Used 2005 Mazda Tribute Consumer Reviews
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First Mazda
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!
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
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
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!
wow
Slick style, well built, nice features, good horsepower, excellent color, nice wheels. nice handling and drive as well
luvmytrib
This is my second Tribute, my first was a 2001. They sure have improved the gas mileage and I always get 20 mpg which I think is great for an SUV. This is such a reasonably priced vehicle with such great standard equipment such as the 6 CD changer, sunroof, abs, all power and more. I so highly recommend this SUV.
TRIBUTE
THIS IS MY SECOND TRIBUTE AND MY HUSBAND JUST TRADED IN HIS DODGE DAKOTA AND BOUGHT HIS FIRST TRIBUTE. ALL THREE FROM JOHN HINE PONTIAC IN SAN DIEGO. WE ARE 100% SATISFIED IN PERFORMANCE AND DESIGN.
This is our third Mazda...WOW!
I purchased the 2005 Tribute with every option except the DVD and running boards. I am 240 pounds and my husband is 6'4". Both of us fit well as other compacts were too small, doggy and had poor visibility for me (5'3"). The V8 is powerful -- quick off the start and ZOOMS around vehicles on the highway. The cargo door opens 2 ways unlike other SUVs. As with any compact, not a lot of leg room in the back seat. Mileage: town 18 highway 23. It will improve after it's driven more. Heated seats and mirrors are awesome, power adjustable seats are a snap to use, leather is high quality, paint job and appearance is second to none. You get the bang for your buck! Audio system rocks even for old folks.
review after 6 months
Still love it after 6 months. If you want a small suv with the combination of room and fuel economy, this puppy is it! No problems, Mazda dealer has been great on the minor issues. I recommend the Tribute.
The zoom-zoom is real
You've seen the advertisements... The "zoom-zoom" feeling is real... The seeling campaign of a sports car in an SUV is for real. I was simply astounded by the amazing smoothness of this SUV. The ride is unbelievably comfortable. This car is a steal. I was able to purchase this car for 20800 with an extra package which included an overhead compartment, a moonroof, an upgraded speaker system, and a compass rearview mirror amongst other upgraded features.
My Tribute
This SUV really drives like a car. Very reliable and easy to maneuver. Easy to park in any space.
ZOOM ...ZOOM
This Mini SUV has been a real pleasure to own! Before this vehicle, I had a '97 Ford Thunderbird, that I didn't really want to give up. But we needed something more suitable on gas, growing boys and a dog. We drove the Tribute from Florida, up to Mass, and the gas mileage was excellent. It handles great in the different climates, from rain to snow covered roads. I have two very energetic sons, and this SUV has been a huge plus in our active lives. For not purchasing a Lexus, or Mercedes SUV, I couldn't be happier so far!
the best of the rest
I have 7k miles on my "Redfire" 2005 AWD Tribbie, and it's a love hate relationship. Did a lot of comparison shopping, and it came down to this or the CRV. The Mazda cost a little more, but it's worth it. Great small suv, very practical, awesome performance and handling (I live in the mountains of Colorado.) Even in the basic package w- out a lot of options, this vehicle rules. My main issue with it is that the strong Ford V6 is 1.) kinda noisy, and 2.) extremely thirsty. I'm getting milage comparable to a Hummer! OK, not quite that bad, but no way I'm getting the advertised MPG. Try about 17 MPG. Otherwise this is a fantastic SUV.
Excellent
I have owned my Tribute since January. I test drove a Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner (all produced by Ford) and the Tribute was the best of the three. Better warranty, less expensive with a nicer interior and exterior. Gas mileage could be better.
No Ford badge = higher quality
Great little suv. Mazda has taken the escape platform and made little improvements across the board that add up to alot. Four year 50,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty coverage, 16" wheels, floor mats come standard(not with Ford). Mazda stands behind their product. Ford ? Tribute average mpg; 24.7!
LOVE IT!
When my husband and I went shopping for a new vehicle for me, I wasn't sure I was ready for an SUV. I've always considered myself a "car" person" so I was leaning more toward upgrading to a newer Honda or Acura than taking home an SUV. I am so glad that we came across the Tribute--it is so fun to drive, gives me all the space I need and more, rides as smoothly as a car, yet gives the visibility of an SUV. We take the Tribute everywhere and it really is exceeding our expectations. The gas mileage could be better (but I was used to a 5-speed Honda!) but all of the other perks definitely outweigh that one negative!
TIPS
NICE SUV VERY BAD ON GAS
A Tribute to the Mazda Tribute ES-V6
My Mazda Tribute ES-V6 is a 2003. I just purchased it last Tuesday and I love it!!! It's a safe ride, with fun and comfort all rolled into one vehicle.
my mazda
i love this suv
GREAT BUTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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....
Found an SUV I like
We have a Lexus 430 for long trips and nights out but wanted something to run around in. Since our kids are adults we never liked the big vans & SUV's & the small ones didn't feel comfortable. We didn't want to invest the money required to buy a Lexus SUV. We walked into Mazda and were immediately intrigued. The next day we bought it. We are having a ball looking for excuses to run to the store. We strongly recommend you consider this SUV.
Outstanding Compact SUV
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.
2nd Lease
This is the 2nd Mazda Tribute weve owned; both times we made a purchase we fully explored the possibility of purchasing others. For some reason we just came back to the same model but different color. I, being the husband, wanted to look into something else but my wife would have no part of it, she wanted this same car a 2nd time no matter what.
My experience with my Tribute
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.
Tribute - Gorgeous SUV, bad fuel economy
We got the s-model with the AWD, 6- cylinder and automatic transmission. It is a really good looking SUV (red with a silver bottom) and very fun to drive, however, if I had realized that the around town gas mileage was so poor, I don't know if I would have purchased this car. I don't do a whole lot of highway driving. I am getting just 16 miles per gallon! When you pay over $2 a gallon, it feels like I was ripped off! The sticker said 21 mpg and the salesman confirmed the number, but obviously was looking for a sale, not my interests. I'd love to hear what the 4-cylinder drivers are getting for gas mileage. You couldn't beat the incentives, though ