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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  SUV Mazda did it! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Hearts7393 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with my SUV, I look at others but the Mazda always had my heart! Mazdas have always been my automaker of choice I have owned from the 323, 626 and now the SUV Tribute. I am always on the road and now I can rest a sure that the SUV will be able to handle any type of weather. I commuite to the office over 25 miles each way and the gas mileage is not bad!

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  Great all around car - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By tributefan - April 1 - 10:00 am

  First time in a truck/SUV. Added this car for the stuff I cant do in my accord (hauling stuff, outdoors stuff, etc). handles just like a car but the suspension isnt too soft and reminds you that you still are in a truck (sort of) Handles/takes corners better than my 02 accord. dont notice a difference Engine and tranny is very responsive and

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  Tributes - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Xzcharly - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had no problems whatsoever with my Tribute. It drive well, handles well and had plenty of cargo space. If I had to think of a complaint, it would be the road noise. It is slightly noisier than my past vehicle.

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  A Tribute? After 6 months of ownership, - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Tribute - March 26 - 2:00 am

  The overall design is a class look, smooth ride and smooth responsive handling.The Tribute has less of a truck look then its brother the Escape. The Escape seems to have a more rigid supension and is a little more responsive in the steering, which taunts you to play a little harder with the Escape then the Tribute. No problems so far in the first six months of ownership with the Tribute except for a sore elbow from the cheap looking hard plastic interior door panels which need to be upgraded, along with the minor annoyance of wind noise, which is not a problem if you wish to have you music on all the time and loud.

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  Wish I got the V6 - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Qmiller - March 22 - 11:10 pm

  I have my 08 tribute for a month now and I wish I would have gotten the V6. I had a V6 escape that I should have kept. So far the 4 has been ok. Some days it feels fast and other kinda slow. I was trying to save gas but for now theres not much difference.

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  Wifes Mazda - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By timc46 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Got home with it and had to take it back for a rear seal leaking. Then had to have the gas tank replaced. Then had to have the door locks replaced, they wouldnt lock, even trying manual. New brakes and rotor at 44K, which cost $400+. Rear washer motor had to be replaced. Too much for only 44K.

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  Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By pspretired1003 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  great in all kinds of weather and road conditions

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  I love my Zoom-Zoom - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Sazzynurse - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I boutht one of the first one of these in 2001 and I have put 55,000 miles on it with NO MAJOR problems...I LOVE IT...it is GREAT in the snow and pulls my SeaDoo with NO EFFORT...it even pulled my Ski Centurian before I sold it. It drives like a sports car and has a luxury feel. I had SO MANY people come up to me and ask me what it was ...and so many people have asked me if I want to sell it....the 4 wheel drive is so easy when you go skiing. I think this car is definately WORTH much more than the price...people think its a LEXUS...(I have a BLACK one) ENJOY...

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  The soul of a sports car in an SUV - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By uncle_teddy_78 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  In Dec. 2001, I bought my ES-V6 with tow+lux package. By June 2002, it has 13,000+ miles. This is the best car I have had in a long time. Never experienced the stalling issue . As far as the gear shift being in front of the volume control, that is fine with me, the shifter allows me to rest my hand while rotating the control or searching through cd tracks. I love how it jumps off the line at a red light. Zoom Zoom.

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  Reliable and good looking - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By apglaser - March 14 - 1:21 am

  We bought our Tribute LX used with 106,000 miles on it and havent had any problems at all! We are now at 125,000, and took it on a road trip from CA to UT. This past week was very rainy and my husband went crashing through all the deep puddles and the #3 spark plug got wet, causing a misfire. However, after a day or so it dried up and ran normal again. It has plenty on room in the backseat for 2 carseats, with more than enough cargo space for our double-stroller. I love my "Mazzy" and would recommend it to anyone.