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 11 through 20 of 173.00

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  Great Buy for an SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By John Taylor - October 24 - 2:16 pm

  Vehicle goes anywhere without problems...weve been off road, the beach, highway travelling, city commuting, Texas thunderstorms, Texas heat, loaded with family, and never experienced any problems with over 95,000 miles on the vehicle.

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  No No No more Mazdas for me. - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By BNAride - October 18 - 8:33 am

  Two weeks after purchase gas pedal stuck wrecked vehicle and could not get parts from customs. Recalled for gas pedal shortly after. I have had recalls for door latches. The headlights have been replaced due to condensation build up. Now the door ajar light stays on. Latest I am told that I need to have the engine replaced due to the oil light staying on. I am really disappointed in this vehicle. I have owned 6 mazdas and they have been great.

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  Problems with my Tribute - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Maria - September 20 - 2:23 am

  I love driving my Tribute, wonderful in bad weather, great visibility. It is noisy, but generally I have liked it except it has had lots of problems. Electrical - completely died in traffic at 30,000 miles. Had to have computer reset. Transmission problems at 34,000 miles. Now I just had to have radiator and coolant system replaced at 42,000. All covered by warranty and service excellent but I am afraid to keep it. I need reliable car to travel to see elderly parents.

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  Excellent - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Marci - September 3 - 1:10 am

  I have owned my Tribute since January. I test drove a Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner (all produced by Ford) and the Tribute was the best of the three. Better warranty, less expensive with a nicer interior and exterior. Gas mileage could be better.

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  Great Car - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Mimi - August 17 - 3:03 am

  I switched from a Mustang Convertible and was anxious that I wouldnt get that thrill moving up to an SUV. Obviously it isnt the same, but I thoroughly enjoy my Tribute. I picked the Tribute over the Escape because a)I liked some of the curves of the body style better and b)it seemed like everyone had an Escape. It handles like a car and has a much softer ride than hubbys Jeep Liberty. Never have any problem fitting my "stuff" into it and those who ride in the back seat are very comfortable. Auto 4WD is great and it just kicks in when needed. I have heated seats, sunroof, and leather and all are wonderful. I highly recommend this for those who want the room, but the drivability of a car.

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  Good Combo - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Jim - July 27 - 8:06 pm

  Bought this over a Honda, which had nothing under the hood. The Mazda is a good combination of size, features and performance. Better warranty than the Escape and $2,000 less. This is our first SUV and I would buy it again.

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  Our Second Mazda Tribute - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By The McMillers - July 12 - 1:26 pm

  We have a 2003 Mazda Tribute, and was so impressed with it, that we purchased a second one this year. 4WD handling is very sure-footed. Gas mileage is not a problem (if you read the reviews before you made the purchase) -- but not 12 mpg or anything extreme like that. Typically, 17/21 mpg city/hwy. The Tribute is excellent for towing too. Nice big moonroof and warm leather seats. Design is better in the 2005 versus the 2003 (gear-shift and air conditioning redesigned!). Cargo space is roomy, and the fold-down seats are easy to use. A little noisy, but highly recommended.

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  4WD option - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Ed Solari - May 28 - 7:03 pm

  This is my second 4x4 Tribute S. Also own a 2002 4x4 ES. The vehicle is both good looking and dependable. I only have two concerns. #1 in the 2002 model there is a 4x4 button so you can select full time 4wd. I like this feature a lot. In the 2005 it is fully automatic and you dont have the option to select full time 4wd and for that matter there is no indication what so ever if your in 4WD. I want to know if the system is working and if I am locked in. #2 The gas mileage I would consider to be on the poor side. I dont believe for a minute that the fuel economy is what it is rated at. This seems to be a common problem for many Ford motors.

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  First Mazda - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By John - May 21 - 6:13 pm

  This vehicle is just ok. We traded in our Eddie Bauer Expedition so its hardly fair to compare the two. The Mazda is louder inside than we expected and the mileage isnt really that great. Comfort is ok when you consider the size.

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  Best of the Best - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Bfelosi - January 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Tribute and they only get better. The exterior is beautiful and the interior is even better, with very comfortable seating and a very smooth and quiet ride. Handling of this vehicle is amazing on sharp curves and steep roads. These vehicles are loaded with standard features! I am hooked on my Mazda Tribute!