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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  BEWARE of TRANSMISSION COOLER Problems - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Michelle - February 5 - 2:36 pm

  We have constantly had problems with our tribute. The transmission cooler leaks. Actually I believ the component is recalled. We had it fixed once but the problem is still there. Beware if you plan to buy a Mazda tribute. If you live in the northwest territories make sure you can service the truck in the northwest territories. I have had to drive to grand praire Alberta so they can service the truck and look at the tranny leak. They said it was fine but the leak is still there. Mazda Canada said that I would have to always drive to grand praire to get it serviced escpecially if it was a warranty part. We payed from our own pockets $700.00. Mazda Canada reinbursed us $94.00. Beware

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  Loved my tribute!!I - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By nat - January 30 - 10:23 pm

  I had my lovely car for close to 10 years when a truck backed into it and smashed the radiator and grill :-( still arguing with insurance. It had 150,000 miles on it and ran like a dream-- mechanics all said (both dealer & private) that it had many more miles on it. I had to get a new transmission at 147,000 miles other than that just the regular wear-- oil change and brakes. I am negotiating with insurance but I WANT MY CAR BACK!! I love my tribute and Im sure it has many more years left in it.

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  Overall great small SUV, minor issues - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By HCP - January 30 - 9:00 pm

  I currently have 55K miles on my Tribute and have had no issues with it. There was a factory recall on a computer chip, and a seatbelt which was replaced at no charge, and the dealership gave me a nice loaner while it was fixed. I love the design, and it handles great in snow, mud and slush. I travel gravel roads daily and it is quite comfortable. I average ~17 mpg, which is my only complaint. The paint has held up quite well, and have not problems with molding, etc. The leather has also proved quite durable. The 4WD has performed beautifully in varied terrain. I would definitely purchase another.

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  GREAT BUTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Kimberly Hughes - January 29 - 2:43 am

  Great ride, control and fit...but, the airconditioner vents fell back and broke at 3000 miles....the windshield leaked the first time there was a big rain (1,000 miles on the Tribute) and I was told this was from the windshield shaking during travel...scary thought huh?? Not what I spend $20,000.00 to get! The knobs on the radio fell off at 1500 miles. The CD player skips and continues to each time a bump is hit. It is a nice looking Vehicle but is put together like a hot wheel...I know this because my first Tribute was bought on May 1st and it was such a Lemon that it was replaced by the dealer one month later in June and not much has changed except the windshield does not leak....

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  Coulda shoulda be a great SUV - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By LovettsHokie - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Well, I love many things about this vehicle. Great styling, ride, handling, to name a few. But, I purchased the car on 12-30-2001 and have had to have the right front wheel bearing replaced and a completely new transmission. The bearing I thought was a fluke. But to have two major repairs in the first four months of owning a car? I have had great experiences with my service people, but they can not explain it. So I will. This car did not get all of the proper quality control checks. There is no way this car should have made it onto the street. What should be a great SUV, is now tarnished. Will I buy a Mazda or Ford again? Let me think, hmmmmmm Not on your life or anyone elses.

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  Mazda Tribute 2002 - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By rbarea - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the Tribute for $250 over real invoice with side airbags, premium sound system and tow pkg. To make it look a little nicer I purchased the wood pkg. for the interior and it looks great. No problems after 5000 miles. Getting about 20 MPG with majority of the driving being stop and go. Only complaint is I wish the engine was more quiet, but hey...

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  My 08 Tribute - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Chris - January 22 - 6:16 pm

  I was in an accident yesterday and was broadsided by someone that ran a red light. My daughter and I both walked away without any injuries. I believe the side airbags saved us from having serious injuries. I love my Mazda Tribute.

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  BEWARE - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Chris Wood 2 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  At 200 miles the front crank shaft seal developed a pretty serious oil leak. The headliner is separating, and parts are extremely difficult to attain. The selling dealer has been terrific, but their hands are tied. Mazda North America hasnt returned emails. The vehicle now has 1,200 miles and is only 12 weeks old. It is a fun vehicle to drive, and appears to be a good value. However, this amount of initial problems should concern any possible buyers. I have purchased many new Mazdas, and this experience has definately curbed my Mazda purchasing.

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  Zoom zoom ... yeah - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By LDavisaz - January 15 - 9:43 pm

  This little puppy has guts and handles nicely in any situation. Acceleration from 0 -60 is quick, smooth, and a pleasure to experience. Trusty reaction time! Nice interior with spacious leg room, well laid out, and all controls in easy access.

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  fun to drive - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By mr.pv - January 12 - 10:00 am

  love it, iam big guy and need a lot of room. the sound will blow you away.a 10 in my book.