Overview & Reviews

Extensive changes for the Tribute this year include a new base engine, restyled exterior and a new electronic four-wheel-drive system. A floor-mounted shifter replaces the awkward column shifter, and ABS is now standard on all models.

• Roomy and comfortable interior, peppy V6 engine, drives more like a car than a truck, long list of standard features.

• Mediocre fuel economy and driving range on V6 models.

User Reviews:

Showing 141 through 150 of 173.00

• 

  Best in Class, Best in Price - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Andrew - March 7 - 3:33 am

  I compared the specs of the Tribute against all competitors. The Tribute had the best specs in most areas in its class but about $2-4k less and a better warranty. I was very impressed. This is a great SUV. Could use some improvements, noted, but most all of them in its class could. The price couldnt be beat. This was a no brainier. Paid $16,750 4WD, auto.

• 

  creaks, ticking, moans - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By kelleyartist - February 9 - 8:50 am

  MY TRIBUTE is a creaking, ticking mess!! These sounds come from all the doors, all the time, except on the freeway. I have a 2005 with 8000 miles and the dealer has determined that the sounds, which are constant and getting louder, are "flex" noise and most Tributes have it. The Factory Rep drove it and determined the same, and Mazda will do nothing to help me. They cannot fix it, and they consider it standard. Anyone else who hears it considers it a defect, and the car a lemon. I have read many other reports from consumers with similar complaint. It is appaling that Mazda passes off a brand new vehicle as "normal" that sounds like a old wooden boat. I will pursue this with Mazda

• 

  In sum: great value. - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By zoom-zoom baby - January 28 - 1:53 am

  The good: Fun to drive. Good driving visibility. Roomy. Rugged. Good looking SUV. Easy to maneuver in the city. Comfortable when taking road trips. Sufficient power for most needs. The bad: MPG. Another couple of miles per gallon would make me feel better. With the second row seat folded down the center console will not open fully. Duh. Cupholders dont accommodate various sizes and heights. Tall drinks next to the center console latch wont fit and is in the way of your arm resting on the console lid. Further, two cups are tough to hold at the same time. I find 20 oz cups/12 oz cans work best. Drop something between the seats, good luck getting it out! Need more places to store stuff.

• 

  Value King! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Glenn - November 2 - 3:10 pm

  This SUV is wonderful. The V6 makes all the RAV4 and CRVs green no matter the color ordered. For about the same price as a cramped and bouncy RAV4 I got this Tribute with many more features options and the Tribute actually has a rear bumper. This Mazda is a really usable size too. At work we ride to lunch and get to see each others vehicles. The RAV4 is more like a mini-micro-SUV in comparison. It has a 4 cylinder engine which idles so fast when cold that it jerks when you put it in drive while the smooth Mazda V6 feels like a much more expensive vehicle. Do yourself a tremendous favor and drive a Tribute before you spend too much on a RAV4 or CRV. We have two Tributes now and love them

• 

  2005 Tribute AWD - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Hcormier - October 17 - 5:53 pm

  So far so good, vehicle has proven to be a good towing workhorse for our boat. Only issue has been the installation of a wiring harness for towing (did not purchase with towing pack). Had to wait until March 2005 for harness to be developed by Mazda as any aftermarket harness would void warranty due to compatibility with design issues. Otherwise it has proven to be a very good vehicle in the snow and loose gravel.

• 

  Going Strong 125k - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By tannerrocks - October 12 - 1:47 pm

  This is the second Mazda I have owned; but this one has been the best car I have ever had thus far. I have had five cars in my life. I have replaced brackes, had some suspension work done (tie rods etc); but having had it since it was brand new I find it stellar. I dont off road with this; I drive on roads only. I travel with it almost annually; and it is our primary car on weekends so I average about 14k a year. I am very disappointed with the newer designs; if i wanted a Jeep I would buy a Jeep; not a Mazda look alike. I am replacing the stereo this year by choice so I can keep driving this one for many more miles.

• 

  The zoom-zoom is real - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By EddieK - September 26 - 11:13 pm

  Youve seen the advertisements... The "zoom-zoom" feeling is real... The seeling campaign of a sports car in an SUV is for real. I was simply astounded by the amazing smoothness of this SUV. The ride is unbelievably comfortable. This car is a steal. I was able to purchase this car for 20800 with an extra package which included an overhead compartment, a moonroof, an upgraded speaker system, and a compass rearview mirror amongst other upgraded features.

• 

  Zoom Zoom Zoom - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By H. Whitley - September 9 - 12:36 am

  Continental tires a little noisy but overall a very good ride. Got 25-26 mpg on long highway trip in April.

• 

  Excellent - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Suzie - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a great family car and is also great for a single person. This SUV drives excellent. The SUV handles as well as a car with the feel of a truck. I would recommend this to a single family with a couple of kids or someone single that wants a sporty look.

• 

  Zoom, zoom! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By dc_driver - August 29 - 9:16 am

  Drove all of the top selling small to mid-size SUVs, and the Tribute won my vote. It was quick, and drove more like a car than a truck (better handling than all the others SUVs). For the money, you cannot beat the features on the S with package 3 (leather, sunroof, 6 disc changer, heated seats, etc). I compared prices, and with the incentives this vehicle was $2-10K less expensive than comparably equipped SUVs. The AWD system is wonderful, and you never feel it come on or have to worry if you hit some tough weather or roads. Great room (both front, backseat, and storage). Well thought out interior, with good build quality and materials for the money. This is a winner!