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:

• 

  I Love My Tribute! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By wgBeethovenV - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Being a senior citizen with a diabetic physical handicap, I had my share of problems entering sedan (low seating) type vehicles. With the Tribute this problem no longer exists. Its height affords the driver an ease of entry together with a very comfortable/roomy driving position. The "over the hood" windshield viewing area is superior . The maneuverability and handling of the miniSUV feels like a sedan most likely due to its unique suspension and steering ratio. Great vehicle for the price!

• 

  THE MAZDA TRIBUTE - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By jl - May 25 - 2:00 am

  It is just a great all around SUV. No matter what anybody says

• 

  GOOD FUN AND RELIABLE - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By vinlanda - May 17 - 1:30 am

  Wasnt sure at first, but have grown to like this vehicle. Good pep, sporty style, and easy on the eye. Only downfalls, are the interior collects way to much lint and dirt, and the gas pedal is too hard or sticky. But overall it is a good vehicle and am pleased. Little noisy, but better tires helps that.

• 

  HAD TO BUY ANOTHER - 2010 Mazda Tribute
  By slim loewe - May 11 - 10:00 am

  still the best bang for your bucks in SUVS. still have my 2004 tribute es. my wife has a bad back and loves this car. love the V6 (zoom zoom)in both vehicles.decided time to buy with no payment 90 days and 0% for 60 months.lucked out as this was the only V6 in the state of florida. the 2010 has all the bells and whistles, michelin tires, back up camera , sun roof , heated front seats (great for bad backs) etc. i did test drive hyndai sante fe (nice), kia sorrento (nice) and mercury mariner (ok). im 64" wife 52" no problems.so had to stick with mazda tibute. got a GREAT deal from dealer plus a surprise $500 loyalty rebate.

• 

  I LOVE IT - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By I love my Mazda - April 29 - 7:33 am

  I love this vehicle and we have put lots of mileage on it, lots of room and very comfortable, handles very nicely on highway with little noise. We drive all over on ATV trails in the bush, on the highway and around town and are extremely happy with out Mazda Tribute. When I decide to trade in I am almost certain to get another Tribute. My only complaint with it is the gas mileage considering the size of this SUV.

• 

  Great car - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By zips - April 27 - 10:00 am

  This car is wonderful. I went in to buy a 2004. They were offering great incentives, but they didnt have all the options I wanted. I bought a fully loaded 2005, for just 700 over the 2004 price, which wasnt much over invoice! They want to move cars on the lot. And the Lapis blue color is awsome! Ive already received several comments on the color. My friend has a 2002 Escape, the sister car of the Tribute, and she had had no problems, 35, ooo miles later. And the stereo is just amazing. Buy a Tribute..NOW!

• 

  Sweet - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Downie - April 20 - 10:00 am

  We looked over many of the SUVs, but decided on the Tribute. We have been happy so far. Rides like a car. Feels tight. My choice was finalized by my contentment of owning 3 Mazdas in the past and they were very reliabil. This is for the 2005 year model S with the V6.

• 

  My experience with my Tribute - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By rebecca - April 18 - 4:53 pm

  I like my tributes design and the space in it,I fit 5 adults in it comfortably. I have had a problem with my back washer line coming out, and it has been in the shop 4 times since having it. However it is a good driving vehicle. Feels like your driving a car just heightend up a bit. I would recommend it to a small low budget family.

• 

  No Problems Here - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By GMan - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Have had my Tribute for about 7 months now and am quite happy with it. Only thing which stands out is gas mileage which seems poor. Other than that, comfort and handling is excellent as well as performance.

• 

  Very satisfied wuth my Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By TribOwner - April 6 - 1:20 pm

  After 3+ yrs of ownership I remain very satisfied with my Tribute LX. I carefully researched all comparable vehicles vs my reqts. I still believe it is the best value for the money of its kind. After 40K miles, I installed quieter, softer riding tires vs the factory tires; noticeable change in ride and quietness. Easy thing to do. My young adult teens really like the leg room space in the back seat and enjoy driving it. MPG is competitive. I have the premier sound system. Sporty, responsive engine that can be used to tow if you wish (I have not yet).