Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
18 City / 23 HWY
Horsepower
200
Seats
5
Front angle view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Debby G
It has been very dependable and breakdowns have been very few.
I like the dependability and fuel efficiency. I wish the back seats had a bit more leg room.
accountCircle Ronni E
It is reliable. Keeps going. I t was Made IN America, even though it is a Japanese Company.
It is old. The paint job is deteriorating. The A/C no longer works
accountCircle Amanda M
Will keep this car forever
Its lasted for 16 years and almost 97000 miles with no major problems. The only thing I've had done, besides basic maintenance, is have some sensors replaced. Everything else still runs perfect. The car is great in the snow
accountCircle Christine M
Great vehicle and trust worthy.
Comfort is good. I love it as its a trustworthy vehicle and runs great even with high mileage. Barely any issues with it at all. Just general tune-ups and oil changes and brakes otherwise great vehicle. I'd buy another one anytime because I love it and trust it.
accountCircle Diane K
Mazda Tribute, you take care of it and it will take care of you!
I love my Tribute! Bought it new in 2002. I have used it to travel, shop and move from one state to another. It's old, but reliable. I hope it keeps going for several years!
accountCircle Connie M
That it really runs good and is comfortable. That it gets good gas mileage.
I love it. It runs good and is compatible. It gets me where I need to go. It is also good on gas.
accountCircle Mark N
That this car has lived in many different temperatures and road conditions and still drives like new.
This vehicle has moved from Hawaii to the desert of New Mexico to Oregon - it still looks great and is safe and comfortable to drive.
accountCircle Victoria N
Mazda tribute - great car.
Great car, but usual wear and tear and issues due to age and frequent driving have occurred, such as stalling. Good size for a compact SUV in terms of height and length. Although, a Mazda, uses the same car shape and parts as a Ford Explorer. Recent natural disasters did not help the car.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Elizabeth B
It's not very dependable. We have it serviced regularly and still have problems.
The 2002 Mazda tribute has a great look, but mechanically needs a lot of work. Has a bad popping sound in front end. Have had to replace a lot of parts. Radiator was plastic and hose piece broke off. Otherwise it's nice just not very dependable. I would not recommend it to family or friends.
accountCircle Jacob M
Why not to buy a Mazda tribute.
It needs breaks. The windows sometimes will not roll up. The sunroof is nice. It also has four wheel drive which is a plus during the winter months. The ac seems to be good. It is really hard on gas. It is pretty spacious to be an SUV with o my two rows. I wish it was third row seating though.
accountCircle Ca S
That mazda vehicles sold in my area of new jersey, have horrible dealerships. They keep putting you off until the vehicle is out of warranty.
I like the way my mazda handles the road when driving it. I have had several problems with this vehicle and the brakes, and the dealer was of no help. I would never purchase another mazda again.
accountCircle Shannon M
Their pretty good little SUV cars.
The transmission has trouble and my Cruze kicks off on bumpy roads. It is an all around good car. It does not get great gas mileage in town at all. Ok on highway, it has a very small gas tank. All around it is been a reliable car. Working on it is not very easy there is not enough wrenching room not elbow room like older cars.
accountCircle Travis G
It is reliable and very easy to work on and fix if something on it were to ever break.
It is reliable and I have not had many problems with it, the two biggest issues I have must be the suspension, which is almost non-existent, and and the overall feel of the car itself; it feels like a toy car almost
accountCircle Carol B
Compact, easy to handle and take sharp turns.
For a used vehicle it serves its purpose and gets really good gas mileage. Had a couple of problems when I first got it but they were all minor problems, would definitely recommend a SUV like this to anyone looking for a cheap used vehicle, it is a smaller SUV but I give it at least a thumbs up.
accountCircle Courtney O
I have a 2002 Mazda tribute. Black with grey interior. Power windows.
My car has been reliable for years now. Although it's had some problems it still gets me where I need to go. The ac and heat are not the best. It has good speakers and radio. Most of the good features of my vehicle are things I have added or upgraded. I cannot complain though, it was for an amazing price. It was my first car and is still going. I got it when I was in highschool and now I drive my son around in it. I would definitely recommend.
accountCircle Ashley M
It's still running, nice body and storage.
Well its a Mazda tribute 2002 and it was fine other than a slip that only occurred when going up hill between 40 and 50 mph. Now it shakes, check engine light is on, flashing or off, it has a horrible burning smells at times the motors in the sunroof stopped working at 73, 000 miles about and now the passenger side window is dying. The window in the back the bolt rusted out and the window came down hanging by the other rusted window bolt it's been a nightmare and I am afraid of what may happen next or what recalls there are that I've not been made aware of.

Mazda Tribute Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
DX
200 HP 21-21 MPG 5 Seats
car
LX
200 HP 21-21 MPG 5 Seats
car
ES
200 HP 21-21 MPG 5 Seats
Photos may not match model

2002 Mazda Tribute Owner Reviews

3.96
47 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 36%
4 stars 30%
3 stars 28%
2 stars 6%
1 star 0%
accountCircle Elizabeth B on March 16, 2021
It's not very dependable. We have it serviced regularly and still have problems.
The 2002 Mazda tribute has a great look, but mechanically needs a lot of work. Has a bad popping sound in front end. Have had to replace a lot of parts. Radiator was plastic and hose piece broke off. Otherwise it's nice just not very dependable. I would not recommend it to family or friends.
accountCircle Cami G on February 19, 2021
2002 Mazda tribute review-great first time driver car!
My Mazda tribute is a great local, as well as traveler car. I can very comfortable support 2 or 3 for a camping or beach trip. Although I've been able to pack for and drive 5 from Oregon to Idaho for 6 hours. Had minimal issues with it and I bought it used. Gas mileage is not perfect, but for the size of the car so pretty good! I fill up my tank once a wheel for 30 to 40 bucks and that takes me to and from work and school.

Ranks #9 Compact SUV by Owners

The 2002 Mazda Tribute has an average owner rating of 3.96 out of 5 which ranks it #9 of 13 other Compact SUVs.

1
car
5
2
car
4.46
9
car
3.96

Ranks #4 Compact SUV by Fuel Economy

The 2002 Mazda Tribute has a combined MPG of 25 which ranks it #4 of 13 other Compact SUVs.

1
car
31 MPG
2
car
27 MPG
4
Tie
car
23 MPG

Is The 2002 Mazda Tribute A Good Car?

Overall it has kept me going for 18 years. It has been reliable but has required a few fixes such as fuel lines and filters along with the timing belt and starter. It has put in around 260000 miles... Read More
Christine G.
My 2002 Mazda Tribute is a good vehicle because despite its old age, it is still dependable. Disregarding some issues due to high mileage and long use, it still manages and functions well.
Kay J.

How Reliable Is The 2002 Mazda Tribute?

Yes it is generally reliable. It hasn't seen very many drastic issues so far. The worst was the clutch going out.
Jessica F.
The 2002 Mazda Tribute is reliable and does not show any problems until a certain mileage mark where it sometimes doesn't stay running, but that's due to its age and long use. This is common with most... Read More
Natasha K.

Is The 2002 Mazda Tribute A Good Value?

It costs around 1500 dollars right now. It's a good running car. It's not very luxury based. But it runs.
Timothy P.
The 2002 Mazda Tribute is not worth as much now as it is quite old. But it is a good value for its size and performance. It has lasted quite awhile.
Daniel C.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the 2002 mazda tribute oil type?

Answer: The oil type used on the 2002 Mazda Tribute is SAE 5W-20. The oil capacity of this model depends on the type of engine You carry. The 2.0L I4 Zetec engine has a capacity of 4.5 quarts. The 3.0L V6 Duratec...

Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety