The 2008 Mazda Tribute is a versatile and small sport utility vehicle equipped with a four-wheel independent suspension. The Tribute has great standard features like a premium entertainment system and innovative storage, along with the latest safety features such as roll stability control and traction control. The 2008 Mazda Tribute has been revised with significant styling changes and a more stylish, functional and better-constructed interior.

The 2008 Mazda Tribute is available in i and s models and a choice of two engines: a 2.3-liter, 153-horsepower, four-cylinder for the i model, and a 3.0-liter, 200-horsepower, six-cylinder for the s model. Each model is available in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trims. Both engines come with a four-speed automatic transmission, though a five-speed manual is standard on the Tribute i Sport 2WD.

The Mazda Tribute has seating for up to five passengers. The base-level Sport comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, CD player and an audio auxiliary jack. The Touring comes with a roof rack, tinted rear windows, power driver seat and other convenience features. A towing package, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system (dealer-installed) are among items that are optional on all three trim levels. The Grand Touring gets heated exterior mirrors, automatic headlamps, a sunroof, leather-trimmed seats with front seat heaters, a retractable cargo cover, and an upgraded sound system with a six-CD changer. The latter two items are optional on the Touring.

Safety features include standard electronic stability control, rollover control, traction control, tire-pressure monitor, two-stage frontal air bags, side air bags in front, full-length air curtains, and Latch safety mountings for child seats.