Used 2005 Mazda Tribute Consumer Reviews
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Ex Tribute Lover
ExTributeLover, 05/25/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 7 people found this review helpful
I loved my 2001 Tribute then I made the mistake of trading it on a 2005. The Gear Shifter now takes of most of the space in the front. The heater/air controls now have little light-up buttons that cannot be seen in daylight. NO WAY TO TUNE THE RADIO, NO CASSETTE PLAYER. Cheap looking plastic on dash board in. NOT the fun to drive suv that the 2001 was, AND IT EATS UP GAS, 14-16MPG. Even with top pkgs chosen, you DON'T get many extras like: WHEEL LOCKS, BUG DFLCTRS, A/W MATS. The 2005 Tribute is an OVERPRICED GAS GUSSLER that lost it's zest for life.
Tribute to Tribute
roger moore, 04/11/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Outstanding vehicle regardless of price equal to Lexas 330
Awesome Tribute
Angelica Botello, 04/29/2005
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Tribute is really a really fun and exciting vehicle to drive. The first time I got my tribute my husband I drove it off road to Big Bend National Park in Chisos Muntains and it preformed awesome. The four wheel drive was very useful and did great in the chihuahan desert off roads. i would definately recommed this vehicle to anyone, it's a very good price and at the same time, i love the leather interior, sun roof and surround music system that I upgraded it with, now, you have the option to put in the navigation system also! Wish I would have purchased it with that option when they fist came out in 2000. But I love my little tribut and will probably trade it in soon for a 2006!!!!!!!!!!!
Tribute
Shannon Deville, 04/26/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great Buy for comfort, duriabilty, sporty, and a fun drive. Strongly sugeest a test ride.
Great car
zips, 05/09/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is wonderful. I went in to buy a 2004. They were offering great incentives, but they didn't have all the options I wanted. I bought a fully loaded 2005, for just 700 over the 2004 price, which wasn't much over invoice! They want to move cars on the lot. And the Lapis blue color is awsome! I've already received several comments on the color. My friend has a 2002 Escape, the sister car of the Tribute, and she had had no problems, 35, ooo miles later. And the stereo is just amazing. Buy a Tribute..NOW!
Happy buyer
Sigor111, 05/13/2005
2005 Mazda Tribute i Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I must say that this is one of the best smalll SUV in US market I didn't want to waste money on . I bought it with 4 cyl engine sincegas with V6. MPG is currently around 22 which is good for the first 1500 miles. Car drives great and it has enough power for drriving around town. The only thing that I dodn;t like about this car is that the engine is very noisy. I dodn't know if that is normal, but I will check with my dealer to make sure that all bolts on the exhaust are tight. I am not used to that sound of engine. Other than that great car and with 4 000$ in rebates this is currently the best buy in this market segment.
great choice
jenniferhancock, 05/16/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
very good acceleration. very roomy. Awesome value
Outstanding Compact SUV
TGO, 04/09/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great compact SUV although it has a ton of room inside for its size. I did a fair amount of research on available compact SUVs prior to buying. The Tribute offered the best of both worlds from great car like handling on the road and good capability in marginal conditions. The Tribute is a joy to drive and its size lets you get in and out of spaces you would never venture in a mid to full size SUV. Very safe vehicle as attested to my insurance cost decreasing $60 a year even though I went from a 2000 model year vehicle to a 2005.
My experience with my Tribute
rebecca , 04/13/2005
2005 Mazda Tribute i Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I like my tribute's design and the space in it,I fit 5 adults in it comfortably. I have had a problem with my back washer line coming out, and it has been in the shop 4 times since having it. However it is a good driving vehicle. Feels like your driving a car just heightend up a bit. I would recommend it to a small low budget family.
Best Compact SUV on the market
Thomas, 08/06/2006
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I traded in a 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander for my Tribute S and I love it. While the gas mileage in the 3.0 V6 is not as good as my Mitsu was, the comfort, interior design, and smooth power delivery make up for it. The ground clearance and elevated seating positions make it great for highway driving. The S models come really well equipped and with anti-lock brakes and side impact airbags and side air curtains, I feel very safe.
This is why I waited....
Brinn, 05/28/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I know I've only had my car for 48 hrs. but I'm in love. Spending around 25,000 (before tax and license) for a fully equiped SUV was a smart choice. I like the new design for the 05, the interior looks much better, a little more up-scale, I love the shape and exterior design of the SUV, heated leather seats, 6 disk Cd changer, sun roof... if I had to pick something I would change would be the gas mpg. I live is southern cali, I need all the mpgs. I can get, with my V6 I avrg. 20- 25, I wish (25-30) It's a better choice than the others.
Great SUV!
stadiumnuts, 05/05/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am very happy with the Mazda Tribute.
Zoom Zoom
Maria, 04/29/2005
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my second Tribute. I upgraded to the 2005 from a 2002 when the interior was redesigned. I have no complaints about this fun, peppy, good looking and reliable vehicle.
ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM
Pammy J, 05/14/2005
2005 Mazda Tribute i Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
2005 Tribute S
VN, 06/17/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
At 900 miles, the emission light illuminated and stays on. The dealer had to replace the sensor. Alignment was also needed because the truck was pulling to the right. Dealer fixed that but they had to increase the Caster/Camper to +0.01 which made the truck steering stiffer/heavier than first bought it which took some fun away from driving the Tribute. Wind and road noise are pretty bad over 50Miles/hour. And it is loud and bouncy over bumps. The dealer gave me the Ford F150 while my truck was in the shop and surprisingly; the F150 was much quieter and smoother over bumps. It is also a lot quitter than the Tribute at high speed.
Great SUV
bporse, 05/21/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
great small suv
john, 05/14/2005
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the car is fun to drive and with the v6 eng it is very peppy on the road-the sound system is top shelf-i got the top model- i like that they only have two models and they come fully equipped depending on which one u get -i have the es it came standard with side airbags-it is supposed to be like the ford escape but the escape only has a 3 year 36 warranty the mazda has a 4 year 48 warranty-the ford model charges you for everything extra-ford wanted $100 for a cargo cover on the xlt escape and the tribut had it as standard-my only complaint is that in my model the column mounted shifter blocks a radio volume control a bit but this has now been eliminated with the floor console
Zoom Zoom
JRose, 06/08/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute i Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love to drive it
Love the V-6
Tim in Iowa, 05/16/2005
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The V-6 Tribute is fantastic--very smooth and a blast to drive. Does not have that tippy feel that SUVs often have. I am 6'1" 195 lbs and feel very comfortable in the drivers seat. Gas prices seem to have motivated sellers-- I got mine below invoice plus $4000 in rebates. People complain about the gas mileage. I am getting a solid 20 mpg -- not great but better than I was led to believe. Good driving habits help. I got pkg 1 -- interior is okay, maybe a little plasticky. Pkg 2 gets you leather and walnut dash but no moonroof which I had to have. Pkg 3 gets you everything but it will cost you. I live on a gravel road where dirt is an issue. The titanium gray does a good job hiding it.
IZOOM4
LEW, 07/10/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We looked ot SUV'S on and off for a couple of years before we drove the MAZDA. As soon as we drove it we both noticed it drove more like a car than most others we test drove. We have had many coments of how nice looking it is. This vehicle is a luxury for us we basicly only use it on the weekend,or when we are going together someplace. It is roomy on the inside and very comfordable. The leather heated seats are highly recomended. The way the seats fold is perfect for our Greyhounds 1 fits in the back & 1 in the back seat area(we just pull the seats up but dont put the backs down).
excellent choice
bloodworth, 07/10/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This SUV has all the features of a full size built into a mid size.
good buy
sun chaser, 07/10/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
very happy with suv so far. shorter than most suv,s , but easy to park and high enough for good visibility.More practical than a full size suv,better gas mileage,smaller trailering load of 3500 pounds however.I would spend a little more and get one loaded with sun roof ,ect.Wife likes better than her toyota camary.
BEWARE
Chris Wood 2, 06/21/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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 hasn't 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 Mazda's, and this experience has definately curbed my Mazda purchasing.
Fun and comfy!
pedslpaz, 07/24/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've only had my 2005 Tribute "s" (2wd) for a few days, but so far I love it! I had a 2003 Ford Escape Ltd for a few days, before I bought this Tribute, and now that I can compare the two, I can say that the Escape drove more like a truck and the Tribute drives more like a car.
I love my Tribute!!
CB, 05/29/2005
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my Tribute for almost a year now and I am still crazy about it! My 2004 Tribute is an amazing vehicle, fun to drive, wonderful interior room and looks awesome! I have had one issue with a recall (back hatch latch) but it was taken care of quickly and have had no problems since. I highly recommend the Tribute, there is no greater small SUV out there!
Great SUV/wagon/whatever it is...
flyingcow, 01/13/2005
2005 Mazda Tribute i Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
2000 miles, and am happy thus far, except for a few minor quibbles. 4 cylinder auto transmission is peppy, if you turn off the overdrive. Roomy, really fun to drive, turns on a dime, quiet, car-like, good seats, plenty of room in front AND in back (I'm 6/3), Feels solid on the highway. Excellent sound system - 100 watts will rock you out. 22 mpg in city, 25/26 mpg highway with automatic transmission (as advertised). Amazing price: $15,800. 4 year/50K warranty. Gotta buy it!
Love my Tribute
Benne, 07/26/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just bought in June of 2004. LOVE my tribute. Great ride, plenty of room and EXCELLENT gas milage compared to previously owned jeep cherokee.
best vehicle I ever owned
freespirit, 06/02/2005
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My Mazda tribute is is my baby, Handling is the best engine performance is great power right when you need it . You don't have to worry about handling curves because it is very smooth . Gas mileage on the highway is about 25-27 mpg. City mileage is poor 14-17 mpg.. All in all I love my Tribute
DG's Review
Kay Green , 07/31/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun to Drive and it handles like a passenger car.
Sweet
Downie, 08/01/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We looked over many of the SUV's, but decided on the Tribute. We have been happy so far. Rides like a car. Feels tight. My choice was finalized by my contentment of owning 3 Mazdas in the past and they were very reliabil. This is for the 2005 year model S with the V6.
