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:

• 

  super purchase - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By howell - October 25 - 10:00 am

  purchase about six weeks ago. handles and rides great not too harsh not too soft. easy to get in and out of. solid features for the money.

• 

  Not a 6 - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Wayne Ferguson - October 23 - 6:56 am

  Purchased a Mazda 6 11/04. Not a thing gone wrong to date. Tribute had lock problems from factory, engine failure (plugs and computer) at 9K. You can see the Ford connection in this truck. Also no where near the advertised fuel mileage. First and last Mazda SUV.

• 

  ZOOM-ZOOM - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By NothinButNetJAG - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I own an ES-V6 model, and I would call this "The Sports Cars of SUVS." I think the Tribute out-classes the Ford Escape. The tribute has a more nicer interior than the Escape, as well as many more standard features. The Zoom- Zoom really shows. A peppy DOHC 24 valve 201 horsepower 3.0 liter V6 is fun to drive. The car is very comfortable and sporty. Great stereo on ES-V6 models. Handles more like a car than an SUV. Feels more capable and sportier than our $34,000 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. Great off-road capability. I would recommend this SUV over the Ford Escape, Isuzu Rodeo, Honda CRV, and Honda Pilot. I love the Mazda Tribute!

• 

  Long Commuter - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Marcel - October 11 - 10:00 am

  I have a 112 mile round trip commute to work. I like the handling, the styling inside and outside, and the summer gas mileage (28 mpg highway). City mileage is low in the winter, (around 20 mpg.) Front brakes and rotors have been replaced 3 times since taking ownership, (65,000 miles). See some rust starting on back doors. See rust starting on tail gate jam where weather stripping comes together by latch. I wash and wax weekly. Its quiet, decent power, Hydroplaning occurs on water-soaked highway roads, need to slow down under 50 to feel safe. Handles okay in winter. I use snow tires on all 4 wheels in winter. Dont like the anti-skid feature.

• 

  Bad Rotors from Ford - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By darbow - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Here i thought i was getting Mazda reliability but all we have is a glorified Taurus! The rotors needed replaced under 40k (out of warr of course) and some sensors had to be replaced earlier on. I will keep it until Spring and then im getting a 4Runner or Pathfinder to replace it. Sorry Mazda you should have kept Ford parts out of the vehicle (engine/brakes etc....) back in 01 it was the fastest,cheapest and best looking, now its run of the mill and being underrated by Minivans.

• 

  Zoom, zoom, OH YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Fyerstrtr - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Did alot of test driving and research in the SUV area, and I can honestly say that this is THE SUV to have for every reason! The reliability, handling, comfort, and design are impeccable! Arguably the best ever built!

• 

  My Zoom-Zoom - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By jgoldfish - October 6 - 5:30 am

  The Tribute is an excellent SVU. It is perfect to haul the skis, kids, dogs, bikes, etc. with a great sporty look that we were looking for. We tested the Saturn look alike, thought it was too cheap inside. We didnt every let the kids in at the dealership because we were afraid something would fall off in the interior of it. The service at our Mazda dealer was superior to any dealer in the area. Even a year after the purchase our dealer and the Mazda dealership is always there to answer any question we have just as friendly as the date of purchase.

• 

  My Mazda - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Dskelly - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy driving my vechile. It gives a great ride and is easy to manuever. The gas mileages is about 23 hwy which is what I am use to

• 

  rides like a truck - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By smashingk - September 26 - 10:00 am

  steering went out at 9000 miles. Altogether performance isnt that great. The ride is very uncomfortable and when you lower the windows, you can hear loud buzzing noises.

• 

  GOOOD CAR - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By ISA GALLASHAW - September 20 - 10:00 am

  THE CAR IS VERY PRETTY AND ONE OF THE BEST SMALLER SUVS THAT I HAVE SEEN. I LIKE IT A LOT BUT I AM LOOKING FIRWARD TO PURCHASING A TRAILBLAZER.