Used 2010 Mazda Tribute Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2010 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)
19 of 19 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
Reliable and VERY Safe
Daniel, 06/23/2021
2010 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
18 of 18 people found this review helpful
I am about ten years late for reviewing this car, but for anyone looking to buy one used, I would have to recommend it highly. I bought my Tribute in 2018 with 130k on the odometer. I have had a few gremlins as you would in any used car (ac condenser leak, valve cover gasket, electronic gremlins, all easy fixes). The powertrain had been bulletproof and never left me stranded. I just drove it from Tennessee to Arizona and back with no problems at 190k. But the real reason I am writing this review is because of the car’s safety. I just got rear ended on the interstate this morning and the car was DESTROYED. I, however, walked away without even a bruise or scratch. It protected me amazingly well. Definitely would recommend. Also, it was practical, comfortable, and surprisingly fun to toss around on a back road for an SUV.
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
Not happy
not happy, 08/18/2010
2010 Mazda Tribute i Touring 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Can't recommend! The transmission was replaced at 1,400 miles, because it shifted so rough. Thing is it still shifts rough and has very noisy idle. The drive is very noisy also. I am going to trade it in. The upside was the dealership service dept. Was exception. I feel bad their product was so disappointing. Will never buy another Mazda.
fun while it lasted.
black_widow, 03/22/2012
2009 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
12 of 15 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.
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.
Bland... but OK
tabbies, 01/02/2012
2010 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I was about to get an edge, but I figured that this was going to be better because the dealer offered it for a VERY low price. There is enough room for a family of 4 and an excellent cargo hauler. Though it is very bland. I do not like the exterior look @ all. It has enough power for my needs and fuel milage is right were it should be: about 25mpg 90% city 10% highway w/ all economical driving. If you can find one for super cheap go ahead. If not, go w/ an edge/element. Also, no problems at all except for one thing: tire pressure is already low after 12k miles.
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.
CRAP-mistake to have bought this piece of junk
a524157, 08/03/2014
2010 Mazda Tribute i Touring 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
5 of 10 people found this review helpful
2010 Tribute bought new (I thought) had a recal to recalibrate tranny...gas milage got worse, rear wiper has failed and worse still I cannot get the wiper arm off to replace the motor..even tried a wheel puller but no go. Rusting under lip of the hood and the hatchback. Had to replace resonator because weld let go. had to change purge valve because it is made too cheap. Wheel lugs are constantly coming loose on mags even after being torqued to manufact specs. Now I was told that there is rust on the roof above the driver's side door in the roof rails that appears to have been fixed before we bought the car According to a Ford dealer looks like car was dropped-explains funny clunk closingdoor
Shifting problems 6 cylinder tribute
Sandra Paris, 08/01/2010
2010 Mazda Tribute s Grand Touring 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Previously had a 2003 & 2005 - 6 cyl Tribute and this new one is doing strange things in down shifting at different speeds and jerking. Met with Mazda Guru and he said this is normal and because of computer and some other tech language, I have to settle for this, but driving the car you can feel the down shifting at 40 mph to 20 mph and then it jerks at different speeds. The gas mileage is terrible and yes I also feel the poor design of the back up camera, messy looking install. Black interior attracts to much dust, the shine is nice looking, but not practical, would Rather have dull interior. The wind noise from front side mirrors is just as bad as before. They know, and working on it.
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.
Love the Tribute
Zoom...Zoom..., 03/29/2010
2010 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
Just got my Mazda this past weekend and I love everything about it so far. Drives really smooth, it's a perfect fun size SUV, looks sporty, and I'm hoping to have many good years with it.
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.
Mazda Tribute Works For Me!
Steve Reynolds, 08/01/2009
2009 Mazda Tribute i Touring 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 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.
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.
Will Mazda Live Up to Warranty????
John, 04/27/2010
2010 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great vehicle and am pleased overall. There is one major interior disappointment. There is large gap across the entire headliner where it meets meets the front windshield area. this is is due to a large cable that goes from the rear view mirror to the rear view camera. An extremely poor installation with no thought given to a 3rd rate workmanship. At this point, Mazda says that they are ALL that way therefore not a warranty issue. Dealer is avoiding my phone calls and emails.
