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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  Used to love her... - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By niccorcal - September 24 - 7:56 am

  We purchased my 06 Tribute brand new in 05 with only 17 miles on it. We couldnt stop raving about how nice it was and how we had never had any issues with it. That was until the transmission gave out ONE month after the warranty expired. It only has 33,000 miles on it & Mazda Corp. refuses to help me out. I couldnt produce sufficient paperwork proving that Ive had oil changes showing that weve been maintaining it. After two weeks of waiting for Mazdas response its now at a local garage getting a new transmission on MY dollar. I have two Mazdas, long time customer, I will never buy another Mazda again.

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  ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By KRDK21 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I have my LX-4x4 for one month. I have not experienced ant problems as yet. Gave back a Mountaineer at lease end so Im happy with the mileage on my Trib. Give this one a look if youre in the market for a cute ute. I dont think youll be disapointed.Dont let the gear shift lever radio issue stop you from lookin it over.

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  Tribute = Great Buy - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By tmcgann2 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I think that the Tribute is a well-made vehicle. I have owned one for over a year now and I have not had any problems with it. I cant say that about my previous vehicles (98 Passport, 96 SC2, 89 Daytona, 81 TC3). There also have not been any recalls on the Tribute either.

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  MAZDA TRIBUTE, FUN TO DRIVE - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By TRIBUTE OWNER - September 17 - 10:00 am

  JUST BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE . MY WIFE AND I CANT WAIT TO TAKE IT ON VACATION IN A COUPLE WEEKS. ITS A LOT OF FUN TO DRIVE. WE HAD A HONDA CRV AND IT WAS SMALLER THAN THE TRIBUTE, WE LIKE THE EXTRA SPACE WE HAVE AND THE EXTRA HORSEPOWER. IT RUNS EXCEPTIONALLY WELL AND HANDLES REAL GOOD.

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  I love my SUV - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Gina - September 11 - 7:13 pm

  I just purchased a 2006 Mazda Tribute in December 2006 and I love it! It handles nicely, rides comfortably and my daughter and I just love it. It was only the 2nd car I test drove. Its the perfect size, not too bulky and small enough to fit in compact spaces.

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  Zoom Zoom Zoom - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By H. Whitley - September 9 - 12:36 am

  Continental tires a little noisy but overall a very good ride. Got 25-26 mpg on long highway trip in April.

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  I still love my 2001 Tribute - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Cary - September 2 - 8:10 pm

  Ive been meaning to submit a report since 2001... I love this car. It has enough power to merge and pass safely on the highway, enough cargo space to haul a gardens worth of plants & mulch with the option of opening just the back window for extra-long items, the seats are comfortable on 8 hour drives and I still feel happy when I see its graceful profile in the parking lot, especially next to bigger, clunkier SUVs. I bought it new, and put over 120,000 miles on it. It still feels like my "new" car. Unfortunately, it crashed last week (no fault of the Tribute), so here I am, looking for another just like it. That says it all: would I buy it again? Yes!

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  Excellent - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Suzie - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a great family car and is also great for a single person. This SUV drives excellent. The SUV handles as well as a car with the feel of a truck. I would recommend this to a single family with a couple of kids or someone single that wants a sporty look.

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  Zoom, zoom! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By dc_driver - August 29 - 9:16 am

  Drove all of the top selling small to mid-size SUVs, and the Tribute won my vote. It was quick, and drove more like a car than a truck (better handling than all the others SUVs). For the money, you cannot beat the features on the S with package 3 (leather, sunroof, 6 disc changer, heated seats, etc). I compared prices, and with the incentives this vehicle was $2-10K less expensive than comparably equipped SUVs. The AWD system is wonderful, and you never feel it come on or have to worry if you hit some tough weather or roads. Great room (both front, backseat, and storage). Well thought out interior, with good build quality and materials for the money. This is a winner!

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  Reliable, solid and a blast to drive - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By bill-l - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I love my Tribute--Ive had it nearly a year, and have had no significant problems. It has great handling, acceleration and braking for an SUV, and I love the exterior looks and the interior comfort. The ride is smoother than any other SUV I test drove or have ever ridden in. You can keep your $75,000 Hummers--When Im driving in my Tribute, Im King of the Road--for 1/3rd the price! Zoom Zoom!!