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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  i Sport 4DR 4-cylinder - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By GeorgeSATX - March 16 - 12:26 am

  We bought the Mazda Tribute i because of our recent addition to the family. We had a Ford Ranger Edge. THis SUV is great! We where going to get the CX-7, Im glad we got into this vehicle. Its roomy, the styling is great. The aux input jack comes in handy. Its even Satellite radio equipped. I put in a TomTom GPS navigation device, Its the vehicle we needed, great features. Side impact air bags for protection. All in all Mazda, went over our expectations. Definitely recommend this SUV.

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  2nd Lease - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By G. Long - March 15 - 2:06 am

  This is the 2nd Mazda Tribute we’ve owned; both times we made a purchase we fully explored the possibility of purchasing others. For some reason we just came back to the same model but different color. I, being the husband, wanted to look into something else but my wife would have no part of it, she wanted this same car a 2nd time no matter what.

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  Be Careful - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By thenetz - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I have had a clunking noise from my 2001 Tribute for about 1 month now. The dealership keeps telling me they cannot find anything wrong. They rotated the tires and changed a shock. They say it was my fault for not rotating the tires every 5000 miles, after only 17000 miles there should not be such a problem that it feels like a constant flat tire, but that is what mine feels like. The dealership doesnt seem to care that there is a problem. Be careful who you buy from how their customer service is.

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  2002 LX Tribute - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By kcowan - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. The only problems we have experienced have been with a sensor on the airbag system.

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  Outstanding Compact SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By TGO - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Great compact SUV although it has a ton of room inside for its size. I did a fair amount of research on available compact SUVs prior to buying. The Tribute offered the best of both worlds from great car like handling on the road and good capability in marginal conditions. The Tribute is a joy to drive and its size lets you get in and out of spaces you would never venture in a mid to full size SUV. Very safe vehicle as attested to my insurance cost decreasing $60 a year even though I went from a 2000 model year vehicle to a 2005.

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  A GREAT DECISION! WOOHOO! - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By FlyFisherman - March 7 - 2:00 am

  So glad I bought this Mazda Tribute! It has served me well and most of all is EASY to drive...what a joy. The mileage is fair/good, absolutely love the firm bucket seats that help with my back problem. Great cargo room, fold down seats rule! The stereo kicks...go for the updgraded stereo, its worth it! Great roadhandling features and in New England here the 4x4 is the smoothest I have ever experienced. Thanks for a great vehicle!

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  The SUV I Always Wanted - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By JessieHope - February 26 - 11:46 am

  I love my Tribute. I wanted a smaller SUV and looked at several makes (Jeep, Ford, etc.) before deciding on the Tribute. It has great cargo space and the area around the driver is comfortable and very well laid out. The gear shift is on the steering column which took a little getting used to but now I love it. It opens up the console as more usable space. There are plenty of well designed cup holders and a flat floor across the back seat, making this the perfect ride for roadtrips. Even with 5 adults its comfy.

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  First Impressions - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Laundryman - February 26 - 2:00 am

  My experience with this vehicle has, so far, been good.I admit that I have not owned ot long enough to give an authoritative critique. However Ive found it to be comfortable and well equiped,( having added no extras except for wheel locks). I can live with the sound system although Id advise in favor of the upgraded sound system if youre really into music as I am.

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  My Tribute Rocks!!!!! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Meri24 - February 19 - 1:30 am

  Best SUV in its class for the money. Comfortable ride, smooth like a car. Awesome in 12 inches of snow.

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  Drives like a big truck - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Jody in Plumas Lake - February 5 - 2:46 pm

  My biggest complaint about this SUV is the turning radius. Its very hard to turn into parking stalls or make U turns in tight areas... impossible to do without doing a 3 point turn. The other thing is the road noise. It is very loud while driving. Need to turn the radio up to even hear it. Otherwise its been a great little vehicle. The gas mileage is all right, averaging 19-20, except now after my tuneup, Im getting about 15-16.