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 61 through 70 of 173.00

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  Couldnt be more satisfied. - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Todd - May 14 - 11:26 am

  Have driven it for two months in all types of weather. Took longest trip on the day of the worst winter conditions we have experienced. Snowy, windy conditions were sending others spinning and sliding into the ditch or median. The sure traction of the automatic 4WD was outstanding. Glad we bought it every time we drive it.

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  A Tribute to Mazda s Success - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Meri24 - April 10 - 10:00 am

  This is the first SUV I have purchased and I absolutly love it. I have have been looking for a mid-size SUV for the past 2 years, but nothing really caught my eye... until Mazda released the updated 2005 Tribute. WOW, I love the redesigned interior and overall look. Punchy 3.0, not bad gas mileage for a 6cyl SUV (approx. 22mpg hwy), smooth ride like a car not a truck.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By bporse - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought the S with the 3 pkg, that loads up this SUV with Moonroof, heated Leather seats, upgraded 6 CD radio. Only 150 miles but having fun driving it. Checked out all the smaller and midsize SUVs and this is the best! Much nicer than Escape. Great visability, power, comfort. A must test drive before buying anything else.

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  Very disappointed in gas mileage - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Jeff Thomas - February 23 - 5:46 am

  Great car, I love almost everything about it, except the gas mileage. I chose the Tribute primarily because of the EPA estimate of 29 mpg hwy, but, even though I drive 95% hwy, and at normal speeds, the best Ive gotten (after 3500 mi) is 23 mpg, usually about 21.5. Other than that, I love it, but would like to know what is wrong.

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  Mostly a great car - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By zel1 - September 25 - 6:48 am

  We have put 164,000 miles on our Tribute, including many long highway trips and back woods driving on two-tracks in the UP of Michigan. We required a new (rebuilt Ford) transmission at 94,000 miles, which possibly can be attributed to driving with cupped tires that probably vibrated it to pieces. Mileage is so-so, up to about 21.5 on the highway (we are usually pretty heavily loaded on trips). A/C, defroster, heater have always given some problems, but still work OK. Never burned a drop of oil, and still has good power on the highway. Hoping to make 250,000 miles.

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  Noisy!!! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By bbason - September 19 - 11:16 am

  After having the Tribute for less than a year, I couldnt take the creaking noises coming from the doors. I took it into the dealership to be fixed. They say it is the door strikers and they had to be adjusted. That only worked for about a month and then the creaking came back. Although it doesnt look as good, I applied electrical tape around the door catch and have not heard the noises anymore. However, the outside noise is awful. When Im on my cell phone, callers say it sounds like my windows are open. Outside of the noises, the car is awesome. No maintenance problems after 3 years.

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  Buy it, then buy new tires - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By pedersen - September 13 - 4:50 pm

  Love this SUV. Have 20,000 miles on it at the time Im writing this and already planning to buy another one this spring to replace another vehicle we have. Have had no problems whatsoever other than the subwoofer died. Dealer replaced it in an hour, no questions asked. If youre shopping for one, there are two things to pay attention to. One, the driving position; with the power seat all the way back the steering wheel is a long reach. Two, compare the Tribute and Escape carefully. They package the options very differently. I find the 6-way power seat very necessary for comfort. You can get that feature in lesser priced editions of the Escape compared to the Mazda.

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  ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Pammy J - September 13 - 1:36 pm

  Wonderful at the gas pump. Fun to drive. Classy, sporty and stylish all in one. Easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The kids love it as well. My daughter wants it for her first car. That will be a fun fight!!! Comfortable on long trips. Plenty of storage space. The price is right. Got a great deal on the base model. Decent warranty. Glad to have. Looking forward to future driving with it.

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  ZOOM ZOOM FOR SURE - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By JoeK - August 20 - 4:53 am

  Daily commute is 70 miles and just have to say that this SUV is a pleasure to drive. Average 20-21 mpg (V-6 AWD) much better than my old SUV. Transmission did have to be replaced at 16,000 miles, work done quickly and competently and no problem since. Would definitely buy this vehicle again.

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  2005 Mazda Tribute S Fwd - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Ken - July 13 - 11:03 am

  I have worked for Mazda and Ford Motor Company and as everyone knows FMC owns controlling intrest of Mazda. I purchased this Tribute while working for a Ford dealer. It has a better warranty than Ford and costs slightly less. I replaced the tires with Michelins and recommend that to anyone. OEM tires stink! A/C button does have a on/off light issue. Light is not bright enough. Recommend leather w/ heated seats and uprgaded sound system. Very happy with those features. You should be able to buy a couple hundred less than invoice and keep any rebates. 4/50k warranty is great! Traded our 2002 EB 4x4 Explorer and glad! Happy to help anyone with purchasing dos and donts. 5k on it now. Zoom Zoom