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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  Great Buy for an SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By John Taylor - October 24 - 2:16 pm

  Vehicle goes anywhere without problems...weve been off road, the beach, highway travelling, city commuting, Texas thunderstorms, Texas heat, loaded with family, and never experienced any problems with over 95,000 miles on the vehicle.

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  Great SUV! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Brazmunkee - October 13 - 12:26 am

  I bought this 2003 Tribute for my daughters who are competitive surfers as it has adequate room and a very good reputation. However, I like driving it so much they have to fight me to use it. I LOVE this little vehicle. Its just a blast to drive and it gets GREAT gas mileage. Its not the quality of my 2003 Toyota 4Runner, but its more fun to mess around in and Im not so burdened my the 4Runners weight and size.

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  Great SUV! - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By juguru - October 9 - 6:33 pm

  I bought my 2001 Mazda Tribute ES V6 4x4 in October 2000. This has been a great car. I recently had a tune-up at 229,000 miles and the mechanic couldnt believe it was in such great shape for being almost 13 years old. She looks and runs like the day I bought it! Im sure the fact I live in Charleston, SC helped keep it looking so nice - no snow! The only problem I had with it was the pleather inserts on the door panels failed about 2 years ago, but I was able to fix them myself... A very good and dependable vehicle and a lot of fun to drive. My sister needed a new car so I just drove it to Upstate NY to give to her. Still running great on long trips. I will miss driving it!!!

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  tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Don Lewis - October 3 - 2:00 am

  It looks fantastic. Has many features. Great power.

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  Affordable and fun to drive - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Moto9 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my Mercedes ML320 after 5 years. Tribute is smaller but fun to drive and much easier on the wallet. The ES offers some nice amenities. Im hoping the reliability will be better than my ML 320

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  Excellent - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Marci - September 3 - 1:10 am

  I have owned my Tribute since January. I test drove a Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner (all produced by Ford) and the Tribute was the best of the three. Better warranty, less expensive with a nicer interior and exterior. Gas mileage could be better.

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  New 2003 Mazda Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By avonman - September 2 - 10:00 am

  This is my firstg SUV and I decided on it after extensive research, including Edmunds online owner comments, and test drives of a number of compact SUVs. I love the performance and handling of the car. The six cyl. engine is very peppy. The size of the Tribute is perfect for my needs, which do not include much off-road driving. I paid $500 over the published invoice.

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  Function and style - 2009 Mazda Tribute
  By Lots of Utility - August 29 - 10:10 pm

  Bought the Tribute for me and my wife, it has been great, lots of cargo space, fuel economy is exceptional from the 4 cylinder; and it has lots of power considering the other models we looked at with comparable engines. We typically see 29-30 mpg on road trips in West Texas it is primarily flat so cannot speak much of hills but out here it is a great combination of function, fuel economy and style

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  My 2002 Tribute - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By sphilips - August 29 - 10:00 am

  It is a great vehicle. Rides nicely and very roomy. Exterior is quite attractive. Mazda has an excellent warranty. Jeff Haas has a superior service department. This is my third Mazda, I plan on buying a 2005 Tribute. Love it!!!!

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  Great Car - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Mimi - August 17 - 3:03 am

  I switched from a Mustang Convertible and was anxious that I wouldnt get that thrill moving up to an SUV. Obviously it isnt the same, but I thoroughly enjoy my Tribute. I picked the Tribute over the Escape because a)I liked some of the curves of the body style better and b)it seemed like everyone had an Escape. It handles like a car and has a much softer ride than hubbys Jeep Liberty. Never have any problem fitting my "stuff" into it and those who ride in the back seat are very comfortable. Auto 4WD is great and it just kicks in when needed. I have heated seats, sunroof, and leather and all are wonderful. I highly recommend this for those who want the room, but the drivability of a car.