Mazda Tribute

Name: 2008 Mazda Tribute
Brand: Mazda

EPA MPG: NA

RECALL ALERT: There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

CR's Take

This is a twin of the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner. The 2008 freshening includes standard electronic stability control and curtain air bags. It also improves ride and fuel economy, but handling and braking capabilities have decreased. A hybrid version is also available, although it doesn't offer stability control yet and is sold only in California. The interior is roomy, and the rear seat is spacious. The Ford-supplied 3.0-liter V6 serves up adequate acceleration but unimpressive fuel economy of 19 mpg overall. Reliability of the V6 has been average, but the Escape V6 that we tested scored too low in our testing to be recommended.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2008 SUVs Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Mazda Tribute

vs. Similar Cars

Ford Escape

Honda CR-V

Honda Element

Subaru Forester

Toyota FJ Cruiser

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Acceptable

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Acceptable

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Acceptable

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

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2008 Compact SUVs Ratings

2008 Mazda Tribute

$2,875 - $3,375

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Chevrolet Equinox

$2,850 - $3,325

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Dodge Nitro

$3,350 - $4,425

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Ford Escape

$3,025 - $4,075

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid

$3,025 - $4,075

EPA MPG NA

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Honda CR-V

$5,700 - $6,125

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

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2008 Honda Element

$5,900 - $6,375

EPA MPG 23 mpg

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2008 Hyundai Tucson

$2,775 - $3,875

EPA MPG 21 mpg

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2008 Infiniti EX

$4,750 - $5,250

EPA MPG 19 mpg

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2008 Jeep Compass

$2,925 - $3,075

EPA MPG 24 mpg

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2008 Jeep Liberty

$3,025 - $3,775

EPA MPG 17 mpg

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2008 Jeep Patriot

$2,825 - $2,975

EPA MPG 22 mpg

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2008 Kia Sportage

$3,275 - $3,900

EPA MPG 21 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Mercury Mariner

$2,975 - $3,550

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Mitsubishi Outlander

$2,975 - $4,075

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Nissan Rogue

$2,925 - $3,025

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Nissan Xterra

$3,575 - $5,100

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Pontiac Torrent

$3,975 - $4,200

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Saturn Vue

$2,800 - $3,650

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Subaru Forester

$3,350 - $5,075

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara

$4,200 - $4,875

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser

$9,975 - $11,475

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Toyota RAV4

$5,650 - $6,500

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Compact SUVs Ratings

Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Front

2.3-liter 4 hybrid (155 hp)
2.3-liter 4 (153 hp)
3-liter V6 (200 hp)

5-speed manual
CVT
4-speed automatic

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2008-2011

2008 Redesign Year

Electronic stability control became standard for 2008, rectifying the tip-up problem noted in the 2005 ' 2007 models. The Tribute's sensible size, roomy interior and good visibility remain intact. However, though it was improved with the 2008 freshening, the interior is still somewhat subpar. Fit and finish issues include uneven gaps and exposed screws. Model year 2011 was the last for the Tribute.

2001-2007

2001 Redesign Year

Co-developed by Ford and Mazda, first-generation models had sound handling and braking, impressive cabin space, and adequate acceleration with the optional 3.0-liter V6. Downsides include a stiff ride and noisy interior. Other engine choices included a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and a Hybrid that arrived in 2005 to return 26 mpg in our tests. Major virtues include commodious cabin space and quick acceleration (in V6 models). However, these are offset by a stiff ride, a noisy interior and flimsy plastic trim. A tip-up in the government rollover test and a Poor in the IIHS side-crash test without side and curtain airbags are concerns.