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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  Should get better gas mileage for a 4 cylinder - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By dennis - March 2 - 5:00 pm

  Traded my Camry for this and wish I had kept it mainly for gas mileage. Thought a 4 cylinder would do good but I get only 23 on trips even with just myself in the car. I added a power roof which I like. Passenger door does not accept key so the only way in is the drivers door if you dont have remote. This is sometimes a pain as I try to keep my keychain from being too bulky esp. if carrying remotes for other cars too. There was a recall for the back hatch door lock which was minor. I have about 17000 miles and no real problems so far other than it is sluggish on the highway, esp. hills and has to downshift to climb. It does that a lot on trips. It does ride smooth and is sporty. It is just OK.

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  Paying Tribute to the best small SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Zoomster - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Purchased 2 months ago after I decided to replace my 5+ year old Explorer (which served me well!). Seriously considered the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Subaru Forester and Ford Escape (twin) but chose the Tribute and am happy I did. The Tribute is the best small SUV on the market! Great handling, peppy performance (V6), cute design, nice stereo (190W / 7 speaker / cassette upgrade + moonroof luxury pkg) at a good price. Heated seats are nice & toasty during the NE Winter! After driving the Explorer for 5 years, I missed the sport car feel/handling (previous cars: 90 Mazda MX6 GT & 94 626 ES, 85 Celica GTS) ... until now! Zoom Zoom!!!

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  Love my Tribute - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By LeeAnn - February 16 - 2:43 am

  I have had my Tribute for 4 years now and have never had a major problem. It does seem to get good gas mileage as compared to other SUVs Ive had and is a lot of fun to drive. I love the way it looks - classy but kinda sporty. The only thing I dont like is the big bulky obtrusive gear shift handle. It looks clumsy and unusually large - kinda ugly. Otherwise, you cant go wrong with this SUV for the money.

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  2 years 5 months still very satisfied - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By MatthewM33 - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the Tribute in October of 2000. At that time there were barely any other Tributes on the road. Im glad to say that even with more on the road its styling still stands out from all the other SUVs. The value for your dollar is incredible with Tribute. The only negatives I could say about the SUV are in the interior. The shift nob on my ES model blocks the radio volume, the cruise control on the steering wheel does not iluminate at night and the door has no padding to rest your arm.

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  Good Deal, but needs some minor help - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Heather - February 11 - 11:43 pm

  Overall, my 2005 Tribute S has plenty of room, handles decent & good pickup. I’ve always driven high-end luxury sedans & SUV’s and while this isn’t in their class with style, comfort, drive and some of the interior options, bells and whistles, it is a great deal. I get alot of compliments and would recommend this SUV for someone restricted to that price bracket. I transport alot of sporting equipment on the roof. This is the one reason I will not be a repeat Tribute owner. Mazda made a huge mistake making the rook rack extremely short.Unless you replace the entire rack with a custom rack, then this is not the SUV for outdoor enthusiasts needing to carry sport equiptment on the roof.

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  Solid and Fun to Drive - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Cristanka - February 6 - 12:56 pm

  I bought my 03 Tribute LX 4WD at 95,000 miles and Ive been happy with it every single day. Its amazing in the winter and even better in the summer! Everything still works at 106,000 miles a year later. The wheel bearing on the front right passenger side was broken when I bought it, unfortunately, and it wasnt until much later that I found that problem and the dealership paid for it. The crash test ratings are spectacular on this SUV! I was just hit a week ago by a drunk driver going 70 mph and I walked away without a scratch. My Tribute is in great condition save for a few cosmetic repairs. If I had been in a lighter SUV I would have rolled over. Definitely worth every penny.

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  Great Car Overall. - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Dru - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Got the car for under 24k drive out fully loaded. The drive is very comfortable especially for long distances and heavy traffic scenarios. The power is great off the line for a big car but there could be a little more for the highway. Cargo space is great and easy to fold down the seats in no time.

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  Love My Tribute - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Petes83 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  The whole experience of buying the Tribute was excellent. The dealership was very fair, working with a female sales rep was nice. The Tributes performance, handling, and capabilities are excellent. Got an 05 Tribute V6 with moonroof for 24K with 0% financing. Quite a deal!

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  Will never buy a Mazda Again - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By firsttimer8 - January 20 - 1:20 pm

  At first this vehicle was great. Loved how sturdy it was and how it drove. UNTIL I hit 70,000 miles. Things went south and fast. So far the oil pan had to be re-sealed TWICE, the transmission was leaking, the rack and pinon leaking (for break fluid), the starter had to be replaced, and now the alternator is bad. This all has happened in under a year. The dealership I bought it from stated I had an extended warranty for buying it and they also did not honor that warranty so all of the above was paid out of pocket. I really got a crappy Mazda. With 2 kids and hubby being the only one that works and me in school, This car has really put us in a hole and that is an understatement.

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  2005 Tribute Fwd - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By David - January 11 - 8:03 am

  Ive had the Tribute for 2 months now and I couldnt be happier. I priced out the Escape and the Mariner but ended up with the Tribute for the styling, standard 16" wheels, warranty (4 years/50000 miles), and the aggressive pricing from the dealership. Even if you live in a cold climate, the FWD is more than adequate for getting through snow and the antilock brakes are very effective. I test drove the new 4 cylinder and it was fine but the 6 cylinder is much smoother and the gas mileage is still respectable. Give the Tribute a look and tell the dealer that youre seriously considering an Escape. The price will come down considerably. Hope this helps!