Used 2009 Mazda Tribute Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 Tribute, so we've included reviews for other years of the Tribute since its last redesign.
Not a bad little SUV
Ryan, 08/09/2010
2008 Mazda Tribute i Touring 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We have had our Tribute for a little over 2 years and it has 50,000 miles on it. It had not given us one bit of trouble. The major thing that has disappointed me is the lack of power, but that is what you get with a 4 cyl. It gets fairly good gas mileage. We went on a trip a couple weeks back at it averaged 27 MPG. Its roomy enough in the cabin and I'm 6'4" and feel comfortable in it. Do wish there was a little more backseat space. A/C blows cold and the radio is easy to use and stylish. If it runs anything like the old Mazda B2300 I had we will keep it for a long time. I would recommend one.
Rust problems
Mazda lover, 09/10/2010
2008 Mazda Tribute i Touring 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My 2008 Mazda Tribute have been working fine until recently that I found that the rear door seems and rear fender are rusting. The exterior face of the fender is peeling off and the inside is rusted. My vehicle has less than 60k miles. I usually wash my car during winter almost weekly to avoid this type of problems. The vehicle also has been in a garage all nights so I don't get why only a 2.5 yrs old car is rusting. I talked to the dealer where I bough it and they told that has a rust 5 yr warranty but covers everything that can make or made a hole in the body. They need to take pics and send it over to the regional warranty guy for approval. I'm trading in for a real Japanese car.
2009 Mazda Tribute for sale near you
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Small SUV Zoom Zoom
Native Austinite, 08/27/2007
2008 Mazda Tribute s Grand Touring 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Research led me to the CX-7, but turned away from the premium gas requirement. Looked at/drove the Tribute and although "boxey," unlike the sleek CX-7, I insisted on a vehicle that operated on regular gas. I've had mine since the end of April and have had a couple of road trips. The ride is smooth and quiet, it's roomy, handles well, seats 5. V6 has the power to get you through traffic, not real impressed with the brakes, a bit mushy. The leather interior really dresses it out. A very good value in comparison to other small Japanese SUVs. Fun to drive.
08 Tribute i Touring
David, 05/27/2007
2008 Mazda Tribute i Touring 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The wife and I have been doing research on small SUVs and we purchased a great one! The Tribute has a ton of standard features and Mazda did a great job with instilling the "sport" into driving, even in this SUV. We weren't expecting it to go fast since we opted for the 4 cyl but so far we are impressed. It doesn't have a problem passing, merging, etc. Also the interior quality is 10+. It feels like the knobs to turn the vents are wrapped in leather. And the glossy black dash isn't cheap, it's sturdy polished ABS. Love the car! If you are comparing it to other manufacturers this one has a ton of standard features for less cost than the others.
i Sport 4DR 4-cylinder
GeorgeSATX, 07/17/2007
2008 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought the Mazda Tribute i because of our recent addition to the family. We had a Ford Ranger Edge. THis SUV is great! We where going to get the CX-7, I'm glad we got into this vehicle. It's roomy, the styling is great. The aux input jack comes in handy. It's even Satellite radio equipped. I put in a TomTom GPS navigation device, It's the vehicle we needed, great features. Side impact air bags for protection. All in all Mazda, went over our expectations. Definitely recommend this SUV.
Love This SUV!!
c.sims, 09/22/2007
2008 Mazda Tribute i Touring 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just purchased this SUV after looking at, reading about and test driving almost every small SUV out here.This is one of the sharpest ones, inside and out, on the market. It has every standard feature you would need and the dash is black and shiny and looks really expensive. The interior design altogether is just beautiful. Great job Mazda!!
Great 2nd Car
Leon DeHart, 10/15/2007
2008 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was coming from a long period of driving full-size pick-ups and looking to downsize! This was a good choice to go smaller with good fuel results, and yet not feel much had changed in the process. I still sit up higher. Interior can carry cargo too.
Great Compact SUV
Shad5000, 11/13/2007
2008 Mazda Tribute s Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The AWD V-6 Grand s touring model is top notch in its class. I upgraded from the 2003 Tribute this year and I am very pleased. The car/truck gets lots of compliments and its new styling is a hit. The drive is smooth and the cockpit is sporty and overall is a great drive. Small glare during the day from the dash color on the glass but I'm sure I will get used to it.
Wish I got the V6
Qmiller, 03/15/2008
2008 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have my 08 tribute for a month now and I wish I would have gotten the V6. I had a V6 escape that I should have kept. So far the 4 has been ok. Some days it feels fast and other kinda slow. I was trying to save gas but for now there's not much difference.
2008 Mazda Tribute
Kiwi, 03/17/2008
2008 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The CD player has broken and the window seems that it does not fit into the window frame. In addition, I don't understand why Mazda does not provide manual for audio system. It is not easy to grasp gear handle as console box obstructs my right elbow.
I'm enjoying my SUV
I'm enjoying it!, 03/18/2008
2008 Mazda Tribute i Touring 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have gone from $70 plus for a fill up to $40.00, from 12 mpg to 24. In the three weeks I have had it, we have been thru 4 inches of snow and two days of near 80 degree weather and it has kept me warm, cool and got me from point A to point B even while driving 15 miles per hour on the freeway. Whats not to like.
Redesign needed
Like it, 03/26/2008
2008 Mazda Tribute s Grand Touring 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the GT Mazda Tribute because of the standard features/price.But for a "grand" version, it is lacking. No lighted vanity mirrors. One coat hook in the entire car.Body side molding would help protect doors from dings. Interior looks like it was put together with spare parts, all different colors. Glare on driver side mirror reflecting AC vent inside car. Several mirror adjustments can't get rid of it. Would help if side mirror unit could be moved outward like on Chevy Blazers. To keep the cost of the vehicle down, I guess some features were not cost effective.
Somewhat Disappointed
STX, 03/30/2008
2008 Mazda Tribute s Grand Touring 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the first time I buy a Mazda Tribute. Was pretty impressed with the design and the interior. Has plenty of room for driver and passengers. Has some good features that are very accessible from the drivers seat. Very good on mileage and economy.
Satisfied
Tim Beaver, 08/05/2009
2009 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had the Tribute for about a week now. So far I've noticed a few things that weren't right upon delivery. The driver's seat has a hole in the cloth, the grab bar on the passenger side has screw plugs that don't quite fit, and the paint job isn't perfect with globs and runs and bad orange peel on the rear hatch. None of this is a deal breaker though as this was purchased as a winter beater/cargo hauler to save my G35 Coupe and C300 from unnecessary wear and tear. Looked at Ford Escape, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai and Kia offerings. This vehicle was the best combination of features/value/fuel efficiency I could find. I look forward to many winters of pleasant AWD commutes with this vehicle.
Competent Performer
Fun to Drive, 08/12/2009
2009 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle is fun to drive. A lot of vehicle for the money. A lot of extras are standard like fog lamps, tire pressure monitor, rear window wiper,washer, defroster. Great AC!
Tribute on tough road
nehemiah1, 03/06/2012
2009 Mazda Tribute i Touring 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Tribute in June 2009 at Puerto Rico where drive conditions are rude and rush. So far my Tribute have 47000 miles and I just had to change the CV shaft, both of them. I drive an average of 50 miles daily and fuel usage is good, a fuel tank last almost 6 days. Music system is great and interiors are really cool. Safety systems on the Tribute are reliable.
Very disappointed
JOSEPHINE, 05/01/2008
2008 Mazda Tribute i Touring 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
Two weeks after I bought this car I started experiencing hard starting and a loud clicking sound in the passenger/driver door. I took it to Mazda service center and they confirmed my concerns. They serviced this car 3 times for the same issue and up to now they haven't resolved the problem. First they said it was the battery, then second it was the software that needs to be updated. The third time the technician cannot fix the problem and they have to involve the manufacturer's engineer. Very disappointing since this car is supposed to be brand new. Almost everyday the car has difficulty starting. As for the door clicking noise no parts available to replace it until ?????
i love driving this car
jewel, 07/22/2008
2008 Mazda Tribute s Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is a dream to drive. It feels like floating down the highway. The interior is spacious and comfortable. The V6 engine is not as responsive as I would like but I have been used to driving a smaller suv but its 4 cyl. engine had better "get up and go" (Toyo RAV4). The Tribute is well insulated from road noise, a very quiet ride. Stereo system sounds great too.
Very Pleased with Quality
Al, 02/22/2008
2008 Mazda Tribute s Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Waited for this much improved model to be available; we are not disappointed. Quality of workmanship is superb. Body is solid as is performace; interior design very user friendly. For the price this vehicle is worth every dollar.
I Love My 2008 Tribute!
j garvey, 11/05/2007
2008 Mazda Tribute s Grand Touring 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is a wonderful SUV. The first road trip I got 25 mpg with not even 1000 miles on the vehicle! Handles very easily on the road and while driving in town. Very smooth ride. Comfortable seats. Love the heated front seats on cold mornings. Great acceleration. Love the interior. The lighted instrument panel is nice at night. Heater really heats up fast on cold mornings. This is really a great SUV for in town driving or out on the road.
Tribute vs Escape
p clarke, 08/18/2009
2009 Mazda Tribute i Touring 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought the Tribute rather than the Escape because of interior and exterior styling differences.Ford needs to upgrade both, as well as paint colors. So far so good with the 4 banger.
Does the job
Hugo Chalifour, 07/13/2010
2009 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have this SUV for more than a year now and i am very happy with it. Very reliable in any conditions. Roomy enough to go around and do some winter and summer activities out in the woods. Original tires are Michelin and they are great.I choose this one over ford's only due to looks. Did not want the fake Bling bling shiny look. Front end is sportier looking.