MSRP: $19,730 - $32,445
Invoice: $18,484 - $30,335
MPG: 22 City / 28 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:7.8
Performance:6.9
Exterior:NA
Interior:8.3
Safety:9.9
Reliability:6.0
Research we analyzed for this review
Pros and Cons
  • Excellent value among competitors
  • More powerful engines for 2009
  • Above average fuel economy
  • An IIHS "Top Safety Pick"
  • Mixed reviews concerning handling
  • No significant improvements made to exterior and interior

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Mazda Tribute - What the Auto Press Says

Redesigned just last year, the Tribute continues to be an excellent value. Still, test drivers consistently complain that it can't match the handling and power of rivals -- an issue that may be remedied with power enhancements for 2009.

For this year, the Tribute gets a larger four-cylinder engine and revised V6, along with a new six-speed automatic transmission. Of the Tribute and its platform-mates (the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner), Car and Driver says: "All three are square-jawed and trucklike compared to their relatively effete competition. Although the design is old and the triplets can't quite match the refinement of some of their peers, they're still competitive." One big plus for the Tribute is its strong fuel economy, which has improved for 2009. The most efficient model's 22/28 mpg rating places it near the top of its class in a year when gas prices have reached record highs.

The Tribute comes in several trims -- Sport, Touring and Grand Touring -- in either the base "i" or sportier "s" versions. A hybrid version, offered in California only, runs on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with an electric motor.

  • "The Mazda Tribute is the vehicle for you if you want a little zoom in your compact utility. It is fun to drive and provides all the convenient qualities of a compact SUV." -- CarsDirect
  • "We have not yet tested the 2009 Mazda Tribute, but its performance and accommodations should mirror those of similarly equipped Ford Escapes and Mercury Mariners." -- Consumer Guide
  • "For 2009, Mazda makes a slew of mechanical changes that could improve performance and efficiency." -- Cars.com
  • "Drivers who prefer car-like ride and handling qualities but want a vehicle with bolder, truck-like visual traits could well find the Tribute more appealing than competitors like the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue or Saturn Vue." -- Kelley Blue Book
  • "Last year's extensive interior and exterior revisions combine with this year's stronger engines to create a thoroughly improved 2009 Mazda Tribute. Nevertheless, this Ford clone struggles against newer, more modern competitors." -- Edmunds

Tribute Performance - 6.9 (Mediocre)

The 2009 Mazda Tribute's excellent fuel economy is its trump card when it comes to performance. Aside from that, test drivers have lukewarm feelings -- even with the addition of more power for this year. Of the Tribute's driving experience, Car and Driver says: "Doesn't offend but doesn't impress either. New four-cylinder is a huge upgrade; six-speed a welcome addition." Read More

Tribute Exterior - NA

Reviewers register disappointment that the Tribute's exterior wasn't majorly updated as part of last year's redesign -- and unfortunately, that won't be remedied this year. "The outside of the Tribute didn't get as dramatic a face-lift as the Escape did for 2008," says Cars.com. "The grille lost its crossbar and the Mazda logo was moved up. The 2009 Tribute gets a capless refueling system that's supposed to make refueling easier." Reviewers especially like the separate-opening rear tailgate. Read More

Tribute Interior - 8.3 (Very Good)

Thanks to its 2008 redesign, the Tribute receives decent reviews for its cabin and cargo space. Car and Driver says, "The Tribute interior overcomes its ergonomic shortcomings with value, utility, sexy lighting, and an unexpectedly handy little pen holder." But the same reviewer is disappointed with the Tribute's folding rear seatbacks. Read More

Tribute Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)

The 2009 Mazda Tribute does well in federal government crash tests and is one of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's "Top Safety Picks." Read More

Tribute Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)

The 2009 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. Read More

Review Last Updated: 8/4/09