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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Mazda Tribute - 2006 Mazda Tribute
By Gavin - January 18 - 9:46 pmLove my Tribute! I researched extensively and decided on the Tribute over the Escape and Mariner due to slightly lower price (with rebates) and the 4/50K warranty vs. 3/36K. The only other one I considered was a Hyundai (I disliked the GMs). This is a fun-to- drive mini-SUV with all imaginable amenities included on package 3. The only things missing: steering-wheel radio controls and a message center (mileage, trip running time, etc.). Some owners gripe of the gas mileage, but I have averaged 19.3 during the initial 900 miles (50-50 split of highway & city miles). Cmon people -- its an AWD V6 SUV, not a compact car with a tinny 4-cylinder. Heck, my underpowered 94 Subaru only got 18/26.
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Great Car So Far - 2003 Mazda Tribute
By Jholls - January 17 - 10:00 amI traded my 01 gas hog Dodge Durango (which I absolutely loved) in on my 03 Tribute. So far I am very pleased. I get 20 mpg driving back and forth to work and 25 mpg on the highway. I miss my big V8 but not the $35 it cost to drive each week. I looked at the Honda CRV and Jeep Liberty but Honda wouldnt budge on the price and wanted $$$$$ for options that were standard on the Tribute (luggage rack, fog lights) and the Jeep didnt get any better milage than my Durango and was uncomfortable. So far I am very happy.
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Im lovin it ! - 2010 Mazda Tribute
By Steve from NJ - January 15 - 10:00 amI was looking for a Ford Escape Limited, but couldnt get one when my Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer was due, so I selected a Tribute AWD S Grand Touring. Im very happy after 6K miles - no troubles at all, even towing my boat around. Its comfortable, very responsive, drives well and gets great mileage. Am planning on installing the remote start feature before winter sets it. I added white wall porta walls for my tires, as it looked like it needed something.
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Tribute Summary - 2002 Mazda Tribute
By stev - January 3 - 10:00 amHere is a summary of the rest of the board. Fun to drive, looks great, good power, and nice ride. Should change the location of gear shifter, noise at high speeds, gas mileage, mud flaps, cheap "leather", lighted cruise control, ignition light-up, and steering wheel radio control. There has been some stalling early in purchase and customer service is horrible. I agree with all but the last two, knock on wood.
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Great Little SUV - 2004 Mazda Tribute
By bushdow - December 27 - 7:30 pmI purchased this vehicle in February 2004 I saved thousands on the sticker price. The SUV has performed well. I took it back on Christmas Day for an emmission sensor problem. It is roomy and peppy for a 4 cylinder engine.
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Mazda Tribute Works For Me! - 2009 Mazda Tribute
By Steve Reynolds - December 11 - 12:40 pmMy wife and I were drawn to the Tribute because it is the perfect size for our needs. Also, it does not look like all the other boring, round tubby things that pass for small SUVs. Most SUVs look alike and are hard to tell apart, but not the Tribute. The seats are comfy on my large rear end, the 7 speaker radio blasts Sirius satellite radio loud and clear, and the truck (not car-derivative) goes where I point it. The only negative is that the attractive front end is made of plastic. A bug strike can mar the finish of the chrome-plated plastic grill. Unfortunately, Mazda is changing the Tribute for 2010 so itll look more Japanese. Bummer. There ya go.
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Great SUV in the Market - 2003 Mazda Tribute
By Khiem - November 4 - 2:00 amBest in its class!
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Value King! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
By Glenn - November 2 - 3:10 pmThis SUV is wonderful. The V6 makes all the RAV4 and CRVs green no matter the color ordered. For about the same price as a cramped and bouncy RAV4 I got this Tribute with many more features options and the Tribute actually has a rear bumper. This Mazda is a really usable size too. At work we ride to lunch and get to see each others vehicles. The RAV4 is more like a mini-micro-SUV in comparison. It has a 4 cylinder engine which idles so fast when cold that it jerks when you put it in drive while the smooth Mazda V6 feels like a much more expensive vehicle. Do yourself a tremendous favor and drive a Tribute before you spend too much on a RAV4 or CRV. We have two Tributes now and love them
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ok - 2001 Mazda Tribute
By videoprd - October 16 - 10:00 ampulls to the left
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Love it, will purchase another - 2002 Mazda Tribute
By erb1 - October 14 - 4:23 amI purchased it new, and my vehicle has 170,000 miles on it. I just changed the spark plugs last week. I have driven 700 miles a week for 3.5 years with no problems. I have replaced the brakes once, three years ago. Its starting to get "squeaky" on turns, so I will replace shocks and struts early next year when I get new tires. There have been a few recalls, and my only complaint is that Mazda dealers are few and far between in this area. Also, some of the parts inside look cheap, like the inside door handles are plastic, covered in a metal looking tape stuff. But hey, they work. Will be driving it until it croaks, and will probably buy a second one next year.
