it is currently one of the largest car manufacturers on the market. However, before Mazda’s SUV models were as iconic as they are now, the automaker made the Tribute. The Mazda Tribute entered the market in 2001 and remained in production until 2011. Although the Mazda Tribute is still around, it is one of the least talked about
Is it Mazda’s worst SUV?
On its own, the Tribute performs quite decently. However, compare it to the CX models and it’s a bit lackluster. The first Mazda Tribute model is powered by a 200-horsepower 3.0-liter engine.
According to , the latest Mazda Tribute model has the same engine capacity. However, horsepower has been increased to 240. According to reports, the 2011 Mazda Tribute accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds to 8.6 seconds. This is not far from the first model.
This Mazda SUV has a history of very bad reliability
One of the main reasons the Tribute is perhaps has to do with its reliability. Besides being a bit slow and bland, this isn’t one of the Mazda SUV models buyers should trust. The most telling indicator of this is that the SUV has never earned more than three stars for reliability from Consumer Reports. The biggest complaint is the unfortunate transmission failure; many say it happens before or at the 100,000 mile mark.
Many complaints about the Mazda Tribute’s mechanics have to do with the engine. There are numerous stories online of drivers losing power, misfires, and loud knocking noises from the engine. Engine noises primarily impacted the 2005 and 2006 Mazda Tribute models. Despite this, many owners say they just needed to address normal wear and tear issues; They call it a favorite Mazda SUV model.
The Mazda Tribute’s interior is made on the cheap
People also don’t like this Mazda SUV model because of its interior. Of course, that was before vehicle interiors were as advanced as they are now. However, people still expected durable materials inside their cars. Unfortunately, the Mazda Tribute’s interior was far from durable.
There are many reports of cracked materials in the Mazda Tribute. While this isn’t the worst complaint a vehicle can have, it is still an unsightly damage that the owner has to deal with. Items commonly used as the center console also sustained damage in many Mazda Tributes. To make matters worse, the interior of this one is bland and uninspired, even for the times.
Overall, the Mazda Tribute isn’t a great reflection of the automaker. Today, people know Mazda for the top-of-the-line crossovers and not the relic that is the Tribute. While it has a reasonably attractive exterior, it’s simply a vehicle used SUV buyers shouldn’t take the risk with.
