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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Fun and power - 2003 Mazda Tribute
By Atong - December 1 - 10:00 amI accually bought my Tribute in 2001. Except for some manufacturing defects (ford) it has been a great SUV. I put alot of miles on it every year and so far it it takes me anywhere I need to go and is fun getting me there.
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Zoom! Zoom! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
By Patriotjim - December 1 - 10:00 amIve had my Tribby for a few months now. Its been great. I dont get the complaints about the shifter or road noise. Mine is fine. I love the feature that allows you to roll up the windows after youve turned off the engine. Gas milange has been 20 mpg, insurance cost low, great room and driving. Get one. When I bought mine, the Tribby was the better deal over its sister the Ford Escape (better financing/rebate and warranty).
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Really Great - 2005 Mazda Tribute
By Dan - November 27 - 6:36 pmNo problems in 21000 miles. Acceleration, conering, turning radius, all really good. A very easy handling vehicle with good vision. Mileage, 20 city, 27 interstate at 70 mph. Other than noisy tires I love it.
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never buy a tribute - 2002 Mazda Tribute
By Angel Pereira - November 27 - 12:50 pmI had just bought my 2002 tribute 4 weeks ago and it started losing power and this past Saturday it cot on firer totaled the vehicle luckly everyone got out ok had pregnant daughter 4 year old grandson and would of had my 9 month old granddaughter thank god her mother got off work early that day now stuck with no money no transportion and lots of head aches come to fined out its a manufactory defect
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I bought a Monteray Grey colored Tribute - 2010 Mazda Tribute
By John Staehle - November 24 - 5:33 pmMy wife and I test drove the Mazda Tribute "Sport" FWD/6spd/4cyl with great results and purchased the same.
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Tribute to my Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
By karen6036 - November 13 - 2:00 amJust turned 20,000 miles on my 2003 Tribute. Other than car washes, gas, oil changes, one wheel balancing, and insurance, I have spent no money on this vehicle. NO WARRANTEE repairs either. I would like better gas mileage, but I actually get 18.9 - 19.3 around town and 24.5 - 25.3 on strickly highway driving.
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GOT A LEMON - 2004 Mazda Tribute
By jnetk - November 13 - 2:00 amI bought a new 2004 Tribute LX on Thursday and had to be towed to the dealership the following Tuesday. With only 340 miles on it - it has to have a new transmission. The dealership had to call the engineers in California to find out what was wrong. Ive now been without it for 8 days. The dealership is real nice and is furnishing me a rental car but oooooh I wish I had my 1999 Ford Taurus back! (duh! I traded IT in) Theres no telling how long I will be without it. Im sick!!!
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This one is a real winner! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
By Mort - November 12 - 10:00 amMy ES was my first American Built vehicle after 34 years of owning cars. Never liked American handling and build quality. Well now, I am a happy convert! This is one hell of a well conceived and executed SUV!
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Fun to drive - 2002 Mazda Tribute
By Bop - November 12 - 10:00 amThis is a new-owner review. I will write a follow-up later, maybe after 6 months or a year. Initial experience, after extensive test-drive and comparisons, is that the Tribute is the best value for the money out there. And it IS fun to drive. I have no complaints at this time, and can only recommend one.
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Very Satisfied - 2005 Mazda Tribute
By LMcGee - November 3 - 10:00 amI test drove many kinds of suvs on the market. The Mazda Tribute was the most comfortable suv to ride in. It is spacious and "oh" does it draw attention. I have been asked by many what is it called. I chose the Tribute because I received more options for my money compared to others that are similar.
