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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  New Rotors at 30,000 miles...WTF!!! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Mike Valentine - September 21 - 11:16 am

  I have been told by Kona Mazda/Suburu that the 2003 Mazda Tribute ES (may apply to other years and models) requires new rotors at approximately 30,0000 mile service...WTF. They state that they cant be shaved because they wear down just like the brake pads and do not groove the rotors thus allowing a mechanic to shave them. Further, Mazda dealer states a federal sticker is located somewhere on the rotor that warns or states not to shave them. Had they told me this when I bought it new...I would have never bought this piece of crap. That was my fourth and last Mazda. Hello Honda!

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  Great Little Ride - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By alaskanseminole - September 18 - 2:06 am

  I traded in my 2003 Chevy Tahoe which was the best vehicle I ever owned. Sadly gas prices forced me into a smaller SUV. Fortunately the Tribute took the sting out of losing my Tahoe. GREAT LITTLE SUV! I love the fact the 2005 model allowed the upgraded interior for the 4 cylinder. The power leather seats are great. The only options this little guy doesnt have is the v6 and sun roof. I average between 19 and 22 MPG around town. Im still anxious to see what it will get on a road trip. With the aluminum wheels, color keyed exterior and side-step bars this SUV looks sharp. My only complaint is the 4 cylinder doesnt have enough power to get out of its own way much less fast moving traffic--IT IS SO SLOW!

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  Tribute Will Tow - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Illinibravada - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Researched and test drove alot of midsize SUVs. Really am pleased with the Tribute. (Wife drives Highlander) Mileage 22 combo city/highway. I also use it to tow my 18 ft bass boat. Vehicle has tow package. I get 18-20 mpg when towing the boat. As my 5 year old says it has alot of zoom zoom dad.

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  Fun to drive - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By domek69 - September 7 - 2:00 am

  This “compact” SUV is not so compact after all. I’ve been driving the Tribute for over 2 years now without any major problems. It is roomy. The 6- cylinder engine has a fantastic acceleration if you compare it to similar cars from other manufacturers.

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  Review of a Mazda lover - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Reetz - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Tribute in March of 2002. Its fun to drive and is very reliable. It handles every kind of road condition and even stops straight on icy roads. The things I would improve would be the front passengers seat belt. It locks up too easily. Also, the interior quality could be better. The molding on the inside of the doors keeps coming loose. Then again, there is no perfect car in my opinion.

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  2 year review - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By bigbaby - August 28 - 5:53 pm

  its been almost 2 years with this car and I have nothing to complain about. Maybe on this one Im just lucky. It seems to ride and accelerate better with time. No problems at all! When lease is done in 5/08 I may just buy this puppy (although that Ford Edge is looking pretty good).

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  I love my Tribute!! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By piazzafan - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I love my Tribute. Ive owned it for over a year and have had no problems at all. It is a lot of fun to drive and looks great too. I also liked it better than the Ford Escape (the Escape has rubber on lower body instead of being painted). It has great power and brakes and tight steering. I would buy another one in a heartbeat!

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  Cd sound problems? - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By canuck - August 10 - 10:00 am

  I love my Tribute, but after reading the other reviews Im a tad worried about brakes, rotors etc. However, my only problem has been a strange noise in the cd player...Ive had it replaced once but the new one has it as well. Has anyone else experienced problems with the CD player? Or is it just me? Canuck

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  Mazda Tribute A Womens perfect car. - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By school teacher - July 20 - 1:43 am

  I bought the ES V6 2wheel drive. I compared it to other mini SUVs and liked the ride, leather seats, power drivers seat and power to get on the freeway. Plenty of room for bringing home stuff from the nursery. I love sitting up high and seeing more of the road. Im barely 5 tall and need the optional step tubes. Its a great option, particularily for women.

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  Love my Tribute! - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By geeman99 - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle. Acceleration is excellent. Ride and handling are wonderful. Roomy, plush (for the price) interior. Biggest shortcoming - seats could definitely be softer and give more thigh support. Nitpicks - shift lever is too long, ignition key location is a real hassle. Overall a very enjoyable vehicle! Would definitly recommend the Tribute! Not sure why everyone complains about the mileage on the V6 - the great acceleration doesnt come out of thin air, you have to burn more gas to create more horsepower!