2008 Mazda Tribute
Based on analysis of 8 Tribute reviews and test drives.
Mazda Tribute Ranks #26 in Affordable Compact SUVs
Overall Score - 6.5 (Mediocre)
Based on U.S. News editors' analysis of 8 leading automotive reviews and test drives, the 2008 Mazda Tribute ranks #26 of 27 in Affordable Compact SUVs.
The Tribute delivers excellent safety features at an affordable price, but can't match the handling and power of rivals -- which contributes to an overall ranking near the bottom of its class.
For 2008, the Tribute gets a redesign with tweaks to its exterior and interior styling. The majority of auto reviewers praise the value, fuel economy and standard safety features of the Mazda Tribute, but are split when it comes to power, performance and ride quality. Car and Driver explains: "On a scale of 1 to 10, we'd give the Tribute a six. By some measures, 6 out of 10 is spectacular; in baseball, for example, that would translate into a batting average of .600, enough to scare pretty much any pitcher. By other standards, 6 out of 10 would earn you an F on say, a history quiz. The Tribute's rating, alas, is neither spectacular nor failing. It's just, well, not great."
One argument in the Tribute's favor is its strong fuel economy. The Tribute's 22/28 mpg rating places it near the top of its class, in a year when gas prices have reached new record highs.
The Tribute comes in several trims -- Sport, Touring and Grand Touring -- in either the base "i" or sportier "s" versions, which come with four- and six-cylinder engines, respectively.
Tribute Performance - 5.5 (Mediocre)
Reviewers are split concerning the performance and powertrain of the 2008 Mazda Tribute, though they agree the vehicle earns decent fuel economy numbers. Consequently, the Tribute ranks at the bottom of its class for performance. Car and Driver says, "Unfortunately, the Tribute has not braced itself where it counts, under the hood, remaining more or less identical to the original model, which leaves it no longer anywhere near the top -- or even the middle -- of its class in terms of going, stopping, or turning." Continue with our full Performance Review to learn about mixed reviews on the Xterra's new electric power steering system. continue
Tribute Exterior - NA
Reviewers note the lack of any major changes to the exterior styling of the 2008 Mazda Tribute. "Handsome enough, sure, but the styling appears to have been changed for change's sake," concludes Car and Driver. Continue with our full Exterior Review to learn why reviewers especially like the separate-opening rear tailgate, or check out our Photo Gallery to see it for yourself. continue
Tribute Interior - 7.4 (Good)
The 2008 Mazda Tribute's decent reviews for its design and adequate cargo space earn it an interior score in the top half of its class. Car and Driver applauds this year's interior improvements, noting, "The Tribute interior overcomes its ergonomic shortcomings with value, utility, sexy lighting, and an unexpectedly handy little pen holder." Continue with our Interior Review to learn why the same reviewer is disappointed with the Tribute's folding rear seatbacks, or check out our interior photos. continue
Tribute Safety - 8.8 (Very Good)
The 2008 Mazda Tribute does well in federal government crash tests, leading to a very good safety score. Continue with our full Safety Review to learn about the Tribute's many accident avoidance systems, including Dynamic Stability Control and Roll Stability Control. continue
Tribute Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Mazda Tribute reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Tribute comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Continue with our full Reliability Review. continue
