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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  Wow! - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Trebor - March 29 - 3:33 am

  Ive only driven this 2.3 L Sport 5 spd 400 miles or so. Traded a Mazda3 hatchback 5 speed with a variation on the 2.3 less torque and more hp. That engine is very sweet in the tribute and the shift linkage is nice. Its quiet at speed with a nice ride and quick good steering feel. And the epa nos. (22, 28) lead me to believe that 30 mpg on the highway will be possible. The interior is nicely designed and colorful (yellow/black upholstery/dash). If the fuel efficiency is similar to 3s, then Mazda/Ford have hit a home run by adding the 2.3L engine and stunning body upgrade. Great value!

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  Gettin use to it... - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By sydney - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I like my tribute, which i bought 11/02...i think! Im mostly getting over the mpg shock. okay, i may be a little lead-footed, but i was hoping for better than 20 mpg, mostly highway driving (was spoiled by my previous Mazda GLC and Protege). As for sporty and fun...it is. I hate the placement of the gear shift on the column (it makes it difficult to reach radio controls...do i go over or under the gear stick???) Im still getting use to the blind spot on passenger rear side, and have hit my herbie curbie twice to prove it. Overall, i like it, but like a good pair of shoes, gotta break it in.

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  I love my Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Barb604 - March 25 - 2:00 am

  When they say zoom zoom zoom, they were talking about my car.

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  In the shop alot - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By paula - March 19 - 10:00 am

  From the very first day we purchased the vehicle its been in the shop about 1 1/2 months. It stalls, safety restraint system fails, clutch went out, and ignition switch busted. Plus other little things. The list is too long to write all of it.

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  Death Machine - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By mansonslayer - March 15 - 9:14 pm

  I have mine since 2008 and only thing i had to replace was the a/c/evaporator, even when its a v6, the fuel comsumption is lower than many others 4 cld i had. maneuvability is awsome and the anti skid is good. I had a few changes done with the horsepower and now i run 1/4 mile in 12.5 sec.

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  2003 Mazda Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By phw1443 - March 14 - 10:00 am

  Having been the owner of suburbans, this was a little bit of a change. Besides the size and the power differences, I never thought I would like the smaller SUV, however driving it has been fun and relaxing. No fighting the traffic changing lanes. Rides smooth. I would recommend the Tribute.

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  Very fun SUV! Over 200,000! - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Kondo157 - March 8 - 9:53 am

  I purchased my 2001 tribute used from a friend with a little under 150,000 miles on it. He was short on cash and needed to get rid of it. So far this car has been nothing but reliable, had a small malfunction with a transmission plug but once this was corrected the car runs like new. Very much power for such a small SUV. Very good modern look to it as well.

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  GREAT - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By LARRY GIRSCH - March 8 - 2:00 am

  PERFECT FOR TWO SENIORS. DONT HAVE TO STEP UP TO GET IN AND DONT NEED HELP GETTING. MORE SENIORS SHOULD GET THEM. PEOPLE THINKS IT IS FOR YUPPIES [WRONG] IT IS GOD SEND FOR OLDER GENERATION.

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  Great vehicle for the price! - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By ChuckFuller - March 6 - 7:13 pm

  Over the years, we have owned 3 Mazda Proteges and 2 MPV vans. Mazda has always delivered the highest quality vehicles we have owned and we expect no less of our new 2008 Tribute. We decided on a fully optioned Grand touring model in the the i series with the 2.3 liter 4 cylinder. I find acceleration to be quite responsive and Im sure to appreciate the better economy. Unless you need a tow vehicle, I highly recommend this combination. Im surprised by some of the less than complimentary professional reviews regarding styling cues as I find the vehicle to be gorgeous (gloss black over "stone" leather). All in all, an A+ experience to date.

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  GREAT CAR - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By lisaces - March 1 - 2:00 am

  ive had my 2002 tribute with no problems. The interior shift bar gets in they way of the volume dial on the radio, but ive gotten used to it. I love how this car drives, and it has done GREAT in the snow we have been having.