Used 2011 Mazda Tribute
Pros & Cons
- Both inline-4 and V6 engines balance power with fuel economy
- good crash test scores.
- Feels old compared to rivals
- poor braking performance
- lacks high-tech features of crossover competitors
- rear seat doesn't slide or recline.
Other years
Edmunds' Expert Review
The 2011 Mazda Tribute is a rebadged Ford Escape, and more like a traditional SUV than a crossover. And without the Escape's high-tech features, this SUV can't measure up to the new breed of compact crossovers.
Vehicle overview
It must be tough for the 2011 Mazda Tribute at family get-togethers. Like the red-headed stepchild, this compact crossover sticks out as the oddball among its fellow Mazdas with their rakish profiles, beefy fender flares and wide-mouth grilles. That's because the Tribute has been adopted from a different family. Remove the badges from the Mazda Tribute and what you have is a Ford Escape, except without the Ford's many appealing high-tech features.
The Tribute and its Ford twin date back to the turn of the millennium, and you can tell, as this vehicle's blocky shape and upright driving position are indicative of the truck-based SUVs that used to rule back in Y2K. The Tribute has been thoroughly updated since then with refreshed styling, dramatically improved interior quality and more potent engines, but the underlying vehicle has remained the same. That means it lacks new, now-common features like a telescoping steering wheel or a reclining and sliding rear seat. And it drives with a truck-ish demeanor that seems very un-Mazda-like.
More important, it's also a little hard to fathom why someone would opt for a 2011 Mazda Tribute instead of a Ford Escape, since the Ford can be equipped with a state-of-the-art navigation system, excellent self-parking technology and the innovative Sync electronics interface, which includes cell phone and iPod connectivity along with voice controls.
However, note that the Escape is far from a top pick among compact crossovers. It might have the admittedly appealing option of Sync, but it's still an aging design that lacks many of the beneficial attributes of competitors like the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox, 2011 Honda CR-V, 2011 Kia Sportage, 2011 Subaru Forester and 2011 Toyota RAV-4. Either way you cut it, though, this 2011 Mazda is a Tribute to neither its adopted nor birth families.
Mazda Tribute models
The 2011 Mazda Tribute is a compact SUV available in i Sport, i Touring, i Grand Touring and s Grand Touring. (These "i" descriptors don't indicate a partnership with Apple; rather they represent the Tribute's four-cylinder engine, whereas the "s" indicates a V6.)
The i Sport comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, foglamps, keyless entry, full power accessories, cruise control (with automatic transmission), air-conditioning, tilt-only steering wheel and a four-speaker sound system with CD player and auxiliary audio jack. The i Touring adds a roof rack, privacy glass, a six-way power driver seat, a cargo cover and a seven-speaker sound system with six-disc CD changer and steering-wheel audio controls. The Grand Touring trims add heated mirrors, a sunroof, heated front seats, leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror and satellite radio. The s Grand Touring gets a V6 and a towing prep package.
There are no factory options available, but it's possible to purchase a portable navigation system and an auto-dimming mirror from the dealer.
2011 Highlights
The Mazda Tribute carries over unchanged for 2011.
Performance & mpg
The 2011 Mazda Tribute i models are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 171 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the i Sport, while the six-speed automatic is optional on the i Sport and standard on all others. Front-wheel drive is standard on all Tributes, while all but the i Sport can be equipped with all-wheel drive. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 22 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 20/26/23 with all-wheel drive.
The Mazda Tribute s Grand Touring gets a 3.0-liter V6 good for 240 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic is standard. In Edmunds performance testing of the identical Ford Escape, a 0-60-mph sprint was dispatched in 8.1 seconds, which is rather slow for a compact crossover with an upgraded engine. EPA-estimated fuel economy stands at 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 18/23/20 with all-wheel drive.
Safety
The 2011 Mazda Tribute comes with standard antilock brakes (front disc, rear drum), stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. In Edmunds brake testing of the Tribute's twin, the Ford Escape, we found that it came to a stop from 60 mph in an unacceptably long 154 feet, which is about 30 feet longer than it should be.
