2001-2006 Mazda Tribute: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2001-2006 Mazda Tribute and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Cargo room
Cons
- Noise
- Control layout (2001-03)
Vehicle Highlights
Mazda's first sport-utility vehicle since the old Explorer-based Navajo was a slightly upscale version of the also-new Ford Escape. With an available V6 engine, it offered more power than a Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, or similar compact SUVs. Both the Tribute and the Escape were manufactured at a Ford plant, on a new purpose-designed Mazda platform but using Ford-sourced powertrains. The two makes used different styling and suspension settings. Like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, Tribute had carlike unibody construction and a fully independent suspension. The base DX four-cylinder edition came only with manual shift, using the same engine as Ford's Focus. Mazda borrowed the 3.0-liter V6 from the midsize Ford Taurus, making it optional for the DX and standard in the LX and ES. Only a four-speed automatic transmission was available with V6 power. Tributes came with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, which lacked low-range gearing but had a dashboard switch that locked in a 50/50 front-rear torque split. All-wheel drive automatically directed up to 50 percent of power to the rear wheels, if front-wheel slippage occurred. Standard wheels were 16-inch, and the rear liftgate had a separately-opening hatch window. LX and ES Tributes could have optional antilock braking and front side airbags, and came with 60/40 split-fold rear seatbacks. The ES also was fitted with leather upholstery.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mazda Tribute ES AWD Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 55 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2001-2006 Mazda Tribute. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2001-2006 Mazda Tribute.
Year to Year Changes
2002 Mazda Tribute:
Interior revisions keynoted 2002 changes for Mazda's compact SUV. In addition to redesigned front seats, the interior modifications included reshaped steering-column transmission and wiper levers, intended to improve access to dashboard controls. LX and ES models also gained steering-wheel audio controls.
2003 Mazda Tribute:
Antilock braking became standard on the top-of-the-line ES for 2003. Still optional for the LX, ABS was unavailable on the DX model. Otherwise, the only notable changes were minor interior cosmetic revisions.
2004 Mazda Tribute:
No new changes were made to the Tribute this year.
2005 Mazda Tribute:
Mazda's compact SUV gets more 4-cyl power and added safety features, including available curtain side airbags, for 2005. The engine grows to a 2.3-liter 153-hp 4-cyl. ABS, previously an option, is standard for '05. Newly optional for s models are head-protecting curtain side airbags that cover both seating rows.
2006 Mazda Tribute:
There were no significant changes for the Tribute in 2006.
Our road test for the 2001-2006 Mazda Tribute includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2001-2006 Mazda Tribute and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2001-2006 Mazda Tribute is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Tribute's performance and accommodations mirror those of similarly equipped Escapes. No four-door compact SUV has as much power as a V6 Tribute. Therefore, V6 models are among the quickest compact SUVs, taking just 8.9 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph. More important, you get ample power for stress-free passing and merging, though some drivers might like more muscle on long upgrades. Not only is acceleration satisfying, but the automatic transmission shifts smoothly. An extended-use AWD V6 Tribute averaged 19.5 mpg, including some long highway trips. Regular fuel is used by both engines. Tributes and Escapes have different suspension tuning, but both feel markedly taut, without wallow or float over dips and swells at highway speeds. Some sharp bumps can register abruptly, however. Steering and handling beat most rivals. Directional stability is impressive, even in gusty crosswinds. In fast cornering, balance and grip are quite good. As in most SUVs, the body leans and the nose plows in quick, sharp turns. Otherwise, the Tribute is balanced and confident in directional changes. The Tribute has firmer steering than an Escape, but both are exceptionally direct. Brakes have good stopping power, but some drivers might find nosedive excessive in hard stops. Noise levels are generally acceptable, but wind noise is prominent at speed and the tires whine on coarse pavement. Instruments and controls are legible and generally well-placed. Climate and audio controls are high, within easy reach. Early automatic-transmission shift levers interfered with the driver's reach to the radio. The Ford-designed climate system does not allow independent control of air recirculation or air conditioning. Tribute interiors feel slightly upscale, compared to the Escape's. Both are solid, with attractive materials. Seats are firm and supportive. Taller riders might want more front head room in sunroof-equipped models, but clearance is otherwise generous. The airy, comfortable cabin belies the compact SUV's exterior dimensions. Driver views are unimpeded to sides and rear. Not only is the Tribute more comfortable in back than any other compacts, it offers more rear knee and foot room than most midsize SUVs. The rear bench is tall and well-contoured, even at the inboard position. The floor is nearly flat, and the cabin is wide enough for three-adult comfort on short trips. Doorways are wide but step-in is higher than most compact SUVs. Cargo room is generous. Rear seatbacks fold flat, once the headrests are removed and the seat bottoms tilted forward. The standard separate-opening rear glass is an added convenience.
Value for the Money
Solid, substantial feeling, roomy, comfortable, and even fun to drive, the Tribute and its Escape cousin rank as compact SUV all-stars. They are also eminently sensible alternatives to any number of midsize SUVs, especially truck-based wagons, which are less efficient in their use of space and fuel. Stay away from troublesome 4-cylinder models.
