2008 Mazda Tribute Review
2008 Mazda Tribute Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Comfortable interior, impressive list of standard safety features.
Cons
- Mediocre braking, disappointing fuel-efficiency, folding down second seat a multistep process.
What’s new
The 2008 Mazda Tribute has been heavily revised with significant changes made to the exterior styling and a more stylish, functional and better constructed interior. Like the closely related Ford Escape, the Tribute's engines and chassis carry over virtually untouched. A hybrid-powered Tribute is also expected for this year.
Edmunds says
Extensive exterior and interior revisions have freshened the 2008 Mazda Tribute, but its aging chassis and stale driving dynamics can't match newer compact SUVs.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2008 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$170/mo for Tribute i Sport
Tribute i Sport
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Vehicle overview
The Mazda Tribute used to be advertised as the SUV with the zoom-zoom soul of a sports car, specifically a Miata. In reality, the Tribute had the soul of a Ford Escape, sharing much of that compact SUV's DNA. That was hardly a bad thing, as it shared a comfortable carlike driving experience, and a useful cargo- and people-hauling interior.
The heavily revised 2008 Mazda Tribute continues that tradition, as it's even closer in appearance inside and out to the Ford Escape. New styling and a greatly improved interior make the Tribute more competitive in the rapidly expanding compact-to-midsize crossover SUV field, but its carried-over powertrain and chassis further diminish any zoom-zoom claims.
With its boxy, traditional SUV body, the Tribute looks like the shipping container the Mazda CX-7 came in. Although its styling is hardly consistent with the rest of Mazda's sporty lineup, the Tribute's redesigned duds are nevertheless a stylish, alternative take on the new Escape. Inside, the story's pretty much the same, though the crummy hard plastics of the past Tribute have at least been replaced by higher-quality and more stylish materials. Available rich two-tone color schemes and "ice blue" lighting create a warm, yet modern look.
The dress may have changed, but it's pretty much the same girl underneath, as the platform that debuted in 2001 hasn't been updated beyond an improved electric power steering system. Nor has there been any significant change in terms of features, as premium items like a navigation system or Bluetooth connectivity still aren't offered.
In total, these remnants of the previous quasi-generation put the Tribute behind newer utes like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and even Mazda's own CX-7 in terms of driving dynamics, performance and desirability. It's still a decent vehicle, and its price -- thousands less in some cases -- could make it appealing to those on a tight budget. But with so much to choose from this year, we think most shoppers should consider other options before deciding on the Tribute.
Performance & mpg
The Tribute is available with a choice of two engines: a 2.3-liter 153-hp inline-4 and a 3.0-liter 200-hp V6. Both come with a four-speed automatic transmission, although a five-speed manual is standard on the Tribute i Sport 2WD. All-wheel drive is available on all models, but for those who don't experience seriously inclement weather, the front-wheel-drive Tribute is a perfectly adequate and more fuel-efficient choice. Towing capacity for the V6 is a respectable 3,500 pounds.
Safety
The Tribute comes with an impressive portfolio of standard safety equipment including front side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, antilock brakes, stability and traction control, and a tire-pressure monitor. In NHTSA crash tests, the 2008 Mazda Tribute earned an unusually low score, just three out of five stars, for driver protection in head-on collisions. Front passenger protection is rated at five stars, however, as is front and rear occupant protection in side impacts.
Driving
A new electric power steering system delivers surprisingly good road feel and response. Handling is respectable, with the SUV remaining flat through corners and composed in quick transitions. Ride quality is relatively smooth, making this SUV a suitable choice for commuting or hauling around the family. Nevertheless, many competitors are more refined and fun to drive than the 2008 Mazda Tribute. Braking is also disappointing with rear drum brakes standard on all trim levels.
Although reasonably powerful, the V6 engine provides mediocre gas mileage. The 153-hp four-cylinder is a good option for buyers on tighter budgets -- expect slower acceleration and better mileage than you'd get with the V6. For 2008, a new Tribute HEV (Hybrid-Electric Vehicle) will be available with a 155-hp gasoline-electric engine.