Thankfully, the Tribute and Escape's crash ratings are strong. The government gave them a perfect five stars in all front and side crash categories. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Tribute the top mark of "Good" in the frontal-offset and side crash tests, but the second-lowest rating of "Marginal" in the roof strength test.
Driving
In general, the 2011 Mazda Tribute is pleasant to drive. The electric-assist power steering system delivers good road feel and response, and around corners, this compact crossover SUV provides a good amount of driver confidence. However, if you're looking for the sort of dynamic driving experience indicative of Mazda's other vehicles, you won't find it with this aging, rebadged Ford. At least the Tribute's ride is reasonably smooth. Acceleration from both engines is adequate, though the V6 isn't as energetic as the more powerful upgrade engines found in its many competitors.
Interior
For the most part, the Tribute's cabin is virtually identical to that of the Ford Escape. This isn't really a bad thing, as the control layout and build quality are generally impressive. The straightforward climate and stereo controls are split, with readouts placed high atop the dash in legible blue and white characters. Unfortunately, the Tribute does not offer the Escape's excellent available navigation system or the innovative Sync electronics interface, which includes Bluetooth, iPod interface and voice controls.
The Tribute's front seats are well-bolstered and comfortable, though a tilt-only steering wheel might prevent some from finding an ideal driving position. The rear seat, although roomy enough for adults, has an uncomfortably flat bottom cushion in order to create a flat load floor when the seatback is laid down, and the seat itself is devoid of reclining and sliding adjustments. Folding down the seat is a bit of a chore, as the headrests must be removed and the bottom cushions tipped forward before the seatbacks can be lowered (it's that flat load floor thing again).
Cargo space stands at 31.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 67.2 cubes with the 60/40-split second row folded. This is a bit larger than Mazda's own CX-7 and smaller crossovers like the Hyundai Tucson, but the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 are bigger.
Scorecard
| Overall | undefined / 5 |
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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2011 Mazda Tribute.
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5/5 stars, Tough tribute
Rough woman,
s Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
I own a 2011 Mazda tribute . I've had her now for 4 years. This car can take a beating. It will shut down if I need fluid before I drive it to the point it breaks. I am a bad car owner. Not good with taking care of my vehicles. This car tales care of itself. Got into a head on collission. The other car was smashed in to the front window. My Mazda had a broken light. She is safe in the snow and drives through it like nothing. From everything I've put her through, I can't even believe she's still going but she does and she gets it done. I would buy another tribute in a second. This car is for the people who are rough on their vehicles and need one that is tough enough to take it. Thank you Mazda
Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $22,595
- MPG & Fuel
- 21 City / 28 Hwy / 23 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.5 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: front wheel drive
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 171 hp @ 6000 rpm
- Torque: 171 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 3 yr./ 36000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 174.9 in. / Height: 67.9 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: N/A
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 71.1 in.
- Curb Weight: 3337 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 31.4 cu.ft.
Safety
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FAQ
Is the Mazda Tribute a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2011 Tribute both on the road and at the track. You probably care about Mazda Tribute fuel economy, so it's important to know that the Tribute gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg to 25 mpg, depending on the configuration. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Tribute has 31.4 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Mazda Tribute. Learn more
Is the Mazda Tribute reliable?
To determine whether the Mazda Tribute is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Tribute. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Tribute's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2011 Mazda Tribute a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2011 Mazda Tribute is a good car. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2011 Tribute is a good car for you. Check back soon for the official Edmunds Rating from our expert testing team Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2011 Mazda Tribute?
The least-expensive 2011 Mazda Tribute is the 2011 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 5M). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $20,555.
Other versions include:
- s Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6A) which starts at $29,065
- s Grand Touring 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6A) which starts at $27,315
- i Sport 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $22,595
- i Touring 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $23,740
- i Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $24,350
- i Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $25,495
- i Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $27,455
- i Grand Touring 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $25,700
- i Sport 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 5M) which starts at $20,555
What are the different models of Mazda Tribute?
If you're interested in the Mazda Tribute, the next question is, which Tribute model is right for you? Tribute variants include s Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6A), s Grand Touring 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6A), i Sport 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A), and i Touring 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A). For a full list of Tribute models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more