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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  Dont overlook this one - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By DXTribowner - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I was reluctant to test drive a 4 banger, but I was surprised. My wife has a 4 banger camary and the Tribute will easily out run it. Mileage is only slightly less than the Cam, but is improving as the engine breaks in. This truck is not a missile, but easily gets the job done.

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  luvmytrib - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Trib05 - August 22 - 5:00 pm

  This is my second Tribute, my first was a 2001. They sure have improved the gas mileage and I always get 20 mpg which I think is great for an SUV. This is such a reasonably priced vehicle with such great standard equipment such as the 6 CD changer, sunroof, abs, all power and more. I so highly recommend this SUV.

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  Ive owned it 5 years - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Gary - July 27 - 8:10 am

  The Tribute is great. Very fun to drive. Very peppy and MPG is not bad for SUV. Very stylish and comfy. Great heater! Road/wind noise is a little much but the vehicle is well insulated. Tows very well and cargo room is great. Better than a pick-up with rear seats folded down. Premium sound is great and convenience of power mirrors, seat,windows, moon roof, etc. is very nice.

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  Best car on the road for the price - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By carrie dunnam - July 14 - 4:43 pm

  I have always driven Mercedes - this is the best car I have ever owned - I drive 110 miles a day and it has been a wonderful car. The shift is on the column - probably the space would be less and I would lose those nifty pockets in the dash if it was on the floor.

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  mazda tribute ES - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By ed villere - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I love my Tribute. Since I bought my 1st Mazda GLC in 1982, I have owned 12 Mazdas. I have purchased both new and used and at present own the Trbute, 1998 2500 truck,and 1996 MX-6. The only things I would change on my TRibute are the following: add compass and thermometer to rear view mirror, temperature setting automatically on air conditioning, auto door lock when the car put in gear, cd player that has random disc to disc capabilities, Thats about it.

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  Best Car I Ever Bought!!! - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Japhia Tarver - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Me and my husband bought this SUV about three weeks ago, so far we love it! We have not had any problems out of it so far. We bought it used and its still in really great shape! I love how it drives and that it has good handling on turns. It has a lot of room in it and I think will be very safe for my brand new baby. It has a cool feature on it where the back seat folds in the floorbaord, then the back part on the seat folds down so it makes the back part like a flat-bed truck. One thing my husband doesnt like about it though is how long it takes for it to shift gears. Overall it is a great vehicle and I hope that it lasts us for a long while.

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  New, but I love it - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By fast24monte - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Although I never thought I would buy anything other than a Chevy, Im in love with my Tribute. The ride is comparable to a car. Good pickup and a smooth ride. My only real complaint is the AWFUL gas mileage. With the right option packages, this small SUV is the perfect alternative to a car. Unfortunately, I think there is significant power loss with the air conditioner running. Other than that, I love my Tribute.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By desertdog - July 3 - 10:00 am

  There are a lot of choices out there. After researching and driving, the Tribute takes the prize. This vehicle is fun to drive. It has great acceleration, brakes, handling, etc.... I do agree that the front seat should be more comfortable. It does have a lumbar adjustment which helps. The sound system is great. This thing is so much fun to drive I almost wish I bought a stick!

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  Dead at 47,000 miles - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By sanzan - June 24 - 10:26 pm

  Ive had this car for 6 1/2 years and just paid it off months ago. I loved this car the entire time I had it. Rarely had to put any money into it other than maintenance. It was the perfect size for me and went great in the snow. Until last week. The valves started to tap and before I could get to a gas station to put oil in it, the engine locked up. No warning. Got it to the repair shop and upon inspection, they found that the engine was dead - $5,300 for a new engine. Since that is about what the blue book value is, I decided to just buy a new car. The oil had been changed last 4,000 miles ago. There was no reason for the oil to have leaked, but apparently it did. Trade in $500.

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  I love it, but it could be better - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Greg - June 22 - 3:10 am

  The look - the exterior is much cooler than the 2002 which I previously owned, but no vinyl side panels that saved me a bundle when I got hit in the older one (no damage!). The interior - I love the high gloss look, but the sunglass holder door drops open every time I hit a bump. You still have to take the head rests off the back when putting the seat down. The rear cup holders on the console dont have the sleeve that the front ones do, so its very difficult to clean what the kids manage to put in there. Driving - it handles like a dream. I love driving this car.