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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  why wouldnt you buy one - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By juicymay2 - January 9 - 2:00 am

  this is the greatest car i ever owned. out of all the suvs around this is the most exciting one (well to me anyway). it is sooooooo comfortable and so easy to drive you feel as if you have the most luxurioussuv in the world. if you dont have one,go get one..............NOW

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  almost 3 years - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By trohn33 - January 8 - 7:03 pm

  Having owned my Tribute for almost 3 years, it is disappointing to see the check engine light come on and stay on after it has been repaired. For the most part, the Tribute is an extremely enjoyable ride for me, the driver. The passenger seat lacks the same support, so at sudden braking, the passenger may feel as though they are sliding forward. As a lease vehicle, it is a nice choice. However to purchase? Get the extended warranty beyond the given 50,000 miles/4 years. The interior cabin is very roomy, but noisy. In order to hear the radio with some clarity, it has to be turned up quite a bit while driving. You dont realize how loud it is until you restart it. Fuel economy is bad.

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  Emileys experience with Tribute - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By rich emiley - January 6 - 6:56 am

  This is our 2nd Tribute, we had a 2002. We never liked the column shift on our 2002, 2005 moved it where it belongs, middle console. Milage has slipped from 22 to 19. The Tribute has lots of room for a smaller SUV. We drive our Tribute in Northern Wisconsin and it handles well in snow, never came close to slowing down in deep snow. The noise at higher speeds seems better than our 2002. The interior looks great and the radio has 190 watts with 7 speakers gives great sound to what ever music you like. Do not feel Mazda had enough colors to pick from and do not like smaller size trailer hitch.

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  Tribute vs Escape - 2009 Mazda Tribute
  By p clarke - January 2 - 3:26 pm

  Bought the Tribute rather than the Escape because of interior and exterior styling differences.Ford needs to upgrade both, as well as paint colors. So far so good with the 4 banger.

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  Best SUV under 26K - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Sheila Sullivan - December 29 - 10:00 am

  Very peppy performing "small" SUV that feels like a mid-size vehicle & corners like a sports car. Lots of room inside for "real" people, including rear seat legroom. Fold the rear seats down & it becomes a serious hauler - very tall & wide rear hatch. Gas mileage is consistently around 20 mpg (& I drive it enthusiastically!) Just cant beat it for the bucks. After a lot of research, we are strongly considering another new Tribute next year. There just isnt anything else in its class that combines great looks, true functionality, economy of operation, and FUN to drive.

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  I love my Zoom-Zoomer - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Ldavisca1 - December 27 - 8:16 am

  After careful research, using Edmunds.com as a tool, I selected the Mazda Tribute after finding that it matched 9 of the 10 criteria I insisted on having in an SUV. The test drives I took on the freeway and mountain roads sealed the deal. The Tribute in size and comfort beat out all the mid-size SUVs I considered, the safety features and style are high on my list, and its an all-around pleaser on any road conditions it has faced. Driving it is not only fun, its satisfying. Its a head-turner with its step-tubes, gorgeous paint job, and all-around sporty look. The cargo area is spacious, easily accessible, and the secure. This SUV rocks!

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  JimsTribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By CinciJim - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Love the look and feel of this car. Handles great. Engine is responsive. Seats are a little hard for long drives, though. High-end sound package is well worth the extra $. Overall, great value in a small SUV. Pricing is right for this car.

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  Great Midsize SUv - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By A Alba - December 7 - 10:10 am

  Well built and fun to drive. Sexy looking design.

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  bang for the buck - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By rice - November 21 - 2:00 am

  Paid 21,500 with factory step guards and rear bumper step up plate, and the dealer installed an fantastic after market power sunroof that looks and acts better than a factory one. This is a GREAT looking car.I dare you to tell me a ML320 looks 20k BETTER! This car has much gettie-up, the V6 200 horse zooms. I has a little apprehensiv about buying a car with anything to do with FORD name, but I prayfully took a shot. So far 13,000 trouble free miles. Had a lot a snow this winter in new york and the 2wd pulled through 24in of snow with only minamil trouble, I can image what the 4wd would do. Gas mileage I would is better than average for a V6

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  Great AtTRIBUTEs! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By sfbase6 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I went to a Subaru dealer to test drive a Forester because my father owns one and hes very happy with it. The dealer I went to just happened to be a Mazda dealer as well, and they were offering a $5,000 rebate for the 2003 Tributes. I test drove one of the three that was left and totally loved it. I used to drive sport cars and this little SUV was comparable in both power and handling. The stock stereo system sounds great, driving position gives you panoramic view with hardly any blind spots, and I think it is one of the most beautiful SUVs out there.