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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  Better than average - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By extragno - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Good overall.

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  very happy with it - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By lotec - July 21 - 10:00 am

  after looking for a small suv for a while coundnt belive the low price with all the options that came with it

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  A Tribute to the Mazda Tribute ES-V6 - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By kim - July 12 - 6:53 pm

  My Mazda Tribute ES-V6 is a 2003. I just purchased it last Tuesday and I love it!!! Its a safe ride, with fun and comfort all rolled into one vehicle.

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  Great! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By TER - July 3 - 10:53 pm

  This is a great car. I purchased mine in February and have had a great time driving it. The sunroof is essential. Fuel economy could be better (I have a 6 Cylinder), but I can deal with that no problem.

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  Its great...but light - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By littlepriest - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Having bought my tribute three months ago and 5,000 miles ago I so far only have one complaint. It is so much lighter than my 96 Jeep Grand Cherokee...I have had problems with zoom zooming too fast around turns and sliding. Road noise is not too much of a factor. The gearshift for some reason doesnt bother me at all. Nice stereo with the luxury package. Another complaint, I know I said only one earlier but I think that this is just a fluke, the power to my rear view mirror (temperature and compass) cuts on and off...some electrical problem there that I am sure the good people at Lawson Mountain Mazda will fix pronto. Great Car!

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  Very Pleased with Quality - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Al - June 30 - 11:10 pm

  Waited for this much improved model to be available; we are not disappointed. Quality of workmanship is superb. Body is solid as is performace; interior design very user friendly. For the price this vehicle is worth every dollar.

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  Happy buyer - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Sigor111 - June 8 - 8:33 am

  I must say that this is one of the best smalll SUV in US market I didnt want to waste money on . I bought it with 4 cyl engine sincegas with V6. MPG is currently around 22 which is good for the first 1500 miles. Car drives great and it has enough power for drriving around town. The only thing that I dodn;t like about this car is that the engine is very noisy. I dodnt know if that is normal, but I will check with my dealer to make sure that all bolts on the exhaust are tight. I am not used to that sound of engine. Other than that great car and with 4 000$ in rebates this is currently the best buy in this market segment.

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  I Like This SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By jerseypaws - June 2 - 10:00 am

  This Tribby replaced a Ford Explorer Sport. What a difference! Handling, ride, comfort, performance, gas mileage, even radio reception are all much better than the Explorer. Has the feel of a much bigger SUV inside than the Liberty and RAV4 which I also tested. This Tribby came with Continental tires which I chose to upgrade to Michelin Cross Terrains for an additional $240.

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  Looks can be decieving - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By nocode - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Looks great but its been in the shop more times than I can count. From the rear wipers, moon roof switch, air bag, seat belt, molding, visor, oxygen sensor, door jams, windshield and rear glass moldings, headlight leakage... the list goes on and on. While its a beauty to look at and even fun to drive this Tribute has been a royal pain. STEER AWAY!

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  I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By chicago2624 - May 27 - 10:50 pm

  I bought my tribute over a year ago- with over 100k miles on it- a lot, I know, by Im a poor college student! This was well worth the investment. I do all normal maintenance regularly And have had no major problems. Its really roomy, reliable, and safe! I love the 4WD in the winter! I am amazed at how smooth it drives. I do not have a garage to store it in unfortunately, but there have still been no issues- in the winter I. Let it warm up and it does great. The back storage is great, it seems like Im always packing up. I would definitely recommend this car!