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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  Great SUV - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Michelle B. - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I sincerely enjoy my tribute! It is big enough to compete with the other SUVs on the road, but I dont feel like Im driving a tank either. It is easy to handle, and I love all of the safety features. A great car that is fun to drive, and I always get complimented on it!

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  Poor Gas Mileage -nothing to do about it - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By wynn003 - February 6 - 5:53 pm

  Ill just list the bad stuff (Im sure youve read enough good stuff so I need to balance it). I replaced a 1993 V6 Navajo that does 15 MPG. Now sticker says 22-26MPG on this tribute. I drive both so Im hoping maybe 24MPG, but would be ok with 22MPG since its more in the city. Guess what I get? 16-17MPG!!! Ive told this to the dealer and all I keep getting from them is that its right, that they (Mazda) are revamping the whole mileage rating because its not accurate. !??!? Why not just list the right one? I got a 13 yr old newer car to get 1 MPG more? I dont even drive aggressively anymore. On top of that, when I accelerate from a stop sign, I can feel a thud in the gear.

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  2005 Tribute S - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By VN - February 4 - 10:00 am

  At 900 miles, the emission light illuminated and stays on. The dealer had to replace the sensor. Alignment was also needed because the truck was pulling to the right. Dealer fixed that but they had to increase the Caster/Camper to +0.01 which made the truck steering stiffer/heavier than first bought it which took some fun away from driving the Tribute. Wind and road noise are pretty bad over 50Miles/hour. And it is loud and bouncy over bumps. The dealer gave me the Ford F150 while my truck was in the shop and surprisingly; the F150 was much quieter and smoother over bumps. It is also a lot quitter than the Tribute at high speed.

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  Solid Vehicle - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Trib Lover - February 3 - 1:43 pm

  I bought this vehicle new and have 112K miles on it. Overall, this vehicle has been solid, reliable and fun to drive. Other then routine maintenance, I have put very little money into repairs. Its great on long trips and in the city. Very versatile, comfortable and peppy! The only beef I have is the mileage. I average about 21 mpg combined. It seems like Im always at the gas station! I had no intention of keeping this vehicle for so long, but I have no good reason to get rid of it!

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  Ruby - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By das0421 - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I love this car and plan to buy another one as my next car. Great buy for the features and my particular dealer offers exceptional service.

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  Mazda Tribute 2008 - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Chicago - January 30 - 9:10 am

  I have had my new car for about 2 weeks now. I bought the black on black but had the dealer cover the white seats and dash with black leather. I love the drive and the comfort. It is a great suv without having to pay big bucks. A lot of room inside and very sharp dashboard design. I have the 6 cyl. There is a lot of pick up. Also very easy to handle on the road. I am very happy with my purchase and would recommend this midsize suv. Not sure on the gas mileage yet although we are taking a road trip in a couple of weeks.

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  No more Zoom Zoom - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By No more Fords - January 16 - 6:56 am

  Transmission failed at 27,000 miles, one year after warranty expired. After $3,000 to replace transmission and insure check engine light no longer came on, I traded the vehicle. Mazda declined to make any payment toward replacement of transmission although dealer said it was a manufacturing defect. I have owned three previous Mazdas but Zoom Zoom is gone gone.

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  I love my Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By walker328 - January 10 - 10:11 pm

  I purchased this in September 2014, with about 96k miles on it. It has a few scrapes and a cracked rear bumper so I got it at a decent price. Evidently the one previous owner took excellent care of it (all scheduled maintenance performed), and it has run fine until this very rainy morning. Flashing engine light, weak acceleration, burning smell and chuggy movement led me straight to the repair shop. 3 out of 6 ignition coils and the spark plugs were just about spent causing it to misfire. Not a cheap repair due the intake manifold needing to be removed which is a pretty big deal. Plugs were due to be replaced anyway. All else looks good and now its good to go for many more miles.

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  New Tribute - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Wayne - January 9 - 4:50 am

  I had the first model Tribute in 2001 and the 2005 has a few well needed improvements. Its quieter plus they finally got rid of that goofy "in the way" gear shifter. This vehicle needs a large gas tank to improve cruising range. I believe this is a good buy for the price.

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  1stSUVOwner - 2009 Mazda Tribute
  By Tribute2009 - January 8 - 9:46 am

  When I was considering purchasing a new SUV, I considered the Escape, CRV, Santa Fe and the RAV4. After test driving these vehicles, I was not overly impressed. Although, I did enjoy the looks of the Escape. I looked into the XLS model, which was a base model with auto. The price was around 21k. Then, a friend suggested to consider a Mazda. We went to the Mazda dealership and test drove the Tribute. The interior as well as the exterior was almost identical to the Escape, but for much less. I was impressed the the I-Sport Auto Model, which is the base model w/auto, that I purchased it for 16,888 + tax.