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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  MZ Tribute - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By longrk - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Drives like a car.

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  Window Regulator Should be Recalled - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By swflmazda - September 16 - 3:08 pm

  Ok.. So not a bad car as my first mazda purchase. I am totally surprised there hasnt been a recall on these, that all but one of my power window regulators have snapped. Really poor poor poor design and cheap materials. Dealership wants me to pay for labor, will cost be around $800. No-way since this is faulty equipment. not standard wear and tear.. Also gas pedal gets stuck. Incredibly dangerous. Not sure whats worse; windows that do not work or a gas pedal that gets stuck. Other than that.. seems to be a decent car.

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  very nice mid-size suv - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By John LeBlanc - September 16 - 5:16 am

  This vehicle has been a very pleasant surprise. I have owned larger suvs and was hesitant about going to a smaller model. The tribute has been more than I expected. The ride has been very nice and the performance has been excellent.

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  Well satisfied - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By BKT - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Overall, very well pleased with this vehicle. Prior to buying, we test drove everything else in this size/price class and found the Mazda was head & shoulders the most vehicle for the money. The V-6 is spunky, the handling and ride are very good for a SUV. The interior is surprisingly roomy. Weve got 11,000 miles on the Tribute and it has been flawless so far. Only complaints are that fuel economy is less than expected and the car is a little noisy, particularly under acceleration.

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  Even better than I imagined - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By da - September 10 - 5:20 am

  I needed a family car as we were expecting our first child. This was particularly traumatic for me as I had to trade in my beloved Eclipse, but this car has it all. It performs excellent with quick acceleration in the city and an oh so smooth ride. Im converted to SUV-dom and Mazdas. We change the oil and it does the rest. It is worry free, has that sporty look I love, has the room my wife loves, the safety for my daughter, and my family and co-workers are instantly impressed once they get inside and go for a ride. It pulls trailers just fine and does all I ask it to do. The only reason its not a perfect car is the mpg, but I knew what I was getting into. Two years of happiness!

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  Good Value - 2010 Mazda Tribute
  By KD - September 5 - 1:53 pm

  I was looking for a smaller SUV that wouldnt break the bank. The Sport model comes well equipped for the price. The seats are comfortable, with the armrests being the right height. Visibility is excellent, although the rear headrests obscure the view through the rearview mirror somewhat. Very solid feeling on the road, the electrically boosted steering at low speeds is a nice touch!

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  Dependable - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Norm - September 3 - 6:26 am

  The Mazda Tribute has been a good vehicle. We got all the options with a 6 cyl and the vehicle drives comfortably and has pretty good acceleration. On the highway it is smooth and not too noisy but mileage is only about 20 mpg. I dont like the sound of the accelerating engine in town - somewhat clunky and not a bit sexy - but it performs well nonetheless. CD player sounds good but my other car has a Bose so Im spoiled. Display light for AC is hard to see during the day, needs to be brighter. Plenty of room in cargo area and very handy fold down seats, although you have to remove the rear headrests to fold them down.

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  Great value - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By dannybmx - August 24 - 9:37 pm

  I bought my Tribute used when it had only 25,000 miles on it. It now has 228,000 miles. The engine has been great. The weak spot has been the automatic transmission. I have had the transmission rebuilt twice. However the first time the shop did not do a good job so a second time was needed. This has been such a great car for my small family. The inside is really nice a rommy allowing us to pack gear and even a 50cc motorcycle into it. I have used it to tow a motorcycle trailer without problems.

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  2001 Tribute - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Racerog - August 22 - 2:26 pm

  I bought this car new in late 2000 when they first came out. I have put over 160k miles on it and it still feels tight and runs great. I do take good care of it, I keep it clean, waxed and serviced regularly. It has given me absolutely no problems at all. Gas mpg is about 21 overall. It will carry 4 adults comfortably (5 for a short distance) and has large storage area as well. Great traction in wet and snow is no problem - the auto 4WD works flawlessly. Another great thing is it does not have a timing belt (it has a chain)- so you dont need to replace that every 90k like most other cars. In short, I love this car!

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  great vehicle - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By bill - August 17 - 2:10 am

  I liked the price compared to the Toyota Highlander which I almost bought instead. After 43K, only had a recall on the accelerator cable -- other than that not one problem.