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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  Glad to own Tribute - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By JOHN DALEY - June 6 - 8:00 pm

  Love to drive this vehicle. Some minor disappointments. Did you ever pick up clothes from the cleaner and not have a hook to put them on. The MPG stinks. Mostly highway only gets 18.5. But that said, the tribute is nimble, responsive to quick stops and turns and looks like a million bucks. The dealer even sent a birthday card. Now thats class.

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  2005 Mazda tribute s v6 - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By ericvlewis - May 1 - 11:37 pm

  Driving strong at 255K miles only 2000 in maintenance since I bought it in 2006 phenomenal vehicle

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  For the price you cant beat it. - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By judyrom1 - March 10 - 6:56 am

  I love my truck, leather seats, power everything, nice sound sytem, I love the way it looks. Roomy interior and easy to see out of all the windows/no blind spots like some other in this class.

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  Careful - has a Ford engine. - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Riley - December 13 - 11:00 pm

  All Mazda Tribute models are built with a Ford engine. Whether this applies to all Mazda products, I do not know, but I am entirely sure that if nothing else, this does have a Ford engine, and from my experience, most Ford products arent worth the time or money. Now this SUV has a nice drive to it. A lot of pep or "get-up-and- go," takes corners well, and the steering couldnt be better. Although, when you step on the gas, the engine feels slightly weak, but all things considered, it could be worse. I am sorry to say that this model has given me countless problems, though. Ive had to replace all my spark plugs three times and replaced all three catalytic converters. Some transmission probs.

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  Great ride - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By a_clemons - December 6 - 4:40 am

  Very dependable and capable car. Great on trips: plenty of hauling space for our small family and plenty of room for stuff and/or large dogs. Gets excellent mileage if you dont exceed the speed limit. High (but bearable) wind noise at highway speeds. Drives like a car. Easy to park.

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  End of 3 year lease - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By bigbaby - September 28 - 4:13 pm

  3rd review of the Tribute. Its still a great car after 2.5 years. I do want to get something new so Ill be trading this in (lease has positive equity). Absolutely no problems. Just put gas and do oil changes and it runs like a champ. Recently went on I-30 from Dallas to Arkansas. Set the cruise at 65 and wound up getting 29.5 MPG. A 6 cyl SUV with only a 4 speed automatic! Some lucky used car buyer is going to get a winner with this car.

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  Best values/Reliability is your luck - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Wayne - September 26 - 10:50 am

  After only 600 miles, the transmission is locked up. Dealers replaced it with a rebuilt transmission within two weeks. It should be replaced with a brand new transmission. The car now has 7000 miles on the odometer and it is running fine now. Actually, I am kind of lucky to have the transmission completely lockup. Otherwise, I will only get 8-10 miles a gallon but it will never get fixed.

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  I like mine - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Scratch - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Could get better gas mileage but thats about my only disappointment. Has great acceleration and rides and handles smoothly. Lot of people compliment the looks of the vehi

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  Good Move - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Bill Cupo (The Coop) - July 1 - 2:33 am

  I traded in a Mazda Protege 5 for this SUV and found a vehicle that was just as much fun to drive and believe it or not, not that much worse on gas mileage. This 4 cylinder SUV has plenty of pick-up for me since I wont be towing a camper or boat anytime soon. Plenty of front leg and head room, good view of the road, and comfortable on long rides, I plan to keep this vehicle for a while.

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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.