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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  nice ride - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By b. rod. - July 2 - 1:39 am

  you should have all the cat. converters checked for clogges,ie rear 1 it will blow a hole in egr valve. costing about 285.00 , i had mine removed and replaced with pipe . resolved issues. cts will clogged from unburned gas causing motor to shut down. this pipe trick does the job. all happened at 121k. also keep gas filter changed. its on frame, easy to do.

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  Glad to own - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By rickwla - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a Subaru Forester, which was an excellent car, and Im very satisfied with the performance and roominess of the Tribute. Fuel economy could be better, but its par for the course for its class. 7 speaker stereo system has great sound. Wish there were seperate controls for the air conditioning and the vent outlets (why Ford chooses to limit air conditioning only to the front vents is a mystery).

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  Satisfied customer - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Dilligas - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Mileage could be better for vehicle size God bargin for money Refuse to accept Continential Tires.... absolute bad experience with tires

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  Glad to own Tribute - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By JOHN DALEY - June 6 - 8:00 pm

  Love to drive this vehicle. Some minor disappointments. Did you ever pick up clothes from the cleaner and not have a hook to put them on. The MPG stinks. Mostly highway only gets 18.5. But that said, the tribute is nimble, responsive to quick stops and turns and looks like a million bucks. The dealer even sent a birthday card. Now thats class.

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  Having fun in a Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Courtney9481 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I have been satified with my Tribute. Overall its been a very comfortable drive. I LOVE the cargo space and the reclining seats in the back. The Premium Sound System with the 6 disc cd changer was worth the money. One minor problem that I have incurred was condensation that drips from the AC on top a steaming hot metal exhaust under the car constantly makes a sizzling noise when I turn the vehicle off. Dealer said that all Mazda Tributes do it so they refuse to touch it. Overall I gave it a pretty good rating!

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  Tribute by Ninja - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Ninja - May 11 - 4:46 pm

  Purchased it early 2005. Fun to drive. Peppy around town. Highway ride is stiffer but okay. Cant beat the price. Best buy for the price and among its competitors. Steering and braking is very accurate. Its a sporty SUV with good looks.

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  2005 Mazda tribute s v6 - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By ericvlewis - May 1 - 11:37 pm

  Driving strong at 255K miles only 2000 in maintenance since I bought it in 2006 phenomenal vehicle

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  Pretty reliable after 4 yrs! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By nalarika - May 1 - 11:20 pm

  Had some problems in the beginning with the transmission and exhaust manifolds, warranty covered those so ever since then we have had no powertrain issues. The door seals seem to sag and that is annoying but other than that the car has a ton of features for the price and has made many adventurous trips with us!

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  Mazda Tribute LX V6 - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By jkannard - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I really like the pep my Mazda has. It has been a really reliable vehicle and is roomy enough for our family of four.

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  Classy Appearance - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By jchris - April 2 - 10:00 am

  I saw one on the road and was immediately drawn to it back in 2000. I went to look at one right away. I was impressed and I thought the exterior and interior complimented one another and was impressed that it seemed to look and feel more like a car than a truck. Overall it fit my desire to not be too sporty or to be too much like a luxury SUV.