Mazda Tribute I-II (2000–2011) How to Remove the Bumpers

Mazda Tribute: History, Modifications, and Model Features

The Mazda Tribute is a compact crossover developed jointly with Ford and produced from 2000 to 2011. The model shared a platform and many components with the Ford Escape, which helped reduce production costs. During its existence, the Tribute underwent one major facelift and was offered in several body styles and engine options.

 

Model Names and Production Years

The first generation of the Mazda Tribute (model code GF) debuted in 2000 as a 2001 model. Production continued until 2007, after which the second generation (model code GG) was introduced in 2008 and remained in production until 2011. In some countries, such as Japan, the model was sold under the name Ford Escape, while in North America and Europe, it was marketed as the Mazda Tribute.

 

Facelift and Changes

The first generation (2000–2007) had an angular design typical of early crossovers. In 2005, Mazda conducted a minor facelift, updating the grille, bumpers, and headlights. The second generation (2008–2011) featured smoother lines in line with Mazda's new design philosophy, Nagare. However, due to the financial crisis at Ford and Mazda, as well as increasing competition, Tribute production was discontinued in 2011.

 

Bumper Plastic Marking: >PP+EPDM<

Despite the external differences between the first and second generations of the Mazda Tribute, the mounting points are nearly identical.

How to Remove the Front Bumper

  1. Lift the hood.
  2. Under the hood, unscrew two bolts and remove the clip securing the top side of the front bumper.
  3. Unscrew seven screws (fastened from bottom to top) securing the lower side.
  4. Remove two clips in the lower grille (inserted from bottom to top).
  5. Turn the wheels to the side.
  6. In the wheel arches, remove three clips on each side securing the fender liners.
  7. Move the fender liners aside and unscrew one bolt on each side (fastened from bottom to top) securing the corners to the fenders.
  8. With an assistant, pull the bumper forward off the guide brackets in the fenders (watch for wires).
  9. Disconnect the fog light connectors (if equipped).

Mazda Tribute I-II Front Bumper Mounting Locations

Mazda Tribute I-II Front Bumper Mounting Diagram

How to Remove the Rear Bumper

⇒Useful tips on how to remove the bumper and not break anything.⇐

  1. Open the trunk lid.
  2. In the trunk opening, unscrew four screws securing the top side of the rear bumper and two bolts securing the trunk lid support elements.
  3. From the underside, unscrew two screws and remove four clips.
  4. In the wheel arches, remove two clips on each side securing the fender liners and unscrew one bolt on each side (fastened from bottom to top) securing the corners to the fenders.
  5. With an assistant, pull the bumper backward off the guide brackets in the fenders (watch for wires).
  6. Disconnect the parking assist sensor connectors (if equipped).

Mazda Tribute I-II rear bumper mounting locations

Mazda Tribute I-II rear bumper mounting diagram

Body Type and Modifications

The Mazda Tribute was offered exclusively in a 5-door SUV (crossover) body style. Depending on the market, the model could be front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (4WD).

Engines:

Gasoline:

  • 2.0L ZSD (132 HP) — a rare version for Europe.
  • 2.3L L3 (153 HP) — from 2005.
  • 3.0L Duratec V6 (201–240 HP) — for North America.

Diesel (Europe only):

  • 2.0L RFN (140 HP) — from 2006.

Transmissions:

  • 5-speed manual.
  • 4- and 5-speed automatic (depending on year and market).

 

Model Description

The Mazda Tribute was designed as a practical family crossover with good off-road capability. Unlike more expensive SUVs of the time, it offered a comfortable suspension, a spacious interior, and decent performance. The interior was simple yet functional, using budget-friendly materials.

The second generation featured higher-quality trim, improved sound insulation, and modern safety systems, including ESP and side airbags. However, even after the facelift, the Tribute remained closer to the Ford Escape than to other Mazda models, which affected its sales.

 

Interesting Facts

  • Shared roots with the Ford Escape — the Tribute and Escape were developed in parallel, but Mazda aimed to give its version a sportier character.
  • Hybrid version — in 2008, Ford released the Escape Hybrid, but Mazda opted out of a hybrid Tribute due to high costs.
  • Sport version — Japan had a Mazda Tribute Turbo (2.0L turbo, 200 HP), but it was rare.
  • Connection to the Mercury Mariner — in the U.S., the Tribute was also sold as the Mercury Mariner, making it part of a trio of Ford twins.
  • Successor — after the Tribute was discontinued, it was replaced by the Mazda CX-5, which was a fully independent development.

 

Conclusion

The Mazda Tribute did not become a legendary model, but it played an important role in the brand's transition from basic SUVs to more technologically advanced crossovers. Its main advantages were reliability (thanks to Ford) and an affordable price. However, due to its shared platform with the Escape, it couldn't compete with more original Japanese models like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4. Nevertheless, the Tribute remains an interesting example of Mazda and Ford's collaboration during the era of automotive globalization.