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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  If you own a 2008 tribute beware of RUST - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By D.D. - June 9 - 1:53 am

  About a month ago I noticed the rear wheel well areas were rusting as the paint is peeling. I took it to mazda who sent me to get a quote from a collision place to get it repaired and they said they had the exact same model in the day before and they decided to check the seems of the doors and under the hood, and the back door and of course all the seems are rusting which the guy told me they cannot repair only do a bandage job on it. I was hoping to keep this SUV for a number of years but he said in a couple years holes will start. It only has 62,000 Km on it and I believe it most definitely should not be rusting!!!...I am waiting to hear back from Mazda.

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  The Best SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By T foster - June 6 - 2:56 am

  My last car(Mercedes C240)did not handle as well as my new Tribute.The ergonomic styling is not only great to look at, but everything is accessable from my drivers seat.We have a BMW that needs to come with a Rhodes scholarship to be able to work the radio alone. Not so with our Tribute.the sound system is clear,crisp and very easy to use while driving.I feel like I am driving a sporty car, with great visibility.I do not feel as if I am driving a Bulky SUV.Same goes with the ease of parking. Definately the best vehicle I have ever owned, and I have owned them all!!

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  good vehicle - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By siebers - May 25 - 2:00 am

  the construction in and out is fragile. Sheet metal and interior plastic easily marred or bruised

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  good all around small SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By nils - May 24 - 11:30 am

  Drove several Small SUVs before deciding on this one (Xterra, Escape, Vue, Equinox, Liberty, others). Tribute was the best overall value. With good rebates got some nice options including moonroof and 6-cd changer. I find the FWD to be just fine for my style of 99% road driving. Dont pay extra for 4WD unless youre going to use it off-road.

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  It eats Gas as if there is no tomorrow - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By It is a Guzzler - May 14 - 10:00 am

  The Tribute drives well but it is an absolute guzzler. The sticker says 18/23 but it is more like 14/17. When you add in the fact that I only use 89 or 93 Octane gas, and ONLY purchase from a big name gas station such as Mobil or Amoco, I can only guess that the numbers on the Sticker would be reached if you drive in a place called Fantasy Land. Those people at Mazda must have been drinking something when they came up with that inflateable and untrue gas mileage number for their sticker. If I knew the real deal I would have purchased a different SUV.

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  Great SUV! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By stadiumnuts - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with the Mazda Tribute.

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  holding my breath.... - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By jp2spidey - May 11 - 10:00 am

  bought 2/2002. been in the shop 3 times as of 9/12/02. 2x for stalling problem. 1x for headlight switch not working. (relay problem i was told). headlights not coming on at night is a "bit" of a problem.the dealership has been great, no question about that. i even believe that mazda has not been very forthcoming with them. still,having to keep returning to the dealer on a new car is not very encouraging at all.now we must drive with a constant "readiness" to take the gear shift and quickly move it back into neutral to restart the car while moving.who wants to drive with that kind of pressure??we are considering the lemon law as of this moment.

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  Best Deal on a SUV - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By JCB - May 11 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our Tribute almost a year a go. 16000+ miles, 3 cross country trips and we are still loving it. Fuel economy has improved ...we are averaging 20 mpg in Atlanta traffic! on the highway we managed 25mpg. Not bad considering the great power and comfort. We seriously considered the Toyota Highlander and the Range Rover Freelander, but Tribute wins... power, price, space, ride and for far less than the others.

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  Zoom! Zoom! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Shawnee - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Terrific vehicle for the value. Reliable, comfortable, easy to get in and out of. Can fold down back seats with easy. Good visibility. Would purchase another one in a heart beat! We have had 2 other Mazda products, cant beat um.

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  Fun to Drive - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By kmgwinn - May 8 - 10:00 am

  I owned a Mazda MPV and replaced it with a used Tribute and love it - fun to drive - handles wonderfully - very pleased with my purchase - even with higher miles it handles like a new car. Would recommend it!