In 2004, the final iteration of the sport-utility Mazda Tribute LX was manufactured, finishing strong with a 200-horsepower, 3.0L V6 engine. The Tribute LX sold brand new for just $22,182.

In a joint project by the two companies, the Tribute paired Mazda’sfront-wheel-drive 626 platform with Ford’sDuratec V6 engine to create a surprisingly roomy small SUV. Some buyers consider the Tribute to be a clone or Mazda-plated version of the Ford Escape (which used the same platform), but there are two key differences.

The first is the suspension, which rides firmer on the Tribute to match the Mazda’s sporty image. The second is cosmetic with numerous interior and exterior details marking the Tribute and Escape as fraternal, rather than identical, twins.

After 2004, the Mazda Tribute switched its trim levels to the I (with a four-cylinder engine) and S (with a V6), followed by the Sport and Grand Touring. The model was discontinued entirely in 2011, to be replaced by the Mazda CX-5, which was designed entirely in-house.

So, is a Mazda Tribute LX V6 worth your time? Let's find out!

MORE:

How to save money on Mazfda Tribute LX insurance costs

2004 Mazda Tribute LX

Starting price: $22,182

Engine: 3.0L Duratec V6

Horsepower: 200 horsepower

Torque: 196 pound-feet

0 to 60: 8.4 seconds

Sitting on the middle rung of the Tribute’s trim levels, the LX ranks higher than the DX but lower than the fully-equipped

. Classified as a sport utility vehicle, this four-door car seats five passengers on twin bucket seats in the front and a three-seater row in the rear. The second row can be folded down to increase cargo space from 17 cubic feet to almost 64 cubic feet, at that.

LX buyers had no choice when it came to the four-speed automatic transmission, but they could upgrade to four-wheel drive for $23,532.

Here’s a look at more Tribute LX highlights:

Independent suspension

Remote keyless entry

Heated power mirrors

CD player

Deep-tinted windows

Lockable glove box

Ignition-disabling anti-theft system

Powertrain warranty for 50,000 miles or 36 months

MORE:

Vehicle trim level, options, and packages explained

How’s the fuel economy?

While it’s roomy enough to fit your family and your gear, the Tribute LX’s fuel economy is less than great with a combined 19-mpg rating (that’s 17 in the city, 23 on the highway). The four-cylinder DX, on the other hand, only did slightly better with 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

MORE:

How to track gas mileage

Which Mazda models have a V6?

Beginning in 2005, Mazda only offered a V6 engine on the Tribute modelS trim. Starting in 2008, it was only available with the Grand Touring trim. Then, the Tribute line officially ended in 2011.

Its replacement, the CX-5, runs exclusively off Skyactiv-G 2.5L four-cylinder engines.

Word has it

, however, that we could see inline-six engines and hybrid powertrains offered by Mazda in the future.

How fast is the Mazda Tribute LX?

Touchy on the gas pedal, the Mazda Tribute LX can reach 60 mph in 8.4 seconds. As mentioned above, the suspension is tuned to be quite stiff (harsh, others might say, making the Escape a better option for sensitive riders).

The interior, meanwhile, doesn’t do much to shut out the noise you’ll make getting up to speed. A quiet ride this is not.

Here’s a quick look at how the Tribute LX stacks up against its contemporaries (and its descendants and close cousins):

2004 Ford Escape

: 8 seconds

2011 Mazda Tribute Grand Touring: 7 seconds

2022 Mazda CX-5

: 6.1 seconds

Key Takeaway The Mazda Tribute LX has the power but not the handling or design to stand out as an overall tour de force.

MORE:

Car loan for Mazda 2022

Make safe driving pay

Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.

Start earning now

Which is better: DX, LX, or ES?

The Mazda Tribute DX ($22,795) has a humble 130-horsepower, 2.0L four-cylinder engine, but that’s not the end of the story. You can upgrade to either the V6 for an extra $2,000, all-wheel drive for a little less than $3,000, or both. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, as is a superior EPA rating of 20/25 mpg.

The LX and higher ES trade fuel economy for raw power; with a V6 engine. Both are capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds, while the DX makes do with a piddling 1,000. The LX adds cruise control, front fog lights, and privacy glass. Starting at $23,772, the ES goes further with front-side airbags, ABS, leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a power-adjusted driver seat. Again, you can opt for all-wheel drive for the LX or ES for $2,000 or so.

The rest of the options—a seven-speaker sound system, sunroof/moonroof, eight exterior color choices, and two interior colors—don’t touch on the powertrain or driving experience. Ultimately, your choice of trim will come down to how much power you need to haul your gear.

Opt for the DX if you plan to keep to the city and the LX if you’d like to take to the country. After that, it’s a matter of how many creature comforts you can do without—the ES will give you the full range of niceties, but under the hood, it’s the same as the LX.

MORE:

How to test drive a car

How to find affordable Mazda Tribute LX insurance

Regardless of your vehicle,

Jerry

can help you find great

car insurance

at a great price. Choose from competitive quotes based on a comparison of 50-plus top insurance companies and Jerry's

trustworthy super app

takes care of the rest—securing your new policy and helping you cancel your old one.

No long forms. No calling around. No hard work. Just savings. The average Jerry user saves $887 a year on car insurance.

“
Jerry
made switching over to new insurance so quick and easy! My monthly payment went from $469 to $362 by switching to Progressive. 10/10 would recommend!” —Luanne T.