Solid, substantial feeling, roomy, comfortable, and even fun to drive, the Tribute and its Escape cousin rank as compact SUV all-stars. They are also eminently sensible alternatives to any number of midsize SUVs, especially truck-based wagons, which are less efficient in their use of space and fuel. Stay away from troublesome 4-cylinder models.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Mazda Tribute ES AWD Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 55 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Mazda Tribute includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mazda Tribute .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Coolant leak:
The low coolant light may come on in vehicles with the 3.0-liter engine because the float sinks in the coolant recovery tank and a revised assembly is available. (2001)
Engine stalling:
During closed-throttle deceleration, the 3.0-liter engine may stall and may not illuminate the check-engine light. (2001-03)
Rough idle:
When driving over 75 mph, some 2.0-liter engines may lose power then, once at idle, may run rough due to a problem with the speed limiter algorithm in the computer which should be reprogrammed. (2001)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $410 |
| Alternator | $340 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,920 |
| Brakes | $370 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $455 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,950 |
| Exhaust System | $385 |
| Radiator | $455 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,132 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $450 |
Our price chart for this generation Mazda Tribute details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2006 | |||
| Tribute i | $10,400-11,800 | $9,400-10,600 | $5,500-6,300 |
| Tribute s | $12,200-13,500 | $11,000-12,200 | $6,800-7,600 |
| 2005 | |||
| Tribute i | $8,300-9,500 | $7,500-8,600 | $4,300-4,900 |
| Tribute s | $10,000-12,200 | $9,000-11,000 | $5,200-6,300 |
| 2004 | |||
| Tribute DX | $6,500-7,700 | $5,700-6,800 | $2,900-3,500 |
| Tribute LX, ES | $8,300-10,300 | $7,500-9,300 | $4,300-5,400 |
| 2003 | |||
| Tribute DX | $5,200-6,300 | $4,400-5,400 | $2,100-2,500 |
| Tribute LX, ES | $6,900-8,700 | $6,100-7,700 | $3,200-4,100 |
| 2002 | |||
| Tribute DX | $4,000-5,800 | $3,300-4,800 | $1,300-1,900 |
| Tribute LX, ES | $5,700-7,300 | $4,900-6,300 | $2,300-3,000 |
| 2001 | |||
| Tribute DX | $3,200-4,800 | $2,500-3,700 | $800-1,200 |
| Tribute LX, ES | $4,800-6,000 | $4,000-5,000 | $1,800-2,300 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Mazda Tribute include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.1 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 173.0 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.9 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 69.9 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3245 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 63.9 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.3 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.3 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.7 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.9 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.9 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
DX models used a four-cylinder dual-overhead-cam engine that produced 130 horsepower and came only with a five-speed manual gearbox. A 3.0-liter V6 went into the DX V6, LX and ES editions, developing 200 hp and offered only with a four-speed automatic transmission. Tributes could have front-drive or all-wheel drive. The 4-cylinder grows to a 2.3-liter 153-hp engine in 2005.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 2.0 / 121 | 130 | 5-speed manual: 22/25 4-speed automatic: -- |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
| dohc I4 | 2.3 / 138 | 153 | 152 | 5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc V6 | 3.0 / 182 | 200 | 200 | 4-speed automatic: 18/23 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
EPA figures shown are for 4WD models. Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mazda Tribute include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2001 Tribute |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2001-2006 Mazda Tribute directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2001 Tribute:
Incorrect steering wheel nut can lead to steering-wheel separating from steering column. Dealers will inspect and replace affected steering-wheel assemblies.
2001 Tribute:
O-ring seats in the fuel line might be damaged, causing an odor or fire. Dealers will inspect and replace affected fuel lines.
2001 Tribute:
Owner's manuals do not indicate which seats are equipped child-restraint anchorages. Owners will be provided with revised owner manuals.
2001 Tribute:
Seatbelt latch function could be affected by a faulty post, resulting in a release of the buckle under stress. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2001 Tribute:
Windshield-wiper linkage can disengage, resulting in possible loss of wiper function. Dealers will inspect and replaced affected wiper linkages.
2001 Tribute:
Certain liftgates serviced with 2004-equivalent components fail to comply with requirements; if liftgate is left unlocked, it could open during a crash.
2001 Tribute 2WD w/o antilock brakes:
Improper rear hubs may cause rear wheels to separate from vehicle. Dealers will inspect and replace if necessary.
2001 Tribute w/cruise control:
The speed-control cable can have a cracked or missing servo cap. Over time, corrosion could interfere with the function of the speed control. Dealers will inspect and replace affected caps.
2001-03 Tribute:
On 3.0L V6 Duratec engines the engine may stall during deceleration at speeds below 40 mph. Dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module.
2001-03 Tribute w/V6 engine:
Engine may stall during deceleration.
2001-04 Tribute w/ABS:
The ABS module connector may have missing or dislodged wire seals. This condition could allow contamination to enter the module connector, creating a potential for an electrical short. Dealers will inspect the wire harness connector to the ABS module for missing or dislodged wire seals.
2002-04 Tribute:
Accelerator cable may prevent throttle from returning to idle position.
2005 Tribute w/o side curtain airbags or moon roof:
The free motion head form registered a measurement above the permitted limit at the left hand A-pillar trim area, indicating person injury in a crash. Dealers will make modifications to the energy absorbing material located above the headliner in the affected area free of charge
2006 Tribute:
Windshield wiper motor may not be greased properly, resulting in a loss of wiper function. Dealers will inspect and grease motor, if necessary.
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