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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  My Tribute ..... - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Mike P - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy this truck. I also own a 91 Miata which was my daily driver before I bought the truck. My wifes car is a 2000 Maxima SE. The truck has a tight and comfortable feel. Very responsive and rides more like a car than a truck. I test drove the Xterra, Sante Fe, Rav 4, CRV & Suzuki & Escape. I like the Tribute best. The Escape has a cheaper looking interior and unpainted body moldings making it look unfinished in comparison. The others either were under powered or felt more truck-like in their ride. The Hyundai had nice styling but felt slightly underpowered.

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  The Perfect Suv, Love It!! - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By willowby - July 3 - 1:33 am

  This SUV is perfect for city driving, and does great on the highway. The engine is not over powered if youre running the air conditioner in the city, but thats not that important, but the pick-up is there if you need it. I love the the black trim around the vehicle, your seeing less of this,the monochromatic look is not for me. The engine is not loud and you dont hear excessive road noise.

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  Zoom-aoom-zoom--Its all true!!! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Souplady - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Tribute in April 2001 and it was love at first sight and has been ever since. It is an almost perfect car/SUV. It is fun to drive, fun to look at and fun to own. Lots of people seem to notice my car when I am driving it. I did a tremendous amount of research on SUVs before buying this car and was very pleased that I was able to find one at a reasonable price. It has a lot of get up and go and yet lots of room for all your stuff. I have had my car over a year and except for oil changes, the car has not given me one bit of trouble, not one!! Go for it---zoom, zoom, zoom!!!

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  the best small suv - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By lisa nelson - June 26 - 10:00 am

  drives like a small car. handles like a dream. gas milage is really good. i get 23 city and 28 hwy. has room for adults in rear seat. cargo space is bigger then many other small suvs on the market.

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  great choice - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By jenniferhancock - June 26 - 10:00 am

  very good acceleration. very roomy. Awesome value

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  Tribute a good buy, fun to drive - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By freedjeff - June 24 - 10:00 am

  Have had it for 4 months and no problems. Comfortable and truly fun to drive, looking forward to the winter in it. Would recommend to all.

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  Im enjoying my SUV - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Im enjoying it! - June 18 - 8:06 pm

  I have gone from $70 plus for a fill up to $40.00, from 12 mpg to 24. In the three weeks I have had it, we have been thru 4 inches of snow and two days of near 80 degree weather and it has kept me warm, cool and got me from point A to point B even while driving 15 miles per hour on the freeway. What’s not to like.

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  Still Zooming after 50k - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By paguy - June 14 - 10:00 am

  Some minor problems with rear window seal leaking but the dealership fixed it promptly and it was covered under warranty. The brake master cylinder had a defective cap, that was also fixed. Had a few recalls. Nothing major. Our Tribute is just as quick and tight as it was when we bought it. Still a blast to drive. Its only 2wd but seems to go about anywhere anyways. The only complaint I have is the size of the gas tank and the mileage. The gas tank is only about 15 gal. and seems like were always filling the tank. I suppose the mileage is ok for a small 6 cyl. SUV. We get around 18 or 19 mpg city and around 24 or 25 mpg highway.

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  The Best SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By T foster - June 6 - 2:56 am

  My last car(Mercedes C240)did not handle as well as my new Tribute.The ergonomic styling is not only great to look at, but everything is accessable from my drivers seat.We have a BMW that needs to come with a Rhodes scholarship to be able to work the radio alone. Not so with our Tribute.the sound system is clear,crisp and very easy to use while driving.I feel like I am driving a sporty car, with great visibility.I do not feel as if I am driving a Bulky SUV.Same goes with the ease of parking. Definately the best vehicle I have ever owned, and I have owned them all!!

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  Great SUV! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By stadiumnuts - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with the Mazda Tribute.