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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Mazda tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
By Schoch - January 27 - 10:00 amWe love our Tribute. We had a conversion van before it which wsa a lot bigger. Its fun to drive. Very sporty. Have seen quite a few on the road since we bought it. We didnt know Mazda made an SUV until someone suggested it. Drove to Florida this summer. Mileage was a lot better than the van.
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Its the best - 2004 Mazda Tribute
By Blndaw - January 27 - 10:00 amI love my truck I love the way it drives !!!!! Its really comfortable lot of leg room.
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great little suv - 2004 Mazda Tribute
By j.ferguson - January 27 - 10:00 amthis little suv, is just the right size. lots of power. engine even sounds and runs like my honda. driving the truck is like having it on rails, like a go cart. plus it looks a lot better then its twin, the exscape. more rifine, and expensive looking. you cant beat it.
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11K enjoyable miles - 2002 Mazda Tribute
By wooster - January 19 - 10:00 amPurchased our Tribute last October with the works. My wife and I really love how it handles and rides. We take turns driving it and often fight over whose turn is next. We did have the car in the shop once for warranty work on the passenger door lock. The power lock jammed and the dealer had to replace the lock mechanism and interior door panel after it cracked upon removal. I wont hold the problem against Mazda, so long as it remains an isolated incident. It was kind of a freak occurence. The dealer took care of the problem promptly.
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ZOOM ...ZOOM - 2005 Mazda Tribute
By Jame - January 12 - 7:30 amThis Mini SUV has been a real pleasure to own! Before this vehicle, I had a 97 Ford Thunderbird, that I didnt really want to give up. But we needed something more suitable on gas, growing boys and a dog. We drove the Tribute from Florida, up to Mass, and the gas mileage was excellent. It handles great in the different climates, from rain to snow covered roads. I have two very energetic sons, and this SUV has been a huge plus in our active lives. For not purchasing a Lexus, or Mercedes SUV, I couldnt be happier so far!
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Great economical suv - 2004 Mazda Tribute
By maumannion - January 5 - 10:00 amBest price, good gas mileage for suv, very roomy and comfortable. already took trip this summer from Florida to Wyoming with 5 yr old granddaughter. Excellent vehivle for traveling.
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Zoom Zoom Zoom - 2003 Mazda Tribute
By vgv - December 27 - 2:00 amI love my Tribute!! It looks great and drives great. The leather interior is absolutely gorgeous and the V6 engine has a lot of pep. Before I decided to buy my car, I investigated the other mini SUVs and discovered that the Tribute definitely offers more bang for the buck. The new warranty (4 yrs, 50K miles) was the extra icing on the cake. Perspective buyers just need to watch out for that Theft Guard scam. The finance rep at the dealership got an extra $795 out for a product that I didnt need nor want. I cant blame Mazda for that scam, only the dealership. I wouldnt buy another car from that dealership if they were giving them away.
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Great for family - 2003 Mazda Tribute
By Maryann - December 25 - 10:56 amRoomy, and yet small. Great for a family vehicle.
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Really pleased with the Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
By linds263 - December 15 - 10:00 amI really like the new Tribute, it is roomy and comfortable, it has a little wind noise but other than that it is wonderful
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Just as much fun to drive as my Harley - 2003 Mazda Tribute
By Harley Dude - December 15 - 10:00 amFound this little dream by chance and i have to say next to my Harley Davidson this is the best purchase i have ever made for transpertaion. You will never be sorry that you purschased this little Hot Rod. I am 56 years young and have a lot of trucks and this one handles like a Mazda RX8 in some ways. Love it and would buy a new again
