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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  The potential is there... - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Hopeful in FL - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I fell in love with the design and drive of this vehicle from the first time I saw it and had to have one. You get a lot of features for the relatively low price tag. However, 6 months after we bought, my Tribute, too, stalled on me--in the center lane of the interstate at 60 mph during rush hour. Luckily it started right back up after I got to the shoulder and turned it off. The dealer was great; found the problem right away and fixed it. Mazda is aware of the faulty computer chip (which my dealer reset) and I, too, cant believe they havent issued a recall. The potential to love this vehicle is definitely there, but I am still skeptical...

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  Great SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By PAT HEMPHILL - October 19 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE TAKEN THE SUV ON TWO TRIPS AND HAD BAD WEATHER ON BOTH TRIPS. THE MAZDA DID GREAT IN THE STORM ON BOTH TRIPS. THE GAS MILAGE WAS NOT GREAT,BUT GOOD. I HAVE ENJOYED DRIVING THE MAZDA TRIBUTE YOURS TRULY, PAT H.

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  everything I need - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By scott richards - October 10 - 7:36 pm

  My first SUV and I really love it; looked at all the competition and kept coming back to the Tribute. I have package 3 with leather, roof and great stereo, also added dimming mirror, cargo net, wheel locks, bumper plate and side air bags; all for a great price when you take advantage of all the rebates available. This thing has plenty of room for hauling and still handles like a car, not loose like most SUVs. No complaints about the fuel economy (about 23 mph average). I only wish it had a larger fuel tank as the driving range is about 325 miles unless you go to fumes; it should have a 20 gallon instead of a 16.5 tank. For all the content, warranty and zoom-zoom you cant go wrong with a Tribute.

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  Very Happy so far - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By parker1028 - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I just got the vehicle but it has been a pleasure to drive. Im very happy to date. Ive also seen some complaints about engine and wind/road noise but I havent heard anything out of the ordinary.

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  Mazda Tribute Review - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Bridget A. D. T. - October 5 - 11:20 pm

  I have owned this vehicle since June 2002. It has been a great SUV. Rides like a car - not a truck. Easy to get in and out - perfect height. Smooth handling on city streets as well as highway driving. Nice compact size yet still roomy enough for large shopping experiences and/or extra cabin guests. Fun looking and fun to drive.

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  BEST DEAL IN TOWN - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Duff - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I own a Tribute ES/V6. This car has EVERYTHING I could ask for in a car: 4WD, power windows, power seat adjustment, sun roof, heated sets, 6-cd/cassette/radio, heated seats and mirrors, leather interior, etc. For the same price, I could have gotten a bare-bones Highlander if I was lucky. It has at least the same, if not better, pickup and performance than my old Jeep Grand Cherokee. Also, even though the Tribute is smaller, it somehow seems roomier inside. It gets good mileage, has great pickup and handling. It is so quiet that sometimes when I am parked, I need to check if I started the car before I drive away! I would recommend this car to anyone!!!

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  Slick - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By coolt - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I am very happy with this Tribute. I cant wait to drive it. I am more impressed each time I drive.

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  Cutie Patootey - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By dobedew - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought it as a 2nd vehicle and am quite happy. Havent owned Japanese in some time and am glad I purchased it. It is cute and rides wonderful. Both peppy and sporty with wonderful gas mileage!!

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  After 24000 miles... - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By tmatt - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I went straight from a Miata to a Tribute without missing out on too much fun (although I do feel a pang of sadness when I see a montego blue Miata on the road). Im happy with most aspects of the Tribute except for the electrical problems Ive had. Sensor problems have caused the engine light to come on twice and the coolant light once. At one point my radio would not turn off even after the key was out of the ignition. That along with a problem with the windshield washer has brought my Tribute in for warrantee work 3 times. Regardless of my bad luck, Im happy with my purchase and have recommended the Tribute to people looking for SUVs.

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  Good value - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By satisfied buyer - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I did my research and found the Mazda had better handeling, overall finish the the liberty, better gas mileage and more kick than the Honda and Toyota I am very pleased.