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 41 through 50 of 173.00

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  Nice small SUV , handles like a car - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By GeorgeP - July 26 - 2:50 am

  I got the stripped down manual transmission version, so no ranting here about useless options. It has held up well now after 3 years. No real rusting yet on the sheet metal. Some of the interior has a cheap plasticy feel, the handling is good on corners, does not want to flip like some SUVs. Motor is a bit underpowered on the 2.3L motor, feels like a 2.0L motor in a SUV. Decent build and design otherwise.

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  good all around small SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By nils - May 24 - 11:30 am

  Drove several Small SUVs before deciding on this one (Xterra, Escape, Vue, Equinox, Liberty, others). Tribute was the best overall value. With good rebates got some nice options including moonroof and 6-cd changer. I find the FWD to be just fine for my style of 99% road driving. Dont pay extra for 4WD unless youre going to use it off-road.

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  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

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  GREAT BUTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Kimberly Hughes - January 29 - 2:43 am

  Great ride, control and fit...but, the airconditioner vents fell back and broke at 3000 miles....the windshield leaked the first time there was a big rain (1,000 miles on the Tribute) and I was told this was from the windshield shaking during travel...scary thought huh?? Not what I spend $20,000.00 to get! The knobs on the radio fell off at 1500 miles. The CD player skips and continues to each time a bump is hit. It is a nice looking Vehicle but is put together like a hot wheel...I know this because my first Tribute was bought on May 1st and it was such a Lemon that it was replaced by the dealer one month later in June and not much has changed except the windshield does not leak....

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  BEWARE - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Chris Wood 2 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  At 200 miles the front crank shaft seal developed a pretty serious oil leak. The headliner is separating, and parts are extremely difficult to attain. The selling dealer has been terrific, but their hands are tied. Mazda North America hasnt returned emails. The vehicle now has 1,200 miles and is only 12 weeks old. It is a fun vehicle to drive, and appears to be a good value. However, this amount of initial problems should concern any possible buyers. I have purchased many new Mazdas, and this experience has definately curbed my Mazda purchasing.

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  Dependable - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Norm - September 3 - 6:26 am

  The Mazda Tribute has been a good vehicle. We got all the options with a 6 cyl and the vehicle drives comfortably and has pretty good acceleration. On the highway it is smooth and not too noisy but mileage is only about 20 mpg. I dont like the sound of the accelerating engine in town - somewhat clunky and not a bit sexy - but it performs well nonetheless. CD player sounds good but my other car has a Bose so Im spoiled. Display light for AC is hard to see during the day, needs to be brighter. Plenty of room in cargo area and very handy fold down seats, although you have to remove the rear headrests to fold them down.

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  Nanas Zoom Zoom - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Juanita - June 8 - 2:06 pm

  I have had my Tribute for 2 years now and have 20,000 miles on it. I love driving it. Has good pick-up when I need it.