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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  Tribute to the test - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By TexasBoy - March 25 - 10:00 am

  This Tribute seems more reliable than average. Short wheelbase but with a softer suspension. Feels like a truck or more specifically, like a much shorter Explorer. It does seem fairly top heavy to me and like it could roll more easily than many. The stock stereo is below average. I think its one of the best looking compact SUVs on the market. Gas mileage is weak, but it is a truck. The V6 seems adequate (200 hp or so) at times and much more than adequate at other times. When you dial up the real power, the engine is much louder and feels like its straining. Small gas tank.

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  Supreme - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Kimberly Estrada - March 24 - 2:00 am

  This is the best suv around Mazda is the most reliable car. I have owned a Ford Explorer and it was terrible. I will never buy anything again if its not Mazda. This Tribute has great space in front and back. It is fun to drive has great suspension, etc. I could go on all day. If you need more info. you just need to test drive one and that will explain it all. Besides all the great features the price is right! Ive had 8 people buy a Tribute because they loved mine so much, even my neighbors have them, co-workers, etc. Just do yourselves the biggest favor and own yours now!

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  New Engine - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Peppy - March 22 - 10:00 am

  So far in the year I have had my Tribute, I have had to have the ceiling liner replaced, an overhead light replaced, a shock replaced, Tires (at my own expense, firestone doesnt honor their tire warranties), and now it is in the shop for a NEW ENGINE. As soon as I get it back I am going to trade it in for a new car. Unfortunately I missed the lemon law by 2 months in my state. Bummer.

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  My report - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By tuckers mom - March 18 - 10:00 am

  We bought this SUV because my husband travels 100 miles daily to work. We needed a 4 wheel drive. I looked at many models, including those in a more costly catagory. This one fit it all: looks, reliability, price, mileage, comfort.

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  Get one with low miles and be a mechanic - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Will - March 12 - 7:13 pm

  First off, this was my first car I ever owned and I loved it with all my heart, but Ford cant build cars to save their lives. If you can look past the doom and gloom of Ford than I think you will find a decent car. I think I had issues which were more isolated but none the less annoying. First off my transmission was horrific since day 1 with extremely choppy gear changes. The massive amount of recalls are staggering. My first factory sparkplug died early at 55,000 miles, thanks Ford. My best Top Gear simile to describe this car is "The tribute is like your girlfriend who is incredibly hot and will do great things for you, but she threatens to kill you each time she leaves."

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  I LOVE MY TRIBUTE - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Vanessa - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I initially wanted to buy a Nissan Xterra for about the same price i got my tribute, i would have a lower model (no leather etc.) Test drove the Xterra and steering was wtiff. Test drove cars like Santa Fe and Tribute and i loved the Tribute the best. I am enjoying this truck: nice looks, nice feel, looks expensive. Great Everything!

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  Recommended - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Roman - February 26 - 10:50 am

  Pleasure to own. Versatile, high clearance, performs well in stop-n-go and light on its wheels on the highway. Reliable (Japanese design). Good looks. Comfortable with the power seat (big deal for me since my wife is 52" and has trouble with drivers seat ergonomics). Side airbags. Lots of room.

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  Stalling problem almost killed me... - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By DMD - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I was quite happy with my Tribute until this week. It stalled 2x. Once at 50mph on a 4 lane hwy in the PM rush hour. Lost all power/brakes & steering. A car-carrier truck (fully loaded w/cars) would have killed me but I was able to muscle the Tribute off the road. Stalled again next day in rush hour going around a curve at 25MPH. Had to muscle it off road into someones yard to avoid causing an accident. It is at the dealership now. Very scary - very dangerous - someone will be killed if this stalling problem is not fixed. I cannot believe there has been no recall. Is Mazda waiting for a lawsuit?

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  Tribute One Tough SUV - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Timothy Doherty - February 8 - 10:00 am

  We love the looks and power of it. We purchased it to tow our colemen camper with it, witch it does with no problem. Any one who needs a great looking suv with get uo and go with a price tag of under$20,000 should look at this baby. Tim Doherty

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  Great all around SUV! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By JLee - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I did a lot of shopping before deciding on the Tribute. The second choice was a Honda Pilot but comparably equipped it was over $6K more and drove more like a Minivan! The Tribute is an excellent all around SUV. I traded an Isuzu Trooper that we had owned for 10 years. While it lacks the space of a full size SUV like the Trooper, it more than makes up for it in handling, ride and overall driving enjoyment. The styling of the Tribute appears much more "upscale" than the comparable Escape. When BMW comes out with an SUV based on the 3 series, the Tribute will be the benchmark!