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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  best car ive ever owned - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By moparman15 - November 4 - 10:31 am

  got it in 2002 brand new, drive it everyday since now 100k miles...NOT ONE PROBLEM! the only thing thats been replaced is the battery. This thing can fly never expected it to be so fast. The steering is a little too tight but over all best car ive ever owned.

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  Would NEVER own again!!! Coil & Engine Problems - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Todd - November 4 - 8:37 am

  I owned the 2004 Mazda Tribute ES V6 Fully Loaded. I was the second owner. I loved the look of the car and the leather interior with the heated seats. The first few months were fine but then it started to rain and the check engine light would come on and then go off when it stopped raining. I went on forums and found this was a big problem with this model due to the misfires in the coils with the engine. I mustve replaced around 5 coils while owning it. Also had to have the exhaust replaced. Then the transmission dipstick completely disintegrated and caused all kinds of tranny problems. Then the final straw was the Torque Converter had to be replaced and no way I was doing that. After around $2500 in repairs I unloaded this lemon of a vehicle. Reason I wont give it one star is because the exterior and interior were great but the engine was AWFUL. Too bad because I really enjoyed this car when it worked! But in the end BUYER BEWARE these engine coils with the moisture are a recurring problem. Research it for yourself.

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  Best SUV ever!!! - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By chick101_35555 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Drives wonderful, feels luxurious, and has plenty of room!!

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  excellent - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Maldonado - November 4 - 2:00 am

  excellent enjoyed the drive and the feel of the car and the quality this is the best car i ever purchase would not exchange this vehicle for no other I enjoyed the moonroof six cd exchanger tape player and the leg room is excellet

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  Best midsize suv out there - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By bremik - November 4 - 2:00 am

  They claim its a compact suv-not true. Its fun to drive and has plenty of cargo space with the back seats down. It seems to be well built and holds the road well.It however does lots of road noise and interferes with listening to the terrific stereo system.Also the shift column does get in the way of the radios volumn control.

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  Well worth it... - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By TMLA - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car in Jan 2003 after having a 2001 Kia Sportage for little over a year. This SUV is much better built and has so far taken me, in great comfort, to lots of new places...After much researching my boyfriend and I decided that this SUV has the right balance of features for the price as compared to the other cars in its class.

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  Great all around SUV!!! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By macro12 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Had this SUV almost 6 months...fun to drive...lots of power and a really smooth ride. Lots of room inside...had a 2000 GMC Jimmy before this..that felt small and had far less power...eventhough the Trib is a little smaller it feels 10 times larger then the Jimmy. Great car, great design, great gas mileage too..zoom, zoom, zoom!!!

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  2004 Mazda Tribute DX FWD Four Door - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Bmd - October 29 - 2:00 am

  This compact SUV handles like a car. The four cylinder engine gets the job done.

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  From Porsche to Tribute - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By LoveMyTribute - October 28 - 10:00 am

  Had a 2000 Boxster S. Traded and bought my Tribute ES 4WD. Would MUCH rather have a Tribute than a Porsche anyday. It is the right size, useful, comfortable, performs beautifully, and a joy to own. I coulc not be happier.

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  Needed New Engine - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By ajmjd2 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Five days after purchasing a new Tribute and with less than 400 miles on the road, a piston broke off and destroyed the engine. The dealership offered to replace the engine, but eventually agreed to replace the vehicle. So far, no problems.