2001 Mazda Tribute Review
2001 Mazda Tribute Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+81
Used Tribute for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Stout V6 power, rugged good looks, roomy cabin, attractive pricing.
Cons
- Weak standard four-cylinder engine, no low-range transfer case.
What’s new
Mazda's first sport-utility vehicle since the departure of the Navajo half a decade ago, the Tribute combines car-like ride and handling with the ability to go in the snow and tote up to five passengers and a healthy amount of their luggage. With the most powerful V6 in its class, in addition to handsome looks and a spacious cabin, the Tribute should find huge success despite an increasingly crowded small-SUV marketplace.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 Mazda Tribute DX 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 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 $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$196/mo for Tribute DX
Tribute DX
vs
$189/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Vehicle overview
Despite the fact that Tribute shares its platform, drivetrains and basic design elements with the higher-volume Ford Escape, this new Mazda SUV has plenty going for it, enough that it should be able to "escape" the Ford's shadow.
Three trim levels are available with either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Base DX models have a weak 130-horsepower, four-cylinder engine teamed to a five-speed manual transmission, but the optional 200-horsepower V6 is worth the additional cost. Both motors meet LEV standards. No manual is available with the larger engine, which uses a four-speed automatic to transfer power to the wheels and can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. An option package for the DX includes alloy wheels, dark-tinted glass and a remote keyless entry system.
Mid-grade LX and high-end ES models come only with the V6. By selecting the LX, buyers get items included in the DX option package, plus upgraded cloth seats, cruise control, in-dash cassette player, cargo net, alarm system, fog lights, height-adjustable driver's seat, cargo cover and a reclining, split-folding rear seat. Stepping up to ES trim nets leather upholstery, power driver's seat, and an overhead storage console. Not surprisingly, the LX V6 model is expected to be the sales leader. Antilock brakes with electronic brake force distribution are optional on V6 Tributes.
A four-wheel independent suspension, unibody construction, all-season radial tires and speed-sensing rack-and-pinion steering all contribute to a car-like driving demeanor on pavement. Despite the availability of an on-demand 4WD system and 8.4 inches of ground clearance, Tribute is not intended for serious bushwhacking use, because it lacks a low-range transfer case.
Five people can fit, but Tribute is more comfortable with four aboard. Folding the seats down results in an impressive 65 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which qualifies the Tribute as a mini-SUV, according to our internal definition of such a vehicle. Tribute is likely to be cross-shopped against the Honda CR-V, Jeep Cherokee and Nissan Xterra, as well as the Ford Escape. With the rear seats in use, Tribute offers 17.1 cubic feet of luggage space, more than a BMW X5.
Interesting features of the Tribute include available side-impact airbags, a 190-watt sound system with a six-disc in-dash CD changer and a moon roof. Eight exterior colors are available, with DX models featuring gray lower body cladding, and they can be teamed with either a gray or beige interior.
Ford plans to sell four times as many Escapes as Mazda will Tributes, despite the fact that the Trib comes with a better warranty package and is arguably more attractive. Here's your chance to own something distinctive in a crowd of look-alike SUVs.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 Mazda Tribute.
5 star(52%)
4 star(31%)
3 star(11%)
2 star(6%)
1 star(0%)
113 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3 out of 5 stars
Plastic Wonder
R.M., 02/24/2016
2001 Mazda Tribute DX-V6 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
This has to be one of the worst designed vehicles for repairs. I've done plenty of wrenching and have come across so many engineering failures on this vehicles it's hard to give this vehicle a decent rating. When the vehicle works, it's not too bad of a ride. Gas mileage leaves quite a bit to be desired and I range under 24 for highway. However, once you need to start doing repairs … that is where the joy starts. First, almost everything is plastic. The intake manifold and valve cover are plastic which has become a joy years later as some of the brass nuts embedded in the plastic have begun to spin out and no longer hold. Plan on a lengthy swap too when you want to do some basic maintenance such as spark plugs, that's right pull the entire intake, plus the IAC and a couple of other sensors and hoses off just to do plugs. I also had the fun of needing to replace the alternator on this vehicle and Ford had the ingenious idea to bury it at the bottom of the engine right where it is most susceptible to water and mud (x10 if you have and use the 4WD like it was made to). Now the real fun comes in trying to get the dumb thing out. The official repair procedure is to remove the entire passenger intermediate axle shaft to get it out! Seriously, look it up if you think I'm making that up. There is a workaround however that you can barely slip it by the firewall by carefully moving the ac lines enough to lower it. Anyway, VERY stupid. Another big complaint on the interior is the use of plastic for the door handles.
