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:
Showing 71 through 80 of 944.00-
Back in Black - 2003 Mazda Tribute
By JerseyJoe - April 29 - 10:00 amGreat Ride, looks good and a lot of room. Im happy. Still have my other Mazda (94 626 ES). This ride has much better quality than earlier Mazdas I have had.
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Great Little SUV - 2004 Mazda Tribute
By dball1 - April 29 - 9:36 amWeve had ours since May of 04 and have never had a hiccup out of it. The only issues we corrected were the horrendous Continental tires. The volume knob on the radio is a bit sticky, but thats about it.
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a lot of trouble - 2001 Mazda Tribute
By Pat Doke - April 25 - 9:20 pmWe have had a lot of trouble with our Tribute. Currently, with 50K on it, I have at least one major repair every 3000 miles. Thats more often than an oil change. You name it - power steering, engine idle, stalling, brakes, windshield wipers, tire wear, door handles ($200 each installed) and now a complete wiring harness replacement. The worst vehicle Ive ever owned.
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In Love - 2001 Mazda Tribute
By sths0609 - April 25 - 9:03 pmIve been in love with the 2001-2004 Mazda Tributes since they first came out. Finally got to get one about 2 months ago. Bought it with 71,000 miles on it, and 2 months later its got 75,000 miles. Shes fully loaded 6 disc CD and cassette, side air-bags sunroof. Plenty of get up, just wish fuel economy was better.
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Favorite Vehicle Ever - 2003 Mazda Tribute
By Lakelover - April 23 - 10:00 amThis is my favorite of all the vehicles we have ever owned. It is fun to drive, comfortable, has lots of spunk, great headlights and visibility, good gas mileage, tows well, carries a lot, and is great-looking. What more can you ask?
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TIPS - 2005 Mazda Tribute
By Tony Conti - April 19 - 7:33 amNICE SUV VERY BAD ON GAS
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Great value! - 2004 Mazda Tribute
By KYMazdaFan - April 17 - 2:00 amThis vehicle has been an absolute pleasure to drive for both in-town and highway travels. The Mazda Tribute is a "twin" to the Ford Escape. I started looking at the Escape, but ended up preferring the exterior and interior options of the Tribute, while the Tribute is priced comparably with the Escape. Also, the Tribute comes with a 5 year/48,000 mile warranty, compared to the 3 year/36,000 mile warranty that comes with the Ford Escape. I also get a free rental car anytime the Tribute needs to be in the shop, which by all appearances, will be seldom. A great value on a solid and very enjoyable vehicle to drive.
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MAZDA TRIBUTE - 2006 Mazda Tribute
By Cynthia - April 15 - 1:50 pmGreat SUV. No mechanical problems, except for the gas pedal which was covered under warranty. Highly recommend.
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2005 Tribute-S overview - 2005 Mazda Tribute
By Mark B. - April 12 - 5:03 amMy wife & I set out to purchase an SUV to transport kids, have the capability to tow at least up to 3,500 lbs, small enough to drive around in city traffic and be as inexpensive a purchase as possible. I looked at the Honda CRV & Pilot but neither met our entire criteria. After 2 months of ownership the Tribute-S is very satisfying in terms of driveability, reliability and looks. We find the Tribute quiet, nimble handling, fits/adjusts to my 50 wife & seats her high to see out over the traffic. The V-6 power/take-off is great! Of all the options to choose from, we opted for the extra security of the "side curtain air bags" and did lower our car insurance a bit.
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as good as it gets - 2001 Mazda Tribute
By bonyeller - April 9 - 5:13 amThis has been a pretty decent purchase, just wished I had gotten cruise control. I didnt want to pay the extra costs of just adding cruise control as an option. The vehicle has al ot of pep and passing power, not too bad on towing either. I would recommend this "baby SUV" to anyone, just make sure you have cruise control.
