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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  Shifting problems 6 cylinder tribute - 2010 Mazda Tribute
  By Sandra Paris - October 23 - 6:13 pm

  Previously had a 2003 & 2005 - 6 cyl Tribute and this new one is doing strange things in down shifting at different speeds and jerking. Met with Mazda Guru and he said this is normal and because of computer and some other tech language, I have to settle for this, but driving the car you can feel the down shifting at 40 mph to 20 mph and then it jerks at different speeds. The gas mileage is terrible and yes I also feel the poor design of the back up camera, messy looking install. Black interior attracts to much dust, the shine is nice looking, but not practical, would Rather have dull interior. The wind noise from front side mirrors is just as bad as before. They know, and working on it.

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  Zoom Zoom to Boom Boom - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By jose tejas - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Everything started to break under warrenty. New Tires since frist set had belt problem, new rotors and brakes at 23,000 miles!, new computer, plus a few other smaller problems. Once the warrenty gave out about 4k ago we have had to replace a brake wiring harness that melted! and TWO ABS brake sensors within a week of each other! I am selling this car and buying a Honda Pilot this week.

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  It eats Gas as if there is no tomorrow - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By It is a Guzzler - May 14 - 10:00 am

  The Tribute drives well but it is an absolute guzzler. The sticker says 18/23 but it is more like 14/17. When you add in the fact that I only use 89 or 93 Octane gas, and ONLY purchase from a big name gas station such as Mobil or Amoco, I can only guess that the numbers on the Sticker would be reached if you drive in a place called Fantasy Land. Those people at Mazda must have been drinking something when they came up with that inflateable and untrue gas mileage number for their sticker. If I knew the real deal I would have purchased a different SUV.

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  holding my breath.... - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By jp2spidey - May 11 - 10:00 am

  bought 2/2002. been in the shop 3 times as of 9/12/02. 2x for stalling problem. 1x for headlight switch not working. (relay problem i was told). headlights not coming on at night is a "bit" of a problem.the dealership has been great, no question about that. i even believe that mazda has not been very forthcoming with them. still,having to keep returning to the dealer on a new car is not very encouraging at all.now we must drive with a constant "readiness" to take the gear shift and quickly move it back into neutral to restart the car while moving.who wants to drive with that kind of pressure??we are considering the lemon law as of this moment.

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  Squeeks, rattles and no rolls - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By SPD - April 30 - 2:00 am

  This is my first true cold winter with the Trib and its developed some noisy squeeks and rattles. The most annoying is the center arm rest. Any small amount of pressure applied to it and it squeeks...this has to go. Ive read all the possible problems with the Trib, but this is a new one. The next one is the back window; rattle, rattle and rattle. I realize that most "hatchbacks" develope rattles, but I dont want to hear them on my year old, 25k vehicle.

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  2005 Mazda S AWD 3.0 V6 - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By redeye - August 9 - 9:30 pm

  Didnt like it at first, but it steadily grew on me. Noisy at highway speeds, some interior and dashboard controls are poorly designed and impossible to see at night. Heated seat button is in a truly odd place. Body creaks and groans, wallows over some highway undulations. All this and I still like it....cant put my finger on it...maybe its just that it is reliable, decent on gas (ECU went bad at 80,000 and I put a rebuilt one in that improved mileage to 24 - 25 hwy), tires wear forever and it does go in the snow better than any car i have driven.

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  I thought it was the best... - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Roger122387 #2 - July 26 - 3:10 am

  This is my second review.. i left my last one a little over a year ago.. I thought this car was great.. I have had so many problems.. the stereo has had to be replaced several times.. my passenger air bag cover keeps popping off, the sealing around the doors is coming off, and the wheels keep getting out of alignment (I mostly drive stricly highway). My Waco TX Mazda Dealership tell me that there are no problems with the CD player (it would never play any of my CDs!!), and then they said the airbag cover popping off was my problem.. after enough arguing with them they finally hesitated to fix it. But other than all of that, it has been fun to drive. Great car for out of town trips!!

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  tribute lx 4wd 6 cylinder - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By curly - July 11 - 10:00 am

  We owned this vehicle for a little over one year. Initially we were impressed with the size, acceleration, and utility of this vehicle. However, certain annoyances became much more noticeable the longer we drove it. It is NOISY. I repeat NOISY. Rear lift developed a loud rattle which has proven elusive to correct. Cigarette lighter broke after one week. The steering is very heavy at low speeds. The seats are very firm and uncomfortable on long trips. Fuel economy is poor. Brake dust!!! Brake dust all the time on the front wheels. The longer your in this vehicle the more annoying it becomes. Beware future buyers, this is a FORD with mazda badging.

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  Test Drive - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Aven Ravenshadow - April 22 - 10:00 am

  The Tribute is a wonderfull commuter car. Comfortable, quiet, and cool. The paint schemes available for the vehicle are plentiful. The model selectability seems to be just as plentiful. The V6 model (tested) is really powerful. The drawback of the vehicle is the car based chasis. The vehicle is based on the Mazda 626 frame. Which means it is a front wheel drive car with an all wheel drive option. For someone who does not like front wheel drive automobiles (from a maintenance stand point) this "car" is not for you.

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  Coulda shoulda be a great SUV - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By LovettsHokie - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Well, I love many things about this vehicle. Great styling, ride, handling, to name a few. But, I purchased the car on 12-30-2001 and have had to have the right front wheel bearing replaced and a completely new transmission. The bearing I thought was a fluke. But to have two major repairs in the first four months of owning a car? I have had great experiences with my service people, but they can not explain it. So I will. This car did not get all of the proper quality control checks. There is no way this car should have made it onto the street. What should be a great SUV, is now tarnished. Will I buy a Mazda or Ford again? Let me think, hmmmmmm Not on your life or anyone elses.