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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  long term SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By ALC - June 15 - 10:50 pm

  This is my second Tribute and third SUV, no longer have the need for a 4x4 station wagon. Overall its been good (28,000miles), looking to trade it, seems to have a terrible trade in value, even towards a new Mazda sedan. Ford builds this zoom-zoom suv and they put on the worst tires, Continental Contra If I ever buy another car with Continental tires, Im having them include new tires in the price. Gas mileage isnt great especially at $3.00 a gallon. With the 4x4 on, were looking at 12 to 13mpg. You have to wonder, why did they stop making the EXCURSION?

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  Love the Tribute - 2010 Mazda Tribute
  By Zoom...Zoom... - June 13 - 8:53 am

  Just got my Mazda this past weekend and I love everything about it so far. Drives really smooth, its a perfect fun size SUV, looks sporty, and Im hoping to have many good years with it.

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  I love my Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Microchic - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I researched all compact SUVs before purchase. Decided that the true cost to own of this vehicle was better for my family. Drives nice, and I dont seem to have the wind problem other are having. I have the base model stereo, and would have rathered the upgrade. The DVD is a life saver for long trips. My daughter cant wait to go on a long trip so she can use it!

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  hot car - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By havasu river rat - June 1 - 10:00 am

  best car for the money

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  Best SUV in its class - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Delaware19701 - June 1 - 10:00 am

  In comparing between Ford Excape and Mazda Tribute, the Mazda was a hands down choice for me. After 6 months I have no complaints. Too many bad comments from Escape owners for me to take the chance on a purchase of an Escape

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  Fun and comfy! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By pedslpaz - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had my 2005 Tribute "s" (2wd) for a few days, but so far I love it! I had a 2003 Ford Escape Ltd for a few days, before I bought this Tribute, and now that I can compare the two, I can say that the Escape drove more like a truck and the Tribute drives more like a car.

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  Perfect for me! - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By peachofalady - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven my Tribute from the Southeastern US to West Texas several times - no problems, ever.

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  Nice and Inexpensive - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Ray in Homewood - April 22 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I have enjoyed our Tribute ES immensely. The design is attractive and not overly complicated or austere. The acceleration is quick and handling is nimble, providing a extra measure of safety with all the less than capable drivers we encounter in the Chicago area. The overdrive gear is a lifesaver on the fuel mileage.

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  Fun to drive - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Vlad3v - April 22 - 10:00 am

  I tried this vehicle on highways (in CA), in the city traffic, on the rural road and in the heavy snow in mountains (Lake Tahoe). Its always been fun to drive. I never had luck of power and didnt miss bigger engines of Jeeps, etc. Vehicles behavior on heavy snow (powder ~1/2 of a wheel) has by far exceeded my expectations of "parquette SUV".

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  Fun To Drive and Dependable - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Randolph B. Mills - April 13 - 10:00 am

  Having had a Mazda for 14 years prior to buying this new vehicle there was no need to doubt that we had Purchased a Quality Vehicle. We know that the Mazda Tribute will give us many years of Quality Performance and Driving Comfort. We are very pleased with the Price and Service Policy, including the Warrented Items offered at the time of purchase.