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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  Value King! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Glenn - November 2 - 3:10 pm

  This SUV is wonderful. The V6 makes all the RAV4 and CRVs green no matter the color ordered. For about the same price as a cramped and bouncy RAV4 I got this Tribute with many more features options and the Tribute actually has a rear bumper. This Mazda is a really usable size too. At work we ride to lunch and get to see each others vehicles. The RAV4 is more like a mini-micro-SUV in comparison. It has a 4 cylinder engine which idles so fast when cold that it jerks when you put it in drive while the smooth Mazda V6 feels like a much more expensive vehicle. Do yourself a tremendous favor and drive a Tribute before you spend too much on a RAV4 or CRV. We have two Tributes now and love them

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  Best small SUV available - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Kingofposen - October 24 - 10:00 am

  We love our Light Tundra ES-V6. Heated Leather, moonroof. Great styling, and handling. Couldnt be happier with our decision to buy a Tribute.

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  2005 Tribute AWD - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Hcormier - October 17 - 5:53 pm

  So far so good, vehicle has proven to be a good towing workhorse for our boat. Only issue has been the installation of a wiring harness for towing (did not purchase with towing pack). Had to wait until March 2005 for harness to be developed by Mazda as any aftermarket harness would void warranty due to compatibility with design issues. Otherwise it has proven to be a very good vehicle in the snow and loose gravel.

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  ok - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By videoprd - October 16 - 10:00 am

  pulls to the left

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  Excellent - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By lastwgn - October 15 - 5:13 pm

  Traded a Sable wagon for the Tribute and couldnt be more pleased. With three kids age 8 to 15, we were concerned about the middle seat. Not a problem at all. Excellent rear seat room, good cargo space, and the mileage has been adequate at 18.5 mpg for in town driving. When you first look at the Tribute, it seems very small on the outside, but it is somehow packaged just right to provide maximum inside space, and the trim exterior helps make this car an absolute blast to drive. It really does have the soul of a sports car.

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  From new to now problems continue - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By gz408 - October 14 - 5:58 pm

  -4K miles Transmission cooler leaking (replaced under warranty) -8K miles Hard shifting (serviced under warranty) -22K miles transmission stuck in 2nd gear (covered under warranty) -24K miles replaced front brakes and rotors (pulsating and noisy) -Window regulator failure -26K L+R Tie rod end replacement (warranty) -35K engine knocking/tapping (warranty) -35K Serpentine belt tensioner failure (warranty) -46K Transmission shifting hard (not fixed yet) This vehicle is horribly built. Interior is noisy from all the cheap plastics. Suspension and ride quality is really bad too. I would not recommend purchasing this, youre better off with a Kia!!

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  Love it, will purchase another - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By erb1 - October 14 - 4:23 am

  I purchased it new, and my vehicle has 170,000 miles on it. I just changed the spark plugs last week. I have driven 700 miles a week for 3.5 years with no problems. I have replaced the brakes once, three years ago. Its starting to get "squeaky" on turns, so I will replace shocks and struts early next year when I get new tires. There have been a few recalls, and my only complaint is that Mazda dealers are few and far between in this area. Also, some of the parts inside look cheap, like the inside door handles are plastic, covered in a metal looking tape stuff. But hey, they work. Will be driving it until it croaks, and will probably buy a second one next year.

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  Great car - 2010 Mazda Tribute
  By golfer girl - October 12 - 3:30 pm

  I was looking for a car that had enough width in the back to place a full set of golf clubs without angling them. I also wanted something that would go in the snow. I got both. I was used to a very nice vehicle so I got the top package with rear view camera, heated seats, moon roof and leather. I love it. Doesnt quite have as many options as I was used to but after all it is basically a truck. Would love to have memory seat at least for driver side. Drives great, has done well in snow (and this is FWD). Only complaint is the antenna which I have a problem with in running through a car wash. Im afraid it will get ripped out. No easy way of removing it.

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  Going Strong 125k - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By tannerrocks - October 12 - 1:47 pm

  This is the second Mazda I have owned; but this one has been the best car I have ever had thus far. I have had five cars in my life. I have replaced brackes, had some suspension work done (tie rods etc); but having had it since it was brand new I find it stellar. I dont off road with this; I drive on roads only. I travel with it almost annually; and it is our primary car on weekends so I average about 14k a year. I am very disappointed with the newer designs; if i wanted a Jeep I would buy a Jeep; not a Mazda look alike. I am replacing the stereo this year by choice so I can keep driving this one for many more miles.

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  The zoom-zoom is real - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By EddieK - September 26 - 11:13 pm

  Youve seen the advertisements... The "zoom-zoom" feeling is real... The seeling campaign of a sports car in an SUV is for real. I was simply astounded by the amazing smoothness of this SUV. The ride is unbelievably comfortable. This car is a steal. I was able to purchase this car for 20800 with an extra package which included an overhead compartment, a moonroof, an upgraded speaker system, and a compass rearview mirror amongst other upgraded features.