Interior
Like the Tribute's exterior, the interior features little Mazda family resemblance apart from the badge on its steering wheel. Besides that and unique two-tone color combinations, the Tribute is virtually identical to the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner. Unless you're a devout Mazda fan, this isn't really a bad thing, as the control layout and build quality are generally impressive. The HVAC and stereo controls are split like in other Mazdas, with read-outs placed high atop the dash in legible blue letters and numbers. The controls themselves are a huge improvement over the unattractive cookie-cutter units found in most other Ford family products.
The front seats are well bolstered and comfortable, but the rear seat, although roomy enough for adults, is flat and devoid of recline or fore/aft adjustments. Folding that seat down is a bit of a chore, too, as the headrests must be removed and the bottom cushions tipped forward before the seatbacks can be flipped down. Cargo space stands at 29 cubic feet behind the second row and 66 cubes with the second row folded down.
2008 Mazda Tribute models
The 2008 Mazda Tribute is a small SUV. It's broken into i and s models, which are equipped with four- and six-cylinder engines, respectively. Both are offered in the same three trim levels -- Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. The base-level Sport comes equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, a CD player and an audio auxiliary jack. The Touring adds a roof rack, tinted rear windows, a power driver seat and a few other convenience features. The Grand Touring includes heated exterior mirrors, automatic headlamps, a sunroof, leather-trimmed seats with front seat heaters, a retractable cargo cover and an upgraded sound system with a six-CD changer. The latter two items are optional on the Touring. A towing package, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system (dealer-installed) are among items that are optional on all three trim levels.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average
#17 out of 29 among Compact SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Mazda Tribute from 2008-2022.$365/yr
vs. $465/yr
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.56x/yr
vs. 1x/yr
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).9.8%
vs. 11.5%
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2008 Mazda Tribute.
5 star(41%)
4 star(37%)
3 star(10%)
2 star(12%)
1 star(0%)
59 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
1.75 out of 5 stars
From new to now problems continue
gz408, 03/03/2012
2008 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
-4K miles Transmission cooler leaking (replaced under warranty)
-8K miles Hard shifting (serviced under warranty)
-22K miles transmission stuck in 2nd gear (covered under warranty)
-24K miles replaced front brakes and rotors (pulsating and noisy)
-Window regulator failure
-26K L+R Tie rod end replacement (warranty)
-35K engine knocking/tapping (warranty)
-35K Serpentine belt tensioner … failure (warranty)
-46K Transmission shifting hard (not fixed yet)
This vehicle is horribly built. Interior is noisy from all the cheap plastics. Suspension and ride quality is really bad too. I would not recommend purchasing this, you're better off with a Kia!!
4.25 out of 5 stars
Rust Problems Here Too
ChicagoDriver, 10/17/2010
2008 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
So I hate to say anything bad about my 2008 Tribute, which we just traded in last week, and I loved owning. It was a simple car without any fuss, and perfect for me! The only bad thing about it is the rust. I noticed a few other reviews mentioning this, and i found it a little too coincidental that we all have found the same rust problems. Mazda must have gotten cheap on their … materials, or they stared buying steel from China. I bent down to check on my tires one day and I couldn't believe how badly rusted out the wheel well was. I traded the car in a week later.
3.75 out of 5 stars
Window Regulator Should be Recalled
swflmazda, 11/18/2011
2008 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
Ok.. So not a bad car as my first mazda purchase.
I am totally surprised there hasn't been a recall on these, that all but one of my power window regulators have snapped.
Really poor poor poor design and cheap materials. Dealership wants me to pay for labor, will cost be around $800. No-way since this is faulty equipment. not standard wear and tear.. Also gas pedal gets stuck.
Incredibly … dangerous. Not sure what's worse; windows that do not work or a gas pedal that gets stuck.
Other than that.. seems to be a decent car.
2 out of 5 stars
Wish I'd never bought it!
Kathy, 09/10/2015
2008 Mazda Tribute i Touring 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
Rusting! Thought that was a thing of the past! 90,000 miles the accelerator pedal went limp & SUV stopped moving. Had to have it towed. Now the transmission went out at 128,000. 2 yrs. before that cruise control went out. Friends' vehicles that aren't Mazdas have 200,000+ miles w/ no issues.
2008 Tribute Highlights
i Sport
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $19,135 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $170/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 29.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Tribute include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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