Overall the vehicle is pretty nice to drive but if you do your own repairs I suggest finding something else and staying away from this plastic wonder.
5 out of 5 stars
Great SUV!
juguru, 07/23/2013
2001 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
I bought my 2001 Mazda Tribute ES V6 4x4 in October 2000.
This has been a great car.
I recently had a tune-up at 229,000 miles and the mechanic couldn't believe it was in such great shape for being almost 13 years old.
She looks and runs like the day I bought it! I'm sure the fact I live in Charleston, SC helped keep it looking so nice - no snow!
The only problem I had with it was the … pleather inserts on the door panels failed about 2 years ago, but I was able to fix them myself...
A very good and dependable vehicle and a lot of fun to drive.
My sister needed a new car so I just drove it to Upstate NY to give to her. Still running great on long trips.
I will miss driving it!!!
4 out of 5 stars
power window and door locks fail
1961barbie, 09/20/2014
2001 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2011 cd player malfunctioned trapping my fav cd forever. cant play it, cant get it back out.
2011 the bolt holding the rear window on rusted thru and if you open it you need to lift while closing it to line it up manually.
2012 bright/dim switch stopped working.
2012 shifter cable broke.
2013 transmission went out
2013 drivers door power window off track
2014 power door lock … malfunction resulting in drivers door and driver side back door will not open, and front passenger door only opens from the outside.
2014 drivers door window off the track again.
but... drives smooth, good mileage and good on tires.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Love my Tribute
bevhath, 05/01/2011
2001 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
I've had this 2001 for little over 2 yrs now, over 105K miles. ONLY problem I've had is running rough when you first start it and occassionally rough "surges" at stop lights/signs. Any idea what that can be? Fun to drive, radio not very good, was hoping for a little better gas milage - gets around 18 around town & 24-25 long haul driving (interstates, etc). Looking for another in … addition to this one now!
2001 Tribute Highlights
DX
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $17,210 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $196/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalMarginal
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalPoor
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
Related Used 2001 Mazda Tribute info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 2016
- Used Audi S8 2018
- Used Rolls-Royce Dawn 2016
- Used Toyota RAV4 EV 2014
- Used Jeep Wrangler 2021
Shop used vehicles in your area
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Chevy Express Van For Sale
- 2023 Ford Mustang
- 2025 INFINITI JX News
- 2023 F-150
- 2024 Sierra 2500HD
- 2023 GMC Yukon
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT
- 2024 Camaro
- Sorento Kia Hybrid
- Toyota Mirai 2024
Research other models of Mazda
- Mazda CX 30
- 2023 Mazda CX-5
- Mazda CX 5
- MX Miata RF
- CX90
- 2024 Mazda 3
- 2023 Mazda 3
- Mazda Miata
- Mazda CX9
- Mazda CX 50
Research similar vehicles
- 2024 Ford Bronco
- Jeep Wagoneer And Grand Wagoneer
- 2023 Armada
- 2024 Land Rover Defender
- Volvo E XC90
- BMW BMW X3
- Expedition SUV
- Mercedes Benz Coupe GLC
- Ford Bronco Sports
- SUV Honda Passport
Other models
- Used Land-Rover Defender in Grandview, MO
- Used BMW Ix in Sumter, SC
- Used Toyota Corolla-Cross in Orange, CA
- New Kia Rio for Sale in Bronxville, NY
- Used Mercedes-Benz R-Class in Gainesville, VA
- Used Volvo C40-Recharge in Johnson City, TN
- Used Hyundai Santa-Fe-Plug-In-Hybrid in Fairfax, SC
- Used Chevrolet Uplander in Miamisburg, OH
- Used Ford F-450-Super-Duty in Norwalk, CT
- New Lincoln Nautilus for Sale in Waukegan, IL