Great Buy for an SUV
John Taylor, 06/09/2005
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Vehicle goes anywhere without problems...we've 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.
I Like This SUV
jerseypaws, 08/12/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This Tribby replaced a Ford Explorer Sport. What a difference! Handling, ride, comfort, performance, gas mileage, even radio reception are all much better than the Explorer. Has the feel of a much bigger SUV inside than the Liberty and RAV4 which I also tested. This Tribby came with Continental tires which I chose to upgrade to Michelin Cross Terrains for an additional $240.
2005 Tribute-S overview
Mark B., 02/13/2005
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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 5'0 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.
Zoom Zoom
Deb, 06/12/2005
2005 Mazda Tribute i Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
So far, I really love this SUV. It is a really comfortable vehicle and it is a pleasure to drive.
I love it
sylber, 08/16/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
proud owner of two tributes. love driving both of them. no problems noted.
good all around small SUV
nils, 06/14/2005
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Drove several Small SUV's 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. Don't pay extra for 4WD unless you're going to use it off-road.
A Tribute to Mazda 's Success
Meri24, 08/24/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
fun to drive
mr.pv, 09/13/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
love it, iam big guy and need a lot of room. the sound will blow you away.a 10 in my book.
I love my Zoom-Zoomer
Ldavisca1, 02/17/2005
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After careful research, using Edmund's.com as a tool, I selected the Mazda Tribute after finding that it matched 9 of the 10 criteria I insisted on having in an SUV. The test drives I took on the freeway and mountain roads sealed the deal. The Tribute in size and comfort beat out all the mid-size SUV's I considered, the safety features and style are high on my list, and it's an all-around pleaser on any road conditions it has faced. Driving it is not only fun, it's satisfying. It's a head-turner with it's step-tubes, gorgeous paint job, and all-around sporty look. The cargo area is spacious, easily accessible, and the secure. This SUV rocks!
2005 Mazda Tribute
Laura, 06/29/2005
2005 Mazda Tribute i Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Mazda Tribute with fwd and 4 cylinder engine gets great gas mileage city and highway. It's great fun to drive.
This car rules
MtotheC, 09/14/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had the 2005 Tribute S - Fwd for about 3 months and I love it. I have always had small compact cars so I worried about driving an SUV, but this car drives great. I love the new design and the cloth seats. I like how the black is no longer two-toned. It is very fun to drive and is a smooth ride.
GOOOD CAR
ISA GALLASHAW, 09/18/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
THE CAR IS VERY PRETTY AND ONE OF THE BEST SMALLER SUV'S THAT I HAVE SEEN. I LIKE IT A LOT BUT I AM LOOKING FIRWARD TO PURCHASING A TRAILBLAZER.
good
grinch, 09/26/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
just purchased i love it my wife is very happy she picked it out!!
2005 Mazda Tribute
anttoad, 09/26/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just recently purchased my Mazda Tribute and thoroughly enjoy every aspect of it. It is everything the salesman told me it would be. It is fun to drive and rides way better than I ever imaged it could. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone!!!
New Tribute
Wayne, 09/27/2005
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had the first model Tribute in 2001 and the 2005 has a few well needed improvements. It's quieter plus they finally got rid of that goofy "in the way" gear shifter. This vehicle needs a large gas tank to improve cruising range. I believe this is a good buy for the price.
Very Satisfied
LMcGee, 09/29/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I test drove many kinds of suv's on the market. The Mazda Tribute was the most comfortable suv to ride in. It is spacious and "oh" does it draw attention. I have been asked by many what is it called. I chose the Tribute because I received more options for my money compared to others that are similar.
First Mazda
John, 10/11/2005
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle is just ok. We traded in our Eddie Bauer Expedition so it's hardly fair to compare the two. The Mazda is louder inside than we expected and the mileage isn't really that great. Comfort is ok when you consider the size.
My Tribute!
Tiggirl, 10/09/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Rides smooth. Dashboard isn't too deep. Everything is within reach. Simple to operate. Highly recommend it for mountain driving. Exterior is classy and fun all in one! LOVE IT!
Definitely Worth A Look
badlands, 10/10/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After researching/test driving every SUV $40K and under I kept coming back to the Tribute. Overall,the Tribute is a winner. With the V6 it has better pickup and crisper handling then almost anything out there in the small/midsize SUV categories. Rides better on dirt roads than my Laredo did. 6in shorter than my old Jeep but still has reasonable cargo area and good front/back interior room. The sound system/6 cd player is equally as good if not better than the Infinity the Jeep had.If you are looking for an SUV with reasonable gas mileage(for an SUV), something that's fun to drive(the zoom zoom is for real), and a better bumper-to bumper warranty than most(4 yrs/50K mi),check out the Tribute.
Love My Tribute
Petes83, 10/21/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The whole experience of buying the Tribute was excellent. The dealership was very fair, working with a female sales rep was nice. The Tribute's performance, handling, and capabilities are excellent. Got an 05 Tribute V6 with moonroof for 24K with 0% financing. Quite a deal!