2008 Mazda Tribute

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$3,121–$10,449 Inventory Prices
(4.2) 13 reviews
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2008 Mazda Tribute
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Key Specs
Our Take
Overview
Photos
Reviews
Safety & Recalls
Warranty & CPO
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Key Specs

of the 2008 Mazda Tribute. Base trim shown.

Our Take

From the Cars.com Vehicle Test Team

The Good

  • Good cargo space in back with seats down
  • Rear window opens independent of liftgate
  • Many standard safety features

The Bad

  • Lost some of its unique look
  • Bland styling, inside and out

Notable Features of the 2008 Mazda Tribute

  • Redesigned for 2008
  • Available rear-seat entertainment system
  • Choice of four-cylinder or V-6

2008 Mazda Tribute Overview

By Cars.com Editors
Vehicle Overview
Just as its Ford Escape brethren got a new look, the Mazda Tribute has received some styling tweaks, including a new grille and interior, plus a rear window that now looks more like the Escape's.

Exterior
The outside of the Tribute didn't get as much of a face-lift as did the Escape. The grille lost its crossbar, and the Mazda logo has moved up, while the headlights and taillights are new. Fog lights are standard. The windows taper and ascend toward the rear, in line with what many smaller SUVs are doing these days.

Interior
The Tribute still has seating for five, and there's a center console storage compartment that Mazda says is big enough to hold a laptop. The rear seat is split 60/40, and the Tribute has just shy of 30 cubic feet of storage space with the backseat up; it's 66 cubic feet with them down. The rear window opens independent of the liftgate if you just need to toss your stuff into the back. There's an optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

Under the Hood
Tribute buyers get the choice of two engines, a 153-horsepower, 2.3-liter four-cylinder or a 200-hp, 3.0-liter V-6. The base Tribute comes with a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions. Upper trim levels, including all V-6 models, come with the automatic transmission standard. Two-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is optional on all trim levels.

Safety
Electronic stability and roll mitigation systems are standard. The Tribute also gets ...
Vehicle Overview
Just as its Ford Escape brethren got a new look, the Mazda Tribute has received some styling tweaks, including a new grille and interior, plus a rear window that now looks more like the Escape's.

Exterior
The outside of the Tribute didn't get as much of a face-lift as did the Escape. The grille lost its crossbar, and the Mazda logo has moved up, while the headlights and taillights are new. Fog lights are standard. The windows taper and ascend toward the rear, in line with what many smaller SUVs are doing these days.

Interior
The Tribute still has seating for five, and there's a center console storage compartment that Mazda says is big enough to hold a laptop. The rear seat is split 60/40, and the Tribute has just shy of 30 cubic feet of storage space with the backseat up; it's 66 cubic feet with them down. The rear window opens independent of the liftgate if you just need to toss your stuff into the back. There's an optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

Under the Hood
Tribute buyers get the choice of two engines, a 153-horsepower, 2.3-liter four-cylinder or a 200-hp, 3.0-liter V-6. The base Tribute comes with a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions. Upper trim levels, including all V-6 models, come with the automatic transmission standard. Two-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is optional on all trim levels.

Safety
Electronic stability and roll mitigation systems are standard. The Tribute also gets front airbags that can sense the weight of occupants and how far the driver is sitting from the steering wheel, allowing the airbags to deploy with the appropriate amount of force. The Tribute's standard side airbags are built into the seats, not the doors, to better protect occupants no matter where the seat is, Mazda says. Side curtain airbags and antilock brakes are standard.


Latest 2008 Tribute Stories

See all 2008 Mazda Tribute articles >

Consumer Reviews

4.2
13 reviews
Exterior Styling
(4.3)
Performance
(4.0)
Interior Design
(4.1)
Comfort
(4.3)
Reliability
(4.2)
Value For The Money
(4.4)

What Drivers Are Saying

(5.0)

Best SUV I've ever owned.

by Susan W from Valparaiso IN on November 26, 2017

The Tribute is perfect for all my needs. It has great pickup, plenty of room for 5 adults. There is lots of room in the back for carrying luggage, groceries and other needs. The seats are extremely ... Read full review

(4.0)

Lasted me 10 years

by Out and about on March 25, 2017

It's a great car, had a few issues but we're fixed easily. Bought it in 2010 and it's held up since, great for traveling long distance and for around town. Read full review

Safety & Recalls

Recalls

The 2008 Mazda Tribute currently has 5 recalls

Crash and Rollover Test Ratings

The 2008 Mazda Tribute has not been tested.

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Cars.com Car Seat Check

Certified child passenger safety technicians conduct hands-on tests of a car’s Latch system and check the vehicle’s ability to accommodate different types of car seats. The Tribute received the following grades on a scale of A-F.*
* This score may not apply to all trims, especially for vehicles with multiple body styles that affect the space and design of the seating.

Warranty FAQs

What is a Bumper-to-Bumper warranty?

Often called a basic warranty or new-vehicle warranty, a bumper-to-bumper policy covers components like air conditioning, audio systems, vehicle sensors, fuel systems and major electrical components. Most policies exclude regular maintenance like fluid top offs and oil changes, but a few brands have separate free-maintenance provisions, and those that do offer them is slowly rising. Bumper-to-bumper warranties typically expire faster than powertrain warranties.

What is a Powertrain warranty?

Don't be misled a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty doesn't promise a decade of free repairs for your car. It typically covers just the engine and transmission, along with any other moving parts that lead to the wheels, like the driveshaft and constant velocity joints. Some automakers also bundle seat belts and airbags into their powertrain warranties. With a few exceptions, powertrain warranties don't cover regular maintenance like engine tuneups and tire rotations.

What is included in Roadside Assistance?

Some automakers include roadside assistance with their bumper-to-bumper or powertrain warranties, while others have separate policies. These programs cover anything from flat-tire changes and locksmith services to jump-starts and towing. Few reimburse incidental costs like motel rooms (if you have to wait for repairs).

What other services could be included in a warranty?

Some automakers include free scheduled maintenance for items such as oil changes, air filters and tire rotations. Some include consumables including brake pads and windshield wipers; others do not. They are typically for the first couple of years of ownership of a new car.

What does CPO mean?

A certified pre-owned or CPO car has been inspected to meet minimum quality standards and typically includes some type of warranty. While dealers and third parties certify cars, the gold standard is an automaker-certified vehicle that provides a factory-backed warranty, often extending the original coverage. Vehicles must be in excellent condition and have low miles and wear to be certified, which is why off-lease vehicles feed many CPO programs.

See also the latest CPO incentives by automaker