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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  Still Scratching My Head - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Joeillini - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Have had the Tribute for 1 1/2 years and 18,000 miles. I am still kicking myself for overlooking obvious things that annoy me now. Bad gas Mileage compared to EPA figure, Poor control for sliding sunroof, no passenger-side lock control, front seats sit to high and cant be lowered, hard to use cruise control at night, have had it in the shop 3 times to fix a rattle in tailgate that is only getting worse, the gear shift doesnt read on the dash 50% of the time, the way the engine downshifts going up just a slight incline causing MPG to suffer, cheap plastic interior door panels with no padding, soft brake pads leave dust on front wheels. Its my fault for purchasing the vehicle.

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  dash board - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Magno Lins - December 25 - 2:00 am

  I owe a Mazda Tribute 2001, purchased last sept. I love this SUV, but some things need to be considered in order to make the driving experiencie more fun and easier. For exemple the rear defrost switch when the car is on D position, is hard to see if botton is on or off, the shift bar covers the switch. Also, on the rear wiper blade, took me several phone call in order to figure out how to replace it. I call the mazda dealer and they told me to take the car to them because they could no tell me over the phone how to do it. I auto parts person from a local company helped me with it. Besides that so far has been a great SUV. Thanks

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  Good value - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Karen - December 8 - 3:16 pm

  Nice car, good value and very comfortable. A couple of items not up to speed. Clothing hanger is poor and there is only one. The antenna must be removed with a wrench to go through a car wash. Pain in the behind. Otherwise, great for road trips and good mileage.

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  Xlnt SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By xvan053 - December 8 - 2:00 am

  The perfect SUV for those who want a good car-like ride with AWD and who dont need to climb mountains.

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  More Mazda Zoom Zoom - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By steve silverman - October 25 - 6:06 pm

  I have found this vehicle to be neither too large nor too small. Its performance and fuel efficiency are completely acceptable and adequate for a vehicle of this price. It is fun to drive and Im sure it will be as reliable as all the other Mazdas I have owned in the past. It handles very well and has the needed power when necessary. I was able to find a very satisfying color that was not the same as most other cars on the road. The appointments are very rich in appearance. The sound system is very good and the in dash holding of 6 CD discs is a plus. Adding a Sirius radio adds all the entertainment needed for a trip.

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  Fun for Trips - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By LHaas - October 24 - 4:40 am

  I have had good luck with this vehicle. No service issues at all. I had a class 3 hitch installed and a transmission cooler and have towed my camping trailer all over the Rockies. It should be considered for towing small-medium loads. I threw away roof rack and installed tracks to accept Thule sliding bars. I can carry two 16canoes with the 78" bars!

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  Mazda Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By kathi reardon - October 15 - 6:00 pm

  Make rear fold down seats differently, cant find ignition key space, too dark.

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  Love my ZOOM ZOOM - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Sparky - October 2 - 11:43 am

  Ive had my Tribute for 1 1/2 years and LOVE it (except the gas mileage). Does great in the snow, even w/o the 4WD engaged. Wonderful ride quality, although there is a little wind noise at highway speeds.

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  You Get What You Pay For! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Riason - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Have had 2003 model for 6 months with all features and quite impressive for the price. Most of mileage has come from four 1500 mile trips with only negatives being road noise, poor gas mileage, and bad roof vibration at 70mph on windy days. No perceived drag on engine with air on but if you can do without it, the mileage improves from 20 to 26mpg. Lots of storage and room for cargo; better than my RX330 but not nearly as quiet and smooth riding. But at 1/2 the price, the Mazda is a better value. Long term reliability/cost is the issue and only time will tell which is the better value.

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  Allaroundgood - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By jga - September 25 - 10:00 am

  This was the only vehicle my wife and I agreed on. We shopped for other SUVs and sedans. The value is amazing, I mean you try to find a 200hp V6 SUV for around 20K. We like its looks and functionality, it has only needed suggested maintenance and one sensor went out (repaired during dealer oil change) Customer service seems great both dealer bought from and service at, and corporate feedback.