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 experience with Madza - 2003 Mazda Tribute
By RJV1284 - April 25 - 2:00 amMy SUV is more than I expected. Its confort conforms to my needs with the family. I would buy another. Your pricing was very good.
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Reliable, Great Value, Strongly Recommen - 2004 Mazda Tribute
By miatajeff - April 21 - 2:00 amOur 2004 ES 4WD has been a super truck, very reliable, reasonably good mpg (20) for a vehicle this big with this much power. Great value for the money as well, compared to the Grand Cherokee, Subaru, Explorer, etc I am really happy with this vehicle. Has great visibilty and handles very well. Great for people (like me) who need the height of an SUV but still want sporty handling.
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We love our Trib - 2008 Mazda Tribute
By Boyce - April 18 - 1:06 amWe have really enjoyed our Tribute. Nice and quiet and a smooth ride around town. So far we have not made a road trip in this vehicle so my observations are for around town only. Fuel mileage has been consistent at 19mpg. Power is adequate for our driving styles.
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My Mazda - zoom zoom - 2005 Mazda Tribute
By Ron - April 15 - 12:30 amOverall we really love this SUV . There are only two things that are bugging us. The cup holders in the console area are horrible! There is no room for the second cup unless you lift the lid of the center console. Not good. The second is how fast the brake discs get worn. Not even 7,000 miles and they have deep groves in them. Otherwise, love the car.
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Great SUV/wagon/whatever it is... - 2005 Mazda Tribute
By flyingcow - April 13 - 7:13 pm2000 miles, and am happy thus far, except for a few minor quibbles. 4 cylinder auto transmission is peppy, if you turn off the overdrive. Roomy, really fun to drive, turns on a dime, quiet, car-like, good seats, plenty of room in front AND in back (Im 6/3), Feels solid on the highway. Excellent sound system - 100 watts will rock you out. 22 mpg in city, 25/26 mpg highway with automatic transmission (as advertised). Amazing price: $15,800. 4 year/50K warranty. Gotta buy it!
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Tribute - Gorgeous SUV, bad fuel economy - 2005 Mazda Tribute
By philsphan23 - April 3 - 10:26 pmWe got the s-model with the AWD, 6- cylinder and automatic transmission. It is a really good looking SUV (red with a silver bottom) and very fun to drive, however, if I had realized that the around town gas mileage was so poor, I dont know if I would have purchased this car. I dont do a whole lot of highway driving. I am getting just 16 miles per gallon! When you pay over $2 a gallon, it feels like I was ripped off! The sticker said 21 mpg and the salesman confirmed the number, but obviously was looking for a sale, not my interests. Id love to hear what the 4-cylinder drivers are getting for gas mileage. You couldnt beat the incentives, though ($4000 cash back, or 0% financing).
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Dissapointment - 2002 Mazda Tribute
By Seadog - March 31 - 10:00 amNo question the performance and power for this SUV were great. But I had it in 4 times for repairs to the drivers outside mirror (vibrated)a rattle in the right rear and an engine failure. The egine was fixed but they were never able to fix the other things.
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Viewpoint from a Professor - 2002 Mazda Tribute
By Professor - March 31 - 10:00 amI have had my 2001 Tribute DX/V6 for a little more than a year. Call it luck, or simply a reasonably well-designed vehicle, no problems at all @ almost 40,000 miles. With the exception of some wind noise at highway speeds, and wishful better fuel economy...pretty satisfied with my purchase. I would encourage a tight maintenance schedule however.
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Zoom Zoom - 2005 Mazda Tribute
By Deb - March 29 - 1:46 pmSo far, I really love this SUV. It is a really comfortable vehicle and it is a pleasure to drive.
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Death trap - 2002 Mazda Tribute
By pete05 - March 25 - 10:00 amI have not made the first car payment and my new Mazda is already in the repair shop. The car stalled on me as I was existing the freeway. So far, the mechanic cannot reproduce the problem. However, considering what I am reading on this website, its no wonder Mazda has not gotten sued yet from someone getting killed due to this problem.
