Mazda history · 2001–2011
Mazda Tribute history: the compact SUV co-developed with Ford, 2001–2011
By CarWhere Research · Updated
The Mazda Tribute was a compact SUV jointly developed with Ford and revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2000. EPA lists it for the 2001–2006 and 2008–2011 model years, plus a Tribute Hybrid for 2006 and 2008–2011. Mazda redesigned it for 2008 and for 2009 fitted a 171-hp 2.5-liter four and a 240-hp 3.0-liter V6.
Mazda Tribute history history
Mazda released the all-new Tribute at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2000. It was jointly developed with Ford, and Mazda describes it as the first light sport-utility vehicle powered by a three-liter V6. EPA's first listings, for 2001, show a 2.0-liter four with a five-speed manual and a 3.0-liter V6 with a four-speed automatic, in front- and four-wheel-drive versions.
EPA lists a 2.3-liter four in place of the 2.0-liter from 2005, a Tribute Hybrid for 2006 and no Tribute for the 2007 model year. Mazda completely redesigned the Tribute inside and out for 2008, with Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trims, a 153-hp 2.3-liter four, a 200-hp V6 and a hybrid version.
For 2009 the Tribute i got a 171-hp 2.5-liter four and the Tribute s a 240-hp 3.0-liter V6, with a new six-speed automatic. For 2010 both engines became flex-fuel compatible, and the 2011 Tribute carried over. EPA lists 2011 as the last Tribute model year.[1],[2],[3],[4],[5],[6],[11]
Years and production numbers
| Generation | US model years | Engines | Transmissions | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2001–2006 | 2.0L four (2001–2004); 2.3L four (2005–2006); 3.0L V6 | 5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic | Jointly developed with Ford; front- or four-wheel drive |
| 2nd | 2008–2011 | 2008: 2.3L four, 153 hp; 3.0L V6, 200 hp. 2009–2011: 2.5L four, 171 hp; 3.0L V6, 240 hp | 5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic (2008); 6-speed automatic (2009–2011) | Redesigned inside and out; flex-fuel engines from 2010 |
Generations and key variants
| Variant | US model years | What it was |
|---|---|---|
| Tribute i | 2008–2011 | Four-cylinder models |
| Tribute s | 2008–2011 | V6 models |
| Tribute Hybrid | 2006 (4WD); 2008–2011 (2WD and 4WD) | Gasoline-electric hybrid with a variable-ratio automatic; 2.3L four through 2008, 2.5L from 2009 |
Engine and drivetrain facts
- The first Tribute offered a 2.0-liter four or a 3.0-liter V6; EPA lists a 2.3-liter four from 2005.
- The 2008 Tribute i's 2.3-liter four made 153 hp and 152 lb-ft; the Tribute s V6 made 200 hp.
- From 2009 the 2.5-liter four made 171 hp and 171 lb-ft and the 3.0-liter V6 made 240 hp and 223 lb-ft; Mazda quoted up to 23/28 mpg for the 2011 four and 19/25 mpg for the V6.
- EPA rated the 2008 Tribute Hybrid 2WD at 34/30/32 mpg (city/highway/combined) under its current method.
What changed over the years
- January 2000Tribute revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
- 2001First model year in EPA listings.
- 20052.3-liter four replaces the 2.0-liter.
- 2006Tribute Hybrid first listed.
- 2007No Tribute model year in EPA listings.
- 2008Redesigned Tribute; side air bags, curtains and traction control standard, with stability control on non-hybrid models.
- 20092.5-liter four, 240-hp V6 and six-speed automatic.
- 2010Both engines flex-fuel compatible.
- 2011Carry-over model; last Tribute model year.
What to check before you buy one
- Check the VIN for open recalls at NHTSA. Recall 12V-357 covers 2001–2006 and 2008 V6 Tributes with speed control, where the cable connector could hold the throttle open; the fix is free.
- On a 2001–2004 Tribute from a salt-belt state, ask whether recall 14V-174, which adds a cross-brace for lower control arm corrosion, has been done.
- On a 2008–2011 Tribute, confirm recall 14V-282 for the electric power steering software has been completed.
- On a Tribute Hybrid, confirm the drivetrain and engine from the VIN, since EPA lists 2.3-liter and 2.5-liter hybrids in different years.
How to verify a Mazda Tribute history's factory options
A Mazda's model, engine and drivetrain are fixed at the factory. CarWhere decodes the 17-character VIN and, where licensed factory build data exists, lists the equipment the car was built with. It does not promise a complete option list for every VIN.
Mazda build sheet by VIN
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Frequently asked questions
What years was the Mazda Tribute made?
EPA lists the Tribute for the 2001–2006 and 2008–2011 model years. It was revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2000.
Was there a 2007 Mazda Tribute?
EPA lists no Tribute for the 2007 model year. The redesigned 2008 Tribute followed.
Is the Mazda Tribute a Ford?
Mazda describes the Tribute as jointly developed with Ford. Secondary sources list the Ford Escape as its counterpart; Mazda sold the Tribute as its own model.
Did Mazda make a Tribute Hybrid?
Yes. EPA lists a Tribute Hybrid 4WD for 2006 and front- and four-wheel-drive Tribute Hybrids for 2008–2011. EPA rates the 2008 Tribute Hybrid 2WD at 32 mpg combined.
What engines did the Mazda Tribute have?
A 2.0-liter four (2.3-liter from 2005) or a 3.0-liter V6 in the first generation. The second generation started with a 153-hp 2.3-liter four and 200-hp V6, then moved to a 171-hp 2.5-liter four and 240-hp V6 for 2009.
Related histories
More research
Sources
Production figures, dates and ratings come from Mazda press, product and heritage materials, official race results and reputable automotive press wherever available. References marked secondary are encyclopedic or enthusiast sources used only where a primary figure was not available. Market medians are CarWhere's own analysis of live US dealer listings from licensed vehicle-data providers.
- History 2000–2004 — Mazda Motor Corporation (mazda.com)
- Mazda Tribute listings, 2001–2011 (Find a Car) — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
- 2008 Mazda Tribute: Designed to Satisfy (press release) — Mazda North American Operations (Mazda USA News)
- 2009 Mazda Tribute: Refreshed With New, More Powerful Engine Choices (press release) — Mazda North American Operations (Mazda USA News)
- 2010 Mazda Tribute: Rugged Good Looks Meets SUV Functionality (press release) — Mazda North American Operations (Mazda USA News)
- 2011 Mazda Tribute overview (press release) — Mazda North American Operations (Mazda USA News)
- 2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid 2WD fuel economy (vehicle 24094) — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
- Recall 12V-357: speed control cable connector interference (2001–2006 and 2008 Tribute V6) — NHTSA
- Recall 14V-174: lower control arm corrosion, regional (2001–2004 Tribute) — NHTSA
- Recall 14V-282: loss of electric power steering assist (2008–2011 Tribute) — NHTSA
- Mazda Tribute — Wikipedia (secondary reference)
- 49 CFR Part 565 — Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) requirements — eCFR (U.S. Government)
Independent reference compiled by CarWhere Research — not affiliated with or endorsed by Mazda North American Operations or Mazda Motor Corporation. Mazda and the model names are trademarks of their owners.