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 1 through 10 of 173.00

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  2005 Tribute - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By TLE - July 28 - 4:50 pm

  Exterior of car is nice. Seals on all doors are inadequate, water enters the door wells when washed or it rains. Passenger door lock mechanism was incorrectly installed. Dashboard accessories are cheap looking. So far the car is running well. Only have 2300 miles. First time owner of a Mazda.

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  Outstanding Tribute! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Jimbo - June 22 - 2:33 am

  I have had no problems with this vehicle. It has been a pleasure to own.

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  TIPS - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Tony Conti - April 19 - 7:33 am

  NICE SUV VERY BAD ON GAS

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  2005 Tribute-S overview - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Mark B. - April 12 - 5:03 am

  My wife & I set out to purchase an SUV to transport kids, have the capability to tow at least up to 3,500 lbs, small enough to drive around in city traffic and be as inexpensive a purchase as possible. I looked at the Honda CRV & Pilot but neither met our entire criteria. After 2 months of ownership the Tribute-S is very satisfying in terms of driveability, reliability and looks. We find the Tribute quiet, nimble handling, fits/adjusts to my 50 wife & seats her high to see out over the traffic. The V-6 power/take-off is great! Of all the options to choose from, we opted for the extra security of the "side curtain air bags" and did lower our car insurance a bit.

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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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  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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  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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  More Mazda Zoom Zoom - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By steve silverman - October 25 - 6:06 pm

  I have found this vehicle to be neither too large nor too small. Its performance and fuel efficiency are completely acceptable and adequate for a vehicle of this price. It is fun to drive and Im sure it will be as reliable as all the other Mazdas I have owned in the past. It handles very well and has the needed power when necessary. I was able to find a very satisfying color that was not the same as most other cars on the road. The appointments are very rich in appearance. The sound system is very good and the in dash holding of 6 CD discs is a plus. Adding a Sirius radio adds all the entertainment needed for a trip.

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  Great Little Ride - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By alaskanseminole - September 18 - 2:06 am

  I traded in my 2003 Chevy Tahoe which was the best vehicle I ever owned. Sadly gas prices forced me into a smaller SUV. Fortunately the Tribute took the sting out of losing my Tahoe. GREAT LITTLE SUV! I love the fact the 2005 model allowed the upgraded interior for the 4 cylinder. The power leather seats are great. The only options this little guy doesnt have is the v6 and sun roof. I average between 19 and 22 MPG around town. Im still anxious to see what it will get on a road trip. With the aluminum wheels, color keyed exterior and side-step bars this SUV looks sharp. My only complaint is the 4 cylinder doesnt have enough power to get out of its own way much less fast moving traffic--IT IS SO SLOW!

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  2 year review - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By bigbaby - August 28 - 5:53 pm

  its been almost 2 years with this car and I have nothing to complain about. Maybe on this one Im just lucky. It seems to ride and accelerate better with time. No problems at all! When lease is done in 5/08 I may just buy this puppy (although that Ford Edge is looking pretty good).