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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  Love It - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Carluvr - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I love this SUV!! Im used to the gear shift getting in the way of the radio controls, so i just use it to rest my hand on when Im changing stations. The gas mileage is surprisingly good and I have no complaints!

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  Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By shanelawson1 - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Our Mazda Tribute is an awesome vehicle to drive. We drove over 1500 miles on vacation and the drive was extremely comfortable. The vehicle is a great value for the price.

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  Best in Class - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By cbdupont - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Best value of the small SUVs. Handles more like a car than a truck.

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  Zoom, Zoom - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By safiri - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I wanted an SUV, so I checked out the Subaru Forester. Though it ranked high in safety & does great for off road, I dont drive off road. I also felt the Forester was too low to the ground (though this low center of gravity=less chance of roll over), & I didnt want to dig out another car from a snowy NY winter. Checked out the Kia Sorento. This midsize SUV was too big for my needs. Since I owned a Mazda 323, I checked out the Tribute. The rich looking interior is well laid out. The outside has nice lines. It has good safety test results, with comparable gas mileage for an SUV. It has POWER (V6) & 4 wheel drive which is great for a SUV.

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  Love my First Mazda!! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By R Mcintyre - July 27 - 10:00 am

  This is my first attempt at having a non-GM vehicle and I have been extremely happy. I have already put 10,000 miles on my Tribute and have not had any problems with it to date. The only options I bought were the in dash 6 disc CD changer and ABS. I checked all the other SUVs out at the time and this was the best value by far. I think it has classier exterior styling than its counterpart, the Ford Escape.

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  Our Second Mazda Tribute - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By The McMillers - July 12 - 1:26 pm

  We have a 2003 Mazda Tribute, and was so impressed with it, that we purchased a second one this year. 4WD handling is very sure-footed. Gas mileage is not a problem (if you read the reviews before you made the purchase) -- but not 12 mpg or anything extreme like that. Typically, 17/21 mpg city/hwy. The Tribute is excellent for towing too. Nice big moonroof and warm leather seats. Design is better in the 2005 versus the 2003 (gear-shift and air conditioning redesigned!). Cargo space is roomy, and the fold-down seats are easy to use. A little noisy, but highly recommended.

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  Everythings ok with new car.... - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Rednick girl - June 28 - 10:00 am

  the car is outstanding to drive

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  Sweet 16 - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Kara - June 22 - 10:00 am

  For my 16th birthday my father bought me an 02 Mazda brand new. Ive had good experience with this car but some bad including water leak above driver side door, they fixed this and it came back cause they caused another leak. I had to get all the interior padding carpet replaced cause the car was soaked. Also my radio nob fell off like the 2nd week i had it when i was turning it. Other thent that i love it just not yalls dealership i get it fixed at.

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  Great 2nd Car - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Leon DeHart - June 20 - 1:20 am

  I was coming from a long period of driving full-size pick-ups and looking to downsize! This was a good choice to go smaller with good fuel results, and yet not feel much had changed in the process. I still sit up higher. Interior can carry cargo too.

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  Surprising 2004 Mazda Tribute LX-A - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By hughlock - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is just plain old fun to drive. The steering is extremely responsive with no "center dead space" to limit reaction time. Some people have complained about the wind noise at high speeds; I suggest you test drive some of the other makers of SUVs and you will change your mind. The Tribute is an overall success at a great price. Mine was less than $20,000.