be difficult to shift gears at higher rpms, and it has a tendency to spin the tires too easily when accelerating from a stop. But overall, Im very pleased.

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  Still Got the Zoom Zoom 1 Year Later! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By MWi1068196 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding ownership experience. Traded a 2002 Millenia for my Tribute with no regrets whatsoever. Does everything I want it to do and more! Purchasing experience with the dealership wasnt good, to say the least, but service and maintenance with the local dealership has been fantastic!

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  Nice SUV - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Freeway823 - June 25 - 10:00 am

  the vehicle is good looking has a powerful motor and nimble handling. Has all the power equiptment that is to be expected in a SUV. The roof rack is nice but I dont think I will ever use it. The tinted glass is a nice touch.

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  Perfect Answer to Your Boring CuteUte - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By zaimon - June 21 - 2:00 am

  In the time Ive spent with my Tribute Ive mostly had the best owners experience! At first there were a few trips to the dealer to handle minor annoyances in certain parts, otherwise nothing major. The sporty handling and performance of the v6 leaves little to be desired. The 4wd system reacts quickly and works well in ice and snow! One major criticism, FUEL EFFICIENCY. Ive never been able to get decent fuel mileage (averaging 18.1 mpg) on this car, although I admit I dont drive too conservatively, I would expect more out of the car, however. If theres a price to pay for excellent handling and performance, fuel consumption would probably be the one Id choose.

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  THE ZOOMSTER HAS SPOKEN - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By ZOOMSTER - June 21 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS A REAL SPORTS UV!!! AND WHEN I SAY SPORTS I MEAN ITS A REAL MAZDA. EVERY THING THAT I HAVE EVER DRIVEN THAT MAZDA BUILDS HAS SUPERIOR HANDLING OVER THE COMPETITION. THIS ONE IS NO EXEPTION. THIS IS THE FUNNEST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED. IT EVEN HAS A SPORTS TUNED EXHAUST FROM THE FACTORY. MOST PEOPLE THINK IT IS ENGINE NOISE BUT TO ANY ONE WHO OWNS A MAZDA ITS MUSIC TO THIER EARS. MOST OF THE 200 H.P. KICKS IN @ HIGHER RPMS BUT DONT THINK IT IS ONE BIT GUTLESS. ZOOM-ZOOM

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  best vehicle I ever owned - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By freespirit - June 18 - 4:43 pm

  My Mazda tribute is is my baby, Handling is the best engine performance is great power right when you need it . You dont have to worry about handling curves because it is very smooth . Gas mileage on the highway is about 25-27 mpg. City mileage is poor 14-17 mpg.. All in all I love my Tribute

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  My Tribute - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Nejao - June 11 - 10:00 am

  It si a very reliably vehicle. Since I bhought in Nov/2000 the cars never gave me a trouble. Even though it is not a luxury vehicle, The tribute worth its price. This one is fully loaded and I paid only $25.000 while others SUVs with the same optionals would be around $29000. I recommend you the Tribute from Mazda.

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  very quick car - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By zapmaster - May 29 - 2:00 am

  its a fun car to drive and yes the car it very quick LOVE it