Large Gap Across Headliner at Windshild
JLSHD, 06/18/2010
2010 Mazda Tribute s Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall.....a good vehicle. However, have the same experience as other contributor with an extremely poor installation of rear view camera cable at forward edge of headliner. No thought was given to installation as they simply pulled the large cable thru headliner front edge causing a gap across the entire headliner at windshield. Mazda says they were designed like this and will ***not*** honour warranty for poor workmanship. VERY substandard installation and extremely poor customer service!! Mazda just lost a life time customer!!
Shifting issues & gas mileage
Sandra Paris, 08/01/2010
2010 Mazda Tribute s Grand Touring 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Would like to comment on the shifting smoothness from 20 mph up to 40-50 mph. Car seems to hard shift on accelerating, like a drag, and on down shift, strong feeling of jerking into gears. The gas mileage seems to be hurting from this situation. No help from the dealer service manager and Mazda area rep, all say normal. No check engine light has come on. Waiting for some answers from another dealer. Have driven a 2010=6 cyl Ford escape and did not feel this odd shifting. Also, the interior has black shiny dashboard, attracts a lot of dust. Sure wish they would go back to dull finish.
HAD TO BUY ANOTHER
slim loewe, 09/07/2010
2010 Mazda Tribute s Grand Touring 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
still the best bang for your bucks in SUV'S. still have my 2004 tribute es. my wife has a bad back and loves this car. love the V6 (zoom zoom)in both vehicles.decided time to buy with no payment 90 days and 0% for 60 months.lucked out as this was the only V6 in the state of florida. the 2010 has all the bells and whistles, michelin tires, back up camera , sun roof , heated front seats (great for bad backs) etc. i did test drive hyndai sante fe (nice), kia sorrento (nice) and mercury mariner (ok). i'm 6'4" wife 5'2" no problems.so had to stick with mazda tibute. got a GREAT deal from dealer plus a surprise $500 loyalty rebate.
I'm lovin it !
Steve from NJ, 10/24/2010
2010 Mazda Tribute s Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was looking for a Ford Escape Limited, but couldn't get one when my Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer was due, so I selected a Tribute AWD S Grand Touring. I'm very happy after 6K miles - no troubles at all, even towing my boat around. It's comfortable, very responsive, drives well and gets great mileage. Am planning on installing the remote start feature before winter sets it. I added white wall porta walls for my tires, as it looked like it needed something.
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.
Great car
golfer girl, 01/08/2010
2010 Mazda Tribute i Grand Touring 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I was looking for a car that had enough width in the back to place a full set of golf clubs without angling them. I also wanted something that would go in the snow. I got both. I was used to a very nice vehicle so I got the top package with rear view camera, heated seats, moon roof and leather. I love it. Doesn't quite have as many options as I was used to but after all it is basically a truck. Would love to have memory seat at least for driver side. Drives great, has done well in snow (and this is FWD). Only complaint is the antenna which I have a problem with in running through a car wash. I'm afraid it will get ripped out. No easy way of removing it.
I bought a Monteray Grey colored Tribute
John Staehle, 01/31/2010
2010 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
My wife and I test drove the Mazda Tribute "Sport" FWD/6spd/4cyl with great results and purchased the same.
Good Value
KD, 03/14/2010
2010 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I was looking for a smaller SUV that wouldn't break the bank. The Sport model comes well equipped for the price. The seats are comfortable, with the armrests being the right height. Visibility is excellent, although the rear headrests obscure the view through the rearview mirror somewhat. Very solid feeling on the road, the electrically boosted steering at low speeds is a nice touch!
Great so far
hmiwb, 04/15/2010
2010 Mazda Tribute i Sport 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought this car about a month ago. Great experience so far with no defects or adjustments needed. The six speed automatic has been very user friendly and the fuel economy has been surprisingly good. Around town it's okay, but on the highway I can easily get in the low 30's with little difficulty. Great for such a boxy shape.