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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Used to love her Part TWO! - 2006 Mazda Tribute
By niccorcal - June 10 - 8:10 amAn update to my previous post from 9/09. Sooo I ended up spending just over $3000 to have my transmission rebuilt, if only I could post the pictures! ALL of the metal parts in the transmission were all eaten up, its as if the metal they used werent heated up to the right temperature when it was being produced. The company fixing it has never seen such a thing on a new car in their 30 yrs of business. So I think its over,a little over a month and my other ABS wheel axle, one of the main reasons all the problems came to light starts going out, affecting once again my transmission, faulty axles and crappy transmission material. 3 months later Im driving a BMW X3! Obviously way better quality!
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Cool Truck, but bad luck - 2001 Mazda Tribute
By ejrusso - June 7 - 10:00 amWe have had our Tribute DX V6 since November 2000. Besides being fun to drive and powerful the truck has a lot of problems. We are taking our truck in at least 4-5 times every 6 months, for repairs, since weve had it. Our transimission has been replaced along with the cylanoid, master brake cylinder, cracked fuel line, 4 check engine light sensors, the rear windshield wiper, drivers door panel, and the stripping along the front windshield. Im sure there are some I am forgetting.
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AVOID!! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
By Chuck111111 - June 7 - 10:00 amGood GOD, stay away. Have this car 3 months, and have had nothing but trouble. Engine quits, transmission has been opened up twice for service. Im getting so I see the same group of owners in the dealership getting theirs serviced every time Im there.
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Still Going Strong - 2004 Mazda Tribute
By scooter - June 5 - 10:43 amI bought this Tribute new about two years ago. The styling is very nice, and it really is fun to drive. It has great acceleration, and excellent brakes. It is very easy to park and maneuver. The sound system is fantastic. The only negative I have experienced is the fuel economy. I only get about 17-18 city, and about 24-26 highway. Not bad, but for a vehicle this size it should be better. The build quality is very good. No rattles or other annoying noises after 17,000 miles. Overall it is a very good little SUV.
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Love my Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
By Love my Tribute - June 5 - 10:00 amThis is my 2nd 2004 Tribute. The first one I traded for a Mazda 3 because of rising fuel costs back in 2005. I missed it so much that when I found another used 2004 within my price range, I bought it. It had 68,000 miles on it when I bought it and now has 95,000. The only thing that its been in the shop for is recharging the AC. I love the way it rides and drives. I have a 20 mile commute to work and this past winter, when we had several bad snow storms, I didnt miss a day of work.
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It could improve - 2008 Mazda Tribute
By CJ - June 4 - 7:36 pmI bought my Mazda Tribute 2008 after owning a Chevy Malibu. I have owned this car since Nov. 2007. I have the 4cyl, manual. I have put 46,000 miles on it. It lacks in acceleration and power. The engine is very weak. This is the last time I buy a 4cyl. car. It looks like a real SUV and not the silly bubble which everyone seems to love today. When I first bought the car, a tank of gas=425 miles. This has dramatically dropped to 390 miles. I have kept up with all of its maintenance schedules. I have driven from IL to NY. I take it up and down the Midwest. Smooth and comfortable ride. Needs more power I have two children and plan to grow the family. Not large enough for three kids.
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This SUV Rocks! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
By Satisfied Driver - May 30 - 10:00 amI bought an ES-4WD three weeks ago. I already racked up 1600 miles. So far Ive been very impressed. After driving a sports car for seven years, I wanted a car-based mini-SUV with somewhat similiar performance. The Tribute doesnt disappoint. Its quite nimble to drive and has plenty of power to boot. Fuel economy averages about 20 a gallon ... not too shabby. Ive test-driven a few other mini-SUV (Honda CRV, Toyota Rav4 ...), I think the Tribute is definitely a good buy for its class.
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silver streak - 2001 Mazda Tribute
By rambler - May 30 - 2:00 amAbsolutely love it. Both of us have hip replacements and have trouble riding long distances,but not in this toy.The ease getting in and the roominess of the inside makes it a dream. Im 51", he is 62". The mild contour of the seats make it possible to sit without pressure on the sides of the hips.The back will easily hold our riding scooters.Lets us feel like kids again. great in traffic superb response, great on the open road.tried all the Comparable SUVS.This is by far the winner.Only complaint, needs a light on the moonroof switch so you know when it is totally shut...try it youll love it...
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18/22 mpg??? - 2004 Mazda Tribute
By Goober - May 21 - 8:40 pmDunno where they get these fuel ratings. I get 27 on my commute & up to 30 hiway. Have never gotten lower than 25 mpg, even pulling the trailer. Not bad for a 2.0 4 cyl.
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I love it - 2005 Mazda Tribute
By sylber - May 15 - 10:00 amproud owner of two tributes. love driving both of them. no problems noted.
