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:

• 

  Rust problems - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Mazda lover - July 28 - 10:00 am

  My 2008 Mazda Tribute have been working fine until recently that I found that the rear door seems and rear fender are rusting. The exterior face of the fender is peeling off and the inside is rusted. My vehicle has less than 60k miles. I usually wash my car during winter almost weekly to avoid this type of problems. The vehicle also has been in a garage all nights so I dont get why only a 2.5 yrs old car is rusting. I talked to the dealer where I bough it and they told that has a rust 5 yr warranty but covers everything that can make or made a hole in the body. They need to take pics and send it over to the regional warranty guy for approval. Im trading in for a real Japanese car.

• 

  I thought it was the best... - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Roger122387 #2 - July 26 - 3:10 am

  This is my second review.. i left my last one a little over a year ago.. I thought this car was great.. I have had so many problems.. the stereo has had to be replaced several times.. my passenger air bag cover keeps popping off, the sealing around the doors is coming off, and the wheels keep getting out of alignment (I mostly drive stricly highway). My Waco TX Mazda Dealership tell me that there are no problems with the CD player (it would never play any of my CDs!!), and then they said the airbag cover popping off was my problem.. after enough arguing with them they finally hesitated to fix it. But other than all of that, it has been fun to drive. Great car for out of town trips!!

• 

  good buy - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By gking - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I felt like this was far and away the best small sport ute for the money and have not been dissappointed. Its very comfortable (in both the front and rear seats,even on long trips)and has good acceleration.

• 

  tribute lx 4wd 6 cylinder - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By curly - July 11 - 10:00 am

  We owned this vehicle for a little over one year. Initially we were impressed with the size, acceleration, and utility of this vehicle. However, certain annoyances became much more noticeable the longer we drove it. It is NOISY. I repeat NOISY. Rear lift developed a loud rattle which has proven elusive to correct. Cigarette lighter broke after one week. The steering is very heavy at low speeds. The seats are very firm and uncomfortable on long trips. Fuel economy is poor. Brake dust!!! Brake dust all the time on the front wheels. The longer your in this vehicle the more annoying it becomes. Beware future buyers, this is a FORD with mazda badging.

• 

  Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By lissa - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I really love my Mazda Tribute, it drives well and has lots of room inside. The wind noise is pretty bad on the interstate.

• 

  gas guzzler - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By wedgeclose - June 29 - 2:00 am

  took delivery in mid january...got a very good price on the car...a rare LX with luxury pkg. including sun-roof in lt. tundra (green). the sales experience was fun but im glad we did our homework on pricing and invoices. we got it out of there for $24K. the car is really pretty and there were no flaws whatsoever. They gave us a free tank of gas which is good because if they had given us only a 1/4 tank we would have run out before we got home. 30 miles! Very disappointed in the gas mileage.

• 

  Electric Problem - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By thecoop51 - June 24 - 5:10 pm

  Although I believe this vehicle is a decent mid-size SUV, I cant believe I had an alternator problem at 19,000 miles. It has to be replaced already and the dealership has to wait approximately 7-10 days for a new one. So Im driving a rental until Mazda decides to ship a new one. Ive had cars with 100,000 miles on them and never had an alternator failure. Anybody else experience this problem so early in their purchase?

• 

  We love our Trib! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By MLewis - June 23 - 10:00 am

  The Tribute is just about everything we were seeking in a small SUV. It is compact enough to manuever easily in traffic and in and out of tight parking, yet roomy enough for comfort, with a decent cargo capacity. It has a stylish, not-too-sporty look, and as much "get up and go" as we could ask for. When the time comes to replace our 2nd car, another Tribute will be a strong contender. ZOOM ZOOM!

• 

  Great SUV for the price! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Tom111111 - June 23 - 10:00 am

  After much research I thought the Tribute was the best car and best deal in this SUV class. The factory incentives werent so bad, I opted for the $2,000 factory cash! Lots of front leg room for us 6"3 people. Parking is always a breeze. I live in New York City and am always amazed at how much extra space I have once in my parking space. This car handles like a dream and has lots of pep! Very comfortable ride on long trips!

• 

  Nice drive! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Jeffsch - June 23 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I have our first child on the way so it was time for a 4 door and we liked the mini SUVs. We test drove several and loved the Tribute. We test drove several including the Jeep Liberty. The liberty offered a couple more nice things but the roll over ratings were worse than our Wrangler! The Tribute had a nicer more refined ride and handling plus the rear door is more convienent. The Lexus didnt offer more conviences than the Tribute to justify the price difference. We like the little styling differenced better than the Ford Escape. Were very happy with it.