2008 Mazda Tribute
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- Gs 4dr SUV FWD, GT 4dr SUV AWD, Gx 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 32 combined · 34 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 174.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,232–3,503 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 69% better than the average 2008 SUV - (18.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 28 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Mazda Tribute is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.3L 4-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 175 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,355 lb (Gs 4dr SUV FWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (34 city / 30 highway), 69% better than the 2008 SUV - average of 18.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 87 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2008
- Best combined MPG up from 27 to 32
Compared with 2006; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2006 Tribute →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gs 4dr SUV FWD | 174.8 in | 71.3 in | 68.1 in | 103.1 in | 61.4 / 60.6 in | 3,355 lb | 59/41 |
| GT 4dr SUV AWD | 174.8 in | 71.3 in | 68.1 in | 103.1 in | 61.4 / 60.6 in | 3,503 lb | 59/41 |
| Gx 4dr SUV FWD | 174.8 in | 71.3 in | 68.1 in | 103.1 in | 61.4 / 60.6 in | 3,232 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tribute Hybrid 2WD Hybrid | 2.3L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 34 / 30 / 32 | +69% | $2,100 | 278 |
| Tribute Hybrid 4WD Hybrid | 2.3L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 29 / 27 / 28 | +61% | $2,400 | 317 |
| Tribute FWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 24 | +27% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Tribute FWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | +16% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Tribute 4WD | 2.3L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | +21% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Tribute FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | +6% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Tribute 4WD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | +9% | $3,550 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Mazda Tribute under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Mazda Tribute (this car) | 32 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2008 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 13 |
| 2008 Honda CR-V | 23 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2008 Hyundai Tucson | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Subaru Forester | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Kia Sportage | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (4)
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Floor Shift · Oct 19, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V677000 · 4 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2008 Tribute vehicles manufactured February 9, 2007 to April 22, 2008. The affected vehicles have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
- Risk
- If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
- Fix
- Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission and if necessary tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly, free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8815J.
Hybrid Propulsion System · Sep 10, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V552000 · 423 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid vehicles manufactured October 10, 2006, to May 23, 2008. The coolant pump for the hybrid system may fail, resulting in the hybrid electronics overheating.
- Risk
- If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the original Motor Electronics Coolant (MEC) Pump with an improved brushless pump, free of charge. The recall began November 5, 2014. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 7814I.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · May 29, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V282000 · 33,000 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Tribute vehicles manufactured October 5, 2006, through September 11, 2010. The affected vehicles have a steering torque sensor that may not be able to properly detect driver steering input. As a result, the system could remove the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist.
- Risk
- If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Mazda will notify owners and dealers will update the software for the power steering control module (PSCM) and the instrument cluster module, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of the torque sensor signal or fault codes relating to the PSCM when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, the affected components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began in July 2014. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 7614E.
Vehicle Speed Control › Cables · Jul 27, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V357000 · 217,500 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2006, and 2008, Tribute vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control. Inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector could result in a stuck throttle when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed. This risk exists regardless of whether or not speed control (cruise control) is used.
- Risk
- A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. Remedy parts are now available. The safety recall began on September 13, 2012. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222-5500, option #6.
Not every 2008 Mazda Tribute is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Mazda Tribute buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 52 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Power Train — 11 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 10 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 132,382 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Mazda Tribute. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Tribute years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Tribute | 32 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 8 |
| 2010 Tribute | 32 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 19 |
| 2009 Tribute | 32 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 26 |
| 2006 Tribute | 27 | 173.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 41 |
| 2005 Tribute | 24 | 173.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 185 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →