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.
Function and style
Lots of Utility, 10/22/2009
2009 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
20 of 20 people found this review helpful
Bought the Tribute for me and my wife, it has been great, lots of cargo space, fuel economy is exceptional from the 4 cylinder; and it has lots of power considering the other models we looked at with comparable engines. We typically see 29-30 mpg on road trips in West Texas it is primarily flat so cannot speak much of hills but out here it is a great combination of function, fuel economy and style
From new to now problems continue
gz408, 03/03/2012
2008 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
29 of 30 people found this review helpful
-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!!
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Overall good/bad ignition problem
Wallace, 04/15/2018
updated 11/06/2018
2009 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
14 of 14 people found this review helpful
We have been very impressed with the reliability of the Tribute, but an extremely annoying ignition problem that does not allow the car to crank was aggravating. After countless hours of online research and several attempts at repairs, it appears we have conquered the problem. All stemming from an inferior designed ignition module that wears out. Happens with Ford Escape and Ford Focus also. Should have been recalled. UPDATE, the ignition module did not solve the problem, so I changed the starter. Even though the car would start fine for days, it would still not crank at times. After weeks it seems the new starter did the trick. It must has been something faulty in the starter that made it work intermittently.
- Performance
Rust Problems Here Too
ChicagoDriver, 10/17/2010
2008 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
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.
Window Regulator Should be Recalled
swflmazda, 11/18/2011
2008 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
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.
Wish I'd never bought it!
Kathy, 09/10/2015
2008 Mazda Tribute i Touring 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
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.
- Performance
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
fun while it lasted.
black_widow, 03/22/2012
2009 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
13 of 16 people found this review helpful
I bought my Tribute with 7300 miles on it and I loved it. I traded it in with 35500 miles on it because the transmission had gotten really sluggish over the last 15000 and I was having problems with the breakes. It had been in the shop 5 times within the last 6 months and they still squeaked loudly. As far as the transmission I've read numorous reviews on the tribute/escape/mariner regarding the transmission issue and consumers needing new ones so i traded mine before it could give me problems. I loved the layout and the look of the vehicle. the 12v outlet in the back came out of its compartment and the one up front was loose. I got about 22-25 mpg city and 26-28 hwy.
In response to "May Have A Lemon"
jewhite1972, 01/05/2010
2008 Mazda Tribute i Grand Touring 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I also purchased the Grand Touring model. At first during the summer it drove perfectly, up until a month ago. It started with jerking on acceleration, then the tires would screech loudly, and also it would stall when I stepped from the brake pedal onto the gas pedal. I've only had this truck for 6 months now and had to take it in to the service department where I brought it from...to no one's surprise but my own, it was the transmission. Thought that was a little uncommon, being that the truck is only a 2008. Seems that the Mazda Tribute transmissions problems is not at all that uncommon...so buyer beware and by all means do your research. Wish I had!
Might have a lemon...
gml0603, 09/02/2008
2008 Mazda Tribute s Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought the Grand Touring model with V-6 black with leather interior. Worked beautifully until a few months ago. The transmission went out in July of 2008. It started with jerking on acceleration, the tires would screech loudly. I had no idea what was happening. I didn't have the truck for two weeks as they re-built the transmission. Not even a year old at the time. I took it back in two weeks ago in August because the jerking was happening again and it still stalled out at stop lights. I cannot believe this. The dealer "fixed" a starter belt or something but that has done nothing because the jerking/stalling are worse now. So, I need to take this back for a third fix. I am not happy!
Wow!
Trebor, 09/04/2007
2008 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I've only driven this 2.3 L Sport 5 spd 400 miles or so. Traded a Mazda3 hatchback 5 speed with a variation on the 2.3 less torque and more hp. That engine is very sweet in the tribute and the shift linkage is nice. It's quiet at speed with a nice ride and quick good steering feel. And the epa nos. (22, 28) lead me to believe that 30 mpg on the highway will be possible. The interior is nicely designed and colorful (yellow/black upholstery/dash). If the fuel efficiency is similar to 3s, then Mazda/Ford have hit a home run by adding the 2.3L engine and stunning body upgrade. Great value!
Great price, good entry-level SUV.
MAA, 04/26/2007
2008 Mazda Tribute i Touring 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Driving is great especially considering the choices if you want an entry level SUV from a foreign car maker. As expected pick-up is slow. Even thought it's Japanese, it reminded me of my 1995 Ford Taurus, design seemed very similar to Ford. And as expected instruments in the car are not as sturdy and are more of Ford quality. But it's too soon to say anything, it's only been driven 350 kms!
Great car for the price!
Biby X, 06/22/2018
2008 Mazda Tribute s Grand Touring 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Got a recall on a steering wheel twice, first time they barely fixed it under warranty, then 3 years later same thing happened steering wheel got blocked and the recall didn't do anything so need it to trade it in! Sadly. Otherwise was a great car for the time being and for what I need it for. Could improve on snow handling.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Swap the Continentals !!!
pennypincher, 10/09/2011
2008 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Do yourself a favor and swap the crappy Continentals for Michelin Latitude (as Ford did for model year 2009 and on) or, for less $$, Khumo AST, or anything else that is more of a highway tire (less agressive treads) The noise reduction will be AMAZING !!! My wife thought we had a new ride. Always rotate the tires (front/rear, no X pattern) at EACH OIL CHANGE. The Tribute (Escape) rear suspension is soft (to avoid the jerkiness in turns) so the tires tend to chip off on the edges. So, diligent rotation will save the day. All in all the greatest value of my driving experience !!!
Death Machine
mansonslayer, 09/18/2011
2008 Mazda Tribute s Touring 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
6 of 9 people found this review helpful
I have mine since 2008 and only thing i had to replace was the a/c/evaporator, even when it's a v6, the fuel comsumption is lower than many others 4 cld i had. maneuvability is awsome and the anti skid is good. I had a few changes done with the horsepower and now i run 1/4 mile in 12.5 sec.
Brake Failure for No Reason at 28K Miles
electricstar, 12/17/2012
2009 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
16 of 28 people found this review helpful
We own a 2009 Tribute, and thought it was a really good car, until yesterday, 3.5 years after we bought it. I was out with my kids, the car went "ping--." A red light indicates "brake." I thought my parking brake was on, but it wasn't. The display says "check brake system." I tried to brake, there was no traction. The car kept going. I stepped on the brake all the way, still no traction. I managed to roll the car back to our house. I called Madzda and Mazda refuses to take responsilities and wants me to pay for checkup just because the car is "out of warranty." If we got killed yesterday, who'd pay for the checkup? Mazda refused to allow us to speak with management.
Long Commuter
Marcel, 10/25/2010
2008 Mazda Tribute s Sport 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have a 112 mile round trip commute to work. I like the handling, the styling inside and outside, and the summer gas mileage (28 mpg highway). City mileage is low in the winter, (around 20 mpg.) Front brakes and rotors have been replaced 3 times since taking ownership, (65,000 miles). See some rust starting on back doors. See rust starting on tail gate jam where weather stripping comes together by latch. I wash and wax weekly. It's quiet, decent power, Hydroplaning occurs on water-soaked highway roads, need to slow down under 50 to feel safe. Handles okay in winter. I use snow tires on all 4 wheels in winter. Don't like the anti-skid feature.
Mazda Tribute 2008 Grand Touring
Joy, 09/26/2007
2008 Mazda Tribute i Grand Touring 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I always wanted a Tribute but I like the 2006 exterior better than the 2008. The 2008 looks too much like a box. I really like the exterior look of the 2007 Honda CRV, but I like the interior of the Tribute. I made the purchase because it was the best deal for the money. I like the feel of sitting high and seeing far in front me. I don't have 4WD and sometimes it feels like the car skids or sways if I'm traveling at a high speed and need to come to a sudden stop. This makes me a little nervous. It's not too bad on gas either. It's really growing on me.
Great vehicle for the price!
ChuckFuller, 08/16/2007
2008 Mazda Tribute i Grand Touring 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Over the years, we have owned 3 Mazda Proteges and 2 MPV vans. Mazda has always delivered the highest quality vehicles we have owned and we expect no less of our new 2008 Tribute. We decided on a fully optioned Grand touring model in the the i series with the 2.3 liter 4 cylinder. I find acceleration to be quite responsive and I'm sure to appreciate the better economy. Unless you need a tow vehicle, I highly recommend this combination. I'm surprised by some of the less than complimentary professional reviews regarding styling cues as I find the vehicle to be gorgeous (gloss black over "stone" leather). All in all, an A+ experience to date.
We love our Trib
Boyce, 03/30/2008
2008 Mazda Tribute s Touring 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
We have really enjoyed our Tribute. Nice and quiet and a smooth ride around town. So far we have not made a road trip in this vehicle so my observations are for around town only. Fuel mileage has been consistent at 19mpg. Power is adequate for our driving styles.
Great at first, now problems
Disappointed, 11/14/2010
2008 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Buyer beware. There is a problem with this vehicle and gas pedal getting stuck. If you go to the NHTSA website, you will find 9 complaints on gas pedal getting stuck. I submitted mine today, making it 10. It gets stuck in deceleration position, but going 60+mph, this is very dangerous. Once gas pedal gives, the SUV jerks forward. I drive this car a lot for business. I bought it in Nov. 2007. I have driven 68,000 miles on it. Radio stopped working, a short circuit. Had to buy aftermarket since Mazda charges $800 plus installation for stock. Battery had changed at 65,000 miles. I find it very comfortable for my 6/7 hour trips, but the gas pedal getting stuck has scared me.
Never buy a Mazda
mlloyd1986, 04/10/2011
2008 Mazda Tribute i Touring 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
This car a crap. Within the first week of buying this car the paint had already started chipping. Had to bring it in to Mazda and they corrected the paint job. The seat belts went for no reason at all. Mazda ended up replacing the all four seat belts. The transmission went while I was on the highway going 60 mph and I only had 51,000 k on my tribute. Then my car wouldn't stop stalling and it was because my radiator was leaking coolant. That ended up having a recall and they replaced that TOO. This car is junk. Everything is wrong with it. As far as I'm concerned this car is unsafe. They should invest most care and money into this car instead of constantly fixing it's non stop problems.
Good overall
Dave Malone, 02/04/2010
2009 Mazda Tribute s Grand Touring 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
6 of 10 people found this review helpful
I had a 2001 Tribute with a V6 that was a gem. The new 2009 has all the goodies and is a fun ride. It performed very well on a 200 mile trip getting 25 mpg.The only fault I have,so far,is the use on black plastic trim used ont the center console and the placement of the center storage compartment. Compartment is very difficult to reach into because it is too far back from the driver. I only have 1,950 miles on the vehicle.
My 08 Tribute
Chris, 04/20/2010
2008 Mazda Tribute s Sport 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I was in an accident yesterday and was broadsided by someone that ran a red light. My daughter and I both walked away without any injuries. I believe the side airbags saved us from having serious injuries. I love my Mazda Tribute.
Fuel Pump Sensor/computer is shot
phxbarb, 02/02/2012
2008 Mazda Tribute s Sport 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Everything has been fine until now. Nothing major. Yesterday driving along fine. Park. Go to store, come out. Starts, shakes, stops. Starts, shakes, moves a little, stops. Absolutely no warning anything wrong. Now a bill for $600 to get a sensor thing installed. What the?
Mazda Tribute 2008
Chicago, 05/16/2007
2008 Mazda Tribute s Sport 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had my new car for about 2 weeks now. I bought the black on black but had the dealer cover the white seats and dash with black leather. I love the drive and the comfort. It is a great suv without having to pay big bucks. A lot of room inside and very sharp dashboard design. I have the 6 cyl. There is a lot of pick up. Also very easy to handle on the road. I am very happy with my purchase and would recommend this midsize suv. Not sure on the gas mileage yet although we are taking a road trip in a couple of weeks.
Great SUV
lunacharsky, 02/12/2010
2008 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Love this SUV. Great handling, esp mountainous curves. Plenty of zip. For me (6') perfect seating and ergonomics. After 50.000 miles, only changed cabin filters and brakes. A little noisy on rough roads - key is getting the right tires (BF Goodrich Long Trails are the best). I plan to keep it forever.
Wow II
Trebor II, 10/24/2007
2008 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I evaluated the Tribute after 400 miles earlier here. I have dutifully, every fill up, recorded fuel consumption for over 5000 miles now. The mileage is incredible and I have only done a few minor things to it --put in a K&N filter (at 4000 mi) and Mobil 1 at 3000 mi. Here are the stats: overall avg. mpg 28.5. High: 33.11 mpg, low 25.5 mpg. On last tank full, averaged 32.6 (90% highway). If I drive between 60 & 65 and get it into 5th at 30 mph, I can get 32+. Between 65 & 70, I can get 30-32 mpg. Driven between 70 & 75, 28-30 mpg is possible. Above 75, it tails off as you would expect. This has got to be the most economical small SUV with a stick shift. Very pleased with it.
BEWARE of TRANSMISSION COOLER Problems
Michelle, 06/06/2009
2008 Mazda Tribute s Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We have constantly had problems with our tribute. The transmission cooler leaks. Actually I believ the component is recalled. We had it fixed once but the problem is still there. Beware if you plan to buy a Mazda tribute. If you live in the northwest territories make sure you can service the truck in the northwest territories. I have had to drive to grand praire Alberta so they can service the truck and look at the tranny leak. They said it was fine but the leak is still there. Mazda Canada said that I would have to always drive to grand praire to get it serviced escpecially if it was a warranty part. We payed from our own pockets $700.00. Mazda Canada reinbursed us $94.00. Beware
If you own a 2008 tribute beware of RUST
D.D., 05/02/2010
2008 Mazda Tribute s Sport 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
About a month ago I noticed the rear wheel well areas were rusting as the paint is peeling. I took it to mazda who sent me to get a quote from a collision place to get it repaired and they said they had the exact same model in the day before and they decided to check the seems of the doors and under the hood, and the back door and of course all the seems are rusting which the guy told me they cannot repair only do a bandage job on it. I was hoping to keep this SUV for a number of years but he said in a couple years holes will start. It only has 62,000 Km on it and I believe it most definitely should not be rusting!!!...I am waiting to hear back from Mazda.
Mazda Tribute Works For Me!
Steve Reynolds, 08/01/2009
2009 Mazda Tribute i Touring 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My wife and I were drawn to the Tribute because it is the perfect size for our needs. Also, it does not look like all the other boring, round tubby things that pass for small SUVs. Most SUVs look alike and are hard to tell apart, but not the Tribute. The seats are comfy on my large rear end, the 7 speaker radio blasts Sirius satellite radio loud and clear, and the truck (not car-derivative) goes where I point it. The only negative is that the attractive front end is made of plastic. A bug strike can mar the finish of the chrome-plated plastic grill. Unfortunately, Mazda is changing the Tribute for 2010 so it'll look more Japanese. Bummer. There 'ya go.
1stSUVOwner
Tribute2009, 07/05/2009
2009 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
When I was considering purchasing a new SUV, I considered the Escape, CRV, Santa Fe and the RAV4. After test driving these vehicles, I was not overly impressed. Although, I did enjoy the looks of the Escape. I looked into the XLS model, which was a base model with auto. The price was around 21k. Then, a friend suggested to consider a Mazda. We went to the Mazda dealership and test drove the Tribute. The interior as well as the exterior was almost identical to the Escape, but for much less. I was impressed the the I-Sport Auto Model, which is the base model w/auto, that I purchased it for 16,888 + tax.
Cool SUV
NFNA, 09/20/2010
2008 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Had a terrible accident in a sedan that opened my eyes to the fact that you can just kill yourself down on the ground. Switched to Tribute after my car was totaled and have had very good experience with it. They could have used better quality material but I guess then it would have been more expensive. Overall I find it a great deal for the money. There is little noise in the cabin while driving. I get very good gas economy. My advise is to use the plus fuel (mid grade) it gives you far more mileage for the price. I avoid the premium fuel since the car is not designed for it and may damage the engine in the long run.
My 2008 Tribute Mazda
Hosam Dajani, 11/06/2007
2008 Mazda Tribute s Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
All options were basic and standard. I am missing many nice features when I compared my Mazda to the Ford Escape. The car can out perform a Honda on the highway. The car felt solid on the ground when making sharp turns. The engine felt smoother with synthetic Mobile One 0W-20. The transmission is slow and heavy. The power of the engine is felt best on the highway. Solid when driven on sand or rocks. It needs many changes in my opinion.
Bad Transmission at 40,000
kkout, 04/17/2010
2008 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is my 2nd tribute. 1st had lots of problems dealership gave me a good deal to get a new one. Had no major problems till the transmission went out at 40,000. I just could not believe it. Yes it was covered under the warranty but I still feel that is not the point. I have never had problems with any past car till I bought a MAZDA. Never never again. I will be taking a loss on the vehicle but I will be getting rid of it now. Plus it has a faulty overhead light. Plus the skid protection is horrible. You skid plenty all over the place. And with more then an inch of snow your screwed cause without 4x4 it will not move at all.
First SUV
Zoner, 05/15/2009
2009 Mazda Tribute s Touring 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
1 of 5 people found this review helpful
Test drove 5 other brands and liked the Tribute right away.The contrasting interior color was a plus and the "classy" touch is nice.It handles great and feels positive.I drove a 04' Duramax for 5 yrs. so this feels much better but similar.If you want a softer ride then buy something else.SUV says it all. The performance is outstanding with the new v6 and the fuel mileage is great.I tow a pop-up camper and a small 14' aluminum boat with it and with the 3500 lb rating it's perfect and tows great. I read the early year reviews but this engine and tranny should upgrade them considerably.Overall I'm very happy with it.
LOVE IT!!!!
zoom zoom!, 01/28/2008
2008 Mazda Tribute s Sport 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just got this SUV a few days ago. What I can tell you is that I absolutely love it. I had a Honda Element and the Tribute blows it away. The Honda 4 cyl. isn't enough for the weight of the Element. I also had a CRV and the Tribute blows the doors off it. It has exceptional power to it without hesitation. No problem getting on the highways or passing. I have no intention of towing with it. The inside is way above the inside of the Honda's. The Tribute has a more elegant look to it and tons of leg room and cargo space. The long list of standard equipment provided is what also makes the Tribute and excellent choice for the money! ZOOM ZOOM!
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.
Tribute 5-speed 4-cyl Initial report
5speed, 07/19/2008
2008 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased the Tribute i sport with 5-speed manual transmission,fwd, and 4-cyl engine because I wanted a vehicle with cargo capacity and respectable fuel economy. The dealer where I made the purchase had to locate the vehicle with this combination, because they had never had a Tribute on their lot with a manual transmission. There is not a photo available of the manual shift lever and console combination available in the Mazda brochure. But Mazda did a good job with the 5-speed package, the shift lever is well finished and attractive with a good relationship to the steering wheel. The clutch pressure is very light and makes shifting gears easy. Now have 1709 miles and my average MPG is 30.97
Great Car!
Shannon, 10/02/2008
2008 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my Tribute for 14 months and I still love it the same as I did a year ago. It's very reliable, good gas mileage and was a good choice for me and my family. I have a 6yr and a 1year old, even on long trips, it's a little small.. but good on gas (which is most important to us) I would buy from this Mazda again because my buying AND service experience has been great!!! I would recommend this car to anyone that wants a economical small SUV!
A couple of problems
JEL, 01/15/2010
2008 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I mostly like my 2008 Tribute, but it doesn't seem to handle very well in the rain or on curves. Downright scary at times. Also, if your long- legged, be aware of the headlight switch. It has a molded ring around it that I've cut my leg on about half a dozen times. I also had the problem with the sunglass holders popping open, until I got the dealer to replace them.
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!!
It could improve
CJ, 03/12/2010
2008 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Mazda Tribute 2008 after owning a Chevy Malibu. I have owned this car since Nov. 2007. I have the 4cyl, manual. I have put 46,000 miles on it. It lacks in acceleration and power. The engine is very weak. This is the last time I buy a 4cyl. car. It looks like a real SUV and not the silly bubble which everyone seems to love today. When I first bought the car, a tank of gas=425 miles. This has dramatically dropped to 390 miles. I have kept up with all of its maintenance schedules. I have driven from IL to NY. I take it up and down the Midwest. Smooth and comfortable ride. Needs more power I have two children and plan to grow the family. Not large enough for three kids.
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.
I love it, but it could be better
Greg, 10/02/2008
2008 Mazda Tribute s Grand Touring 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The look - the exterior is much cooler than the 2002 which I previously owned, but no vinyl side panels that saved me a bundle when I got hit in the older one (no damage!). The interior - I love the high gloss look, but the sunglass holder door drops open every time I hit a bump. You still have to take the head rests off the back when putting the seat down. The rear cup holders on the console don't have the sleeve that the front ones do, so its very difficult to clean what the kids manage to put in there. Driving - it handles like a dream. I love driving this car.
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.
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.
So far so good...
Pat1usmc, 12/16/2007
2008 Mazda Tribute s Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
So far I am very happy with my purchase and enjoy driving my Tribute very much. A lot of expert reviews complain about the engine and handling but I find the 6 cylinder to be very peppy when you step on the gas. Its no musclecar, but its more than satisfactory. Handling seems very solid, as it stays very flat through turns. Steering feel is also excellent. I bought it for the space, comfort and ability to handle offroad situations once in a while. Most SUVs that reviewers say are better than the Tribute can not go offroad. The price can definitely not be beat either. AWD Grand Touring edition at more than $2700 off MSRP! I feel like I got a lot of car for the money.
Two mths and happy
Dsquare, 07/22/2008
2008 Mazda Tribute i Touring 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased my tribute in early June 08 and have been happy. Took car from Va to Fla and did well. A little cramped for the 4 of us + luggage, but still managed 26+ mpg with a/c on the whole way. Excellent auto considering the price point.