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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  Thinking of buying another one - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By LoveMyTribute - August 23 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Tribute last year. I checked out other SUVs and none compared to the Tribute. The Tribute had a lot more standard features along with better horsepower, looks, and space. It was too good to pass up! I traded in my MX-3 for the Tribute and still have lots of fun driving. Weve had this car for 1.5 years now and have put on 25,400 miles on it. We havent had any problems with our Tribute. Were thinking of getting a second Tribute. It has excellent pick up too, I often pass other cars at intersections without any extra pressure on the gas pedal!

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  Fun Zoom Zoom - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Doubear - August 23 - 10:00 am

  It is amazing how much power can be produced out of such a relatively small engine. Im an old gearhead and we thought we were doing well at 1 horsepower per cubic inch. This engine is far above that and gets fair gas milage as well. Bravo to the Ford or combination of engineers that designed this engine and automobile. My only complaint is interior road noise is too high

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  Thinking of buying another one - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By lovemytribute - August 23 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Tribute last year. I checked out other SUVs and none compared to the Tribute. The Tribute had a lot more standard features along with better horsepower, looks, and space. It was too good to pass up! I traded in my MX-3 for the Tribute and still have lots of fun driving. Weve had this car for 1.5 years now and have put on 25,400 miles on it. We havent had any problems with our Tribute. Were thinking of getting a second Tribute. It has excellent pick up too, I often pass other cars at intersections without any extra pressure on the gas pedal!

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  2006 Mazda 4-dr SUV 5 spd Manual - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Jane - August 11 - 2:16 am

  Have had the car for 3 years now. Although the car seems underpowered with the smaller engine the gas mileage is very good, the manual transmission really makes the difference. Comfortable in town and on trips and handles very well. So far has aged well both inside and out despite dogs and kids.

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  Good Choice - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By baumgadx - August 11 - 2:00 am

  After looking at a number of other vehicles my wife and I decided to purchase the Mazda Tribute. It was the best bang for our buck. Drives and runs smoothly, we really enjoy it. Has more passenger room then some of the other midsize SUVs (Pathfinder & Lexus come to mind). Paid about $100 over invoice after a bit of haggling but paid well below edmunds TMV price for a fully loaded ES-V6!

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  Control Switches - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By W. Head - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Seventh new vehicle owned and rate it second only to my 1993 Ranger. Only complaint is complexity of controls for windshield wiper, all lights, radio and clock. My dealership failed to explain these items in spite of them being on the Mazda check off list.

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  good buy - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By gking - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I felt like this was far and away the best small sport ute for the money and have not been dissappointed. Its very comfortable (in both the front and rear seats,even on long trips)and has good acceleration.

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  Great SUV for the price! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Tom111111 - June 23 - 10:00 am

  After much research I thought the Tribute was the best car and best deal in this SUV class. The factory incentives werent so bad, I opted for the $2,000 factory cash! Lots of front leg room for us 6"3 people. Parking is always a breeze. I live in New York City and am always amazed at how much extra space I have once in my parking space. This car handles like a dream and has lots of pep! Very comfortable ride on long trips!

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  Nice drive! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Jeffsch - June 23 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I have our first child on the way so it was time for a 4 door and we liked the mini SUVs. We test drove several and loved the Tribute. We test drove several including the Jeep Liberty. The liberty offered a couple more nice things but the roll over ratings were worse than our Wrangler! The Tribute had a nicer more refined ride and handling plus the rear door is more convienent. The Lexus didnt offer more conviences than the Tribute to justify the price difference. We like the little styling differenced better than the Ford Escape. Were very happy with it.

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  I LOVE my Tribute!!! - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Barbara - June 20 - 4:43 pm

  I have owned many Ford Explorers in my time and this vehicle blows them all away. It is SOOO much better and more fun to drive. It now has over 40,000 miles and I still love it. I hate the tires, though. No problems to speak of. Ive even towed with it.