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:

• 

  Great SUV amongst crowded field - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By WFC - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the Tribute for six months and really enjoy it. It performed great in the MN winter weather, and offers a lot of amenities compared to other vehicles in its class that I researched or have owned.

• 

  Fun to drive - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By pixychick - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Overall, I think this is a great little car. The one complaint I have is that its much too noisy and the workmanship was lousy. Getting parts is always a big hassle and have to wait to get car fixed.

• 

  IN balance, best ever - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Oldfrat - August 8 - 12:40 am

  Ive owned and driven a lot of vehicles in the past 40 years including a 63 Corvair, 2 67 Corvettes, big Plymouths, Mercurys and Cadillacs, and a Dodge Ram truck. My 2003 Tribute is clearly the best ever on an overall basis. The other ones did some things a lot better than the Tribute, but none did everything to the same good level. It has the most driver leg room of any car Ive owned. I have used the temporary 4WD to go through some really hairy places. Put the rear seats down and it can carry a surprising amount of stuff. And it is surprisingly kind of fun to drive in most situations.

• 

  Does the job - 2009 Mazda Tribute
  By Hugo Chalifour - August 6 - 9:56 pm

  I have this SUV for more than a year now and i am very happy with it. Very reliable in any conditions. Roomy enough to go around and do some winter and summer activities out in the woods. Original tires are Michelin and they are great.I choose this one over fords only due to looks. Did not want the fake Bling bling shiny look. Front end is sportier looking.

• 

  2005 Tribute - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By TLE - July 28 - 4:50 pm

  Exterior of car is nice. Seals on all doors are inadequate, water enters the door wells when washed or it rains. Passenger door lock mechanism was incorrectly installed. Dashboard accessories are cheap looking. So far the car is running well. Only have 2300 miles. First time owner of a Mazda.

• 

  Five on the Floor - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Tributetotribute - July 12 - 8:00 am

  Just traded in a 99 Explorer on this little SUV. So far so good. Its 4 cylinder, five speed is very peppy. We have 2WD which is all most people need. Love the mpg. We added leather and moonroof to class it up a bit.

• 

  Great SUV - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By MAZDA GUY - July 9 - 10:00 am

  I have been drving (and enjoying) my ES for almost two years (17,000 miles) and I love it. the ONLY problem I have experienced with it is the coolant light has been on for most of the time I have owned the vehicle, it is a small problem that I had checked my a local mechanic but not worth my time to take it to the dealership to have it fixed. I have had several Mazdas including a 93 929 (latest body style), and a 98 Millenia. The Tribute has more power and can handle better than either of them while giving the feeling of still being in a luxury car.

• 

  So far so good - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Jaddy - July 9 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Tribute for a year now and have no troubles. The ride is very smooth, and the drivetrain is surprisingly responsive, considering the low-end power package. The interior is very roomy for all five passengers, with plenty of cargo area as well. The only negatives I have noticed is in the transmission. It can be difficult to shift gears at higher rpms, and it has a tendency to spin the tires too easily when accelerating from a stop. But overall, Im very pleased.

• 

  GOTTA LOVE THE SPEED!!! - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By PO-APS - July 6 - 10:00 am

  When I first test drive this car, I fell in love with its great acceleration capability. Right now I have a modified muffler, so everytime I drive this car I feel like Iam driving a race car. This car is like a cross- breed between an SUV and a race car. FLOOR IT BABY!!!

• 

  Still Got the Zoom Zoom 1 Year Later! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By MWi1068196 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding ownership experience. Traded a 2002 Millenia for my Tribute with no regrets whatsoever. Does everything I want it to do and more! Purchasing experience with the dealership wasnt good, to say the least, but service and maintenance with the local dealership has been fantastic!