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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  An Easy Choice - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Fasteddie - May 28 - 10:00 am

  We had the chance to drive and compare the Honda CRV, Subaru Forester, Toyota Highlander and the Mazda Tribute 2WD V6ES. All things considered the Tribute was an easy choice. Compared to a similarly equipped Toyota Highlander, the Tribute came in at $6,000.00 less! The Honda and the Subaru did not have enough space and power (both had 4 cyl engines and no V6 was available) for our needs, and their prices were comparable, less for your money!

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  My Trib - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By dblduce - May 13 - 9:30 pm

  Just purchased a demo with 8700 miles. This car is like new, Ive researched many other small utes but this one tops them all. I was lucky to get an almost fully loaded unit, sunroof, 6 disc changer and subwoofer. It doesnt have the side or curtain airbags but I do like that it has ABS and 4 wheel discs. I live in the Sunbelt so no need for 4WD. This is an excellent vehicle and its carlike ride doesnt give you the feel of an SUV.

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  Back in Black - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By JerseyJoe - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Great Ride, looks good and a lot of room. Im happy. Still have my other Mazda (94 626 ES). This ride has much better quality than earlier Mazdas I have had.

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  Favorite Vehicle Ever - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Lakelover - April 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my favorite of all the vehicles we have ever owned. It is fun to drive, comfortable, has lots of spunk, great headlights and visibility, good gas mileage, tows well, carries a lot, and is great-looking. What more can you ask?

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  Great value! - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By KYMazdaFan - April 17 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been an absolute pleasure to drive for both in-town and highway travels. The Mazda Tribute is a "twin" to the Ford Escape. I started looking at the Escape, but ended up preferring the exterior and interior options of the Tribute, while the Tribute is priced comparably with the Escape. Also, the Tribute comes with a 5 year/48,000 mile warranty, compared to the 3 year/36,000 mile warranty that comes with the Ford Escape. I also get a free rental car anytime the Tribute needs to be in the shop, which by all appearances, will be seldom. A great value on a solid and very enjoyable vehicle to drive.

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  MAZDA TRIBUTE - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Cynthia - April 15 - 1:50 pm

  Great SUV. No mechanical problems, except for the gas pedal which was covered under warranty. Highly recommend.

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  Very Reliable - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Drivinthegirls - February 19 - 2:40 am

  I am getting ready to trade my Tribute in. It was my moms before it was mine. She bought it brand new. She nor I have had any problems with the Tribute. The only thing that I would say is bad is the gas mileage. Its a beautiful car. I like it MUCH better than the CX-7. I test drove a CX-7 and the interior was so cramped and remined me of a boxy volvo. The Tribute is awesome. It has been reliable now for 7 years. It has 135,000 miles on it now and still going strong.

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  Best of the Best - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By floridaspincast - February 10 - 7:33 am

  After driving and test driving SUVs for three months, we selected the Tribute to be the best overall. Price, style, comfort, fuel economy and ride. The Infinity FX35 and the GMC Envoy were close seconds. The leather package is very nice, the interior setup is very good. We took it on a 500 mile trip and it handled great! Fuel was great.

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  Great Car - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Sondra - January 31 - 1:13 pm

  Except for new tires this almost 4 year old SUV has been wonderful.

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  i love my tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By ian bradford - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This suv is by far the best in its class with all of the standard features, great looks, warranty and the great service from my Mazda dealer. It even drives better than the ford escape, and I thought that they were about the same.