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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  Tribute One Tough SUV - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Timothy Doherty - February 8 - 10:00 am

  We love the looks and power of it. We purchased it to tow our colemen camper with it, witch it does with no problem. Any one who needs a great looking suv with get uo and go with a price tag of under$20,000 should look at this baby. Tim Doherty

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  Great all around SUV! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By JLee - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I did a lot of shopping before deciding on the Tribute. The second choice was a Honda Pilot but comparably equipped it was over $6K more and drove more like a Minivan! The Tribute is an excellent all around SUV. I traded an Isuzu Trooper that we had owned for 10 years. While it lacks the space of a full size SUV like the Trooper, it more than makes up for it in handling, ride and overall driving enjoyment. The styling of the Tribute appears much more "upscale" than the comparable Escape. When BMW comes out with an SUV based on the 3 series, the Tribute will be the benchmark!

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  Great SUV - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Michelle B. - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I sincerely enjoy my tribute! It is big enough to compete with the other SUVs on the road, but I dont feel like Im driving a tank either. It is easy to handle, and I love all of the safety features. A great car that is fun to drive, and I always get complimented on it!

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  Ruby - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By das0421 - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I love this car and plan to buy another one as my next car. Great buy for the features and my particular dealer offers exceptional service.

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  I love my Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By walker328 - January 10 - 10:11 pm

  I purchased this in September 2014, with about 96k miles on it. It has a few scrapes and a cracked rear bumper so I got it at a decent price. Evidently the one previous owner took excellent care of it (all scheduled maintenance performed), and it has run fine until this very rainy morning. Flashing engine light, weak acceleration, burning smell and chuggy movement led me straight to the repair shop. 3 out of 6 ignition coils and the spark plugs were just about spent causing it to misfire. Not a cheap repair due the intake manifold needing to be removed which is a pretty big deal. Plugs were due to be replaced anyway. All else looks good and now its good to go for many more miles.

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  1stSUVOwner - 2009 Mazda Tribute
  By Tribute2009 - January 8 - 9:46 am

  When I was considering purchasing a new SUV, I considered the Escape, CRV, Santa Fe and the RAV4. After test driving these vehicles, I was not overly impressed. Although, I did enjoy the looks of the Escape. I looked into the XLS model, which was a base model with auto. The price was around 21k. Then, a friend suggested to consider a Mazda. We went to the Mazda dealership and test drove the Tribute. The interior as well as the exterior was almost identical to the Escape, but for much less. I was impressed the the I-Sport Auto Model, which is the base model w/auto, that I purchased it for 16,888 + tax.

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  Drives well in the snow - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By LUV MY TRIBUTE - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the Tribute ES April 2003. It drove well in good weather as well as bad. Was able to motor about in the snow last week. Handled beautifully.

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  Who says Ford Cannot Build a Quality Vehicle - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Mel - January 2 - 10:23 pm

  Lets face it - this is a Ford with a little flare. Most of the Mazda lineup - why cant Ford go in this direction? This is my first SUV. My Mom has an Escape, Dad has an Escape, and buddy has one as well. My Tribute stands out, as well is more stylish on the inside, as well as the outside. My neighbor has a CRV; this performs circles around his, gets as good as fuel mileage, is bigger inside, and cost much less. I paid new $18k with the rebates, auto show cash, and dealer discount. Although his is AWD (which I didnt need due to where we live and hinders mpg -- Honda does not offer without). This is a little pocket Rocket and great for hauling my newborn.