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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  Fun to drive - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By pakuf - April 27 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this car everyday to work and I have had no problems with it. Great acceleration, sound system. good gas millage. Comfortable ride. it is a little loud but the 201 horses can be blamed for that, it is a great SUV. I recommend it.

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  Very satisfied after 1st year - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By AllieB - April 27 - 2:00 am

  I really have liked my Mazda Tribute. I went for all the bells and whistles and glad it did. The exterior design is fabulous, and the interior is very functional with lots of room for 4-5 people. The vehicle size is perfect for anyone who wants an SUV with power, but doesnt want those huge Suburban- type cars. Rides smoothly like a car. At 9,000 miles my car stalled at 40 mph, but I had it serviced and they have reprogrammed my onboard computer due to a communication issue with a celltower. I have had no further problems with the vehicle. Customer service at the dealership has been great.

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  Nice Compact SUV, drives great - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By MZCMDR - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Very nice ride and suspenion. 4WD is nice. Great visibilty. I like it but there are a few annoying issues that need Human Engineering refinements.

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  Yes, but........ - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By DianaDriver - April 17 - 10:00 am

  This was the car I was waiting for -- compact, roomy interior, reasonable gas mileage and up where I can see whats going on......yes, but....at 21000 miles Ive just paid about $400 for a rotator replacement on a front wheel brake....that cant be right. Apparently others are having this unanticipated expense also. How common is this and why isnt Mazda doing a recall if the rotators are, as my dealer told me, just not up to handling the brake pads?

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  Great SUV...especially for the money - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By JasonMN - April 17 - 10:00 am

  I have 45,000 miles on my Tribute and it has been great! I have basically beat the heck out of it with no problems.

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  Might have a lemon... - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By gml0603 - April 16 - 8:03 pm

  I bought the Grand Touring model with V-6 black with leather interior. Worked beautifully until a few months ago. The transmission went out in July of 2008. It started with jerking on acceleration, the tires would screech loudly. I had no idea what was happening. I didnt have the truck for two weeks as they re-built the transmission. Not even a year old at the time. I took it back in two weeks ago in August because the jerking was happening again and it still stalled out at stop lights. I cannot believe this. The dealer "fixed" a starter belt or something but that has done nothing because the jerking/stalling are worse now. So, I need to take this back for a third fix. I am not happy!

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  love drevin the tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By kevin2nicole - April 11 - 10:00 am

  the tribute is well little big but it cut be longer yes is bigger inside but not longer i had honda crv the tribute is overall width is 71.9 the honda the knew is 70.2 thats good but honda crv is longer thant the tribute,which it will be nice that the tribute had both.thank you.

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  Perfect Vehicle - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Tom of LI - April 11 - 10:00 am

  With a 30 mile (each way) commute on Long Island NY (Traffic Capital of the Northeast) This perfectly sized SUV handles great, power drivers seat has enough adjustmentss to please anyone, rides comfortably, and with the premium audio package is a pleasure to drive. With the AWD Ill be ready for winter. The only other car I considered was the Subaru Forester, but the Tributes 201 HP V6 and taller ride height made my decision easy.

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  7000 miles in One month - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By TD32 - April 11 - 10:00 am

  We took our Tirbute across the country this summer and were very pleased. The MPG suffered with roof cargo and hills, but the comfort and handling were great. We were even able to plug in a cooler in the back(nice feature).

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  Wonderful Car - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By markregel - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I love my DX, even with the 4-cyl and manual transmission. While its not going to win any races, it has plenty of power for everyday driving. At only 3000 lbs, its power to weight ratio is about the same as most other 4-cyl midsized cars, and I really appreciate the great 23/28 MPG. Im most impressed by the crisp and smooth shifter which has an execellent feel, thanks to a direct linkage. Steering response is also outstanding. Im perplexed by edmunds quote the interrior "looks cheep", which I find simple but attractive and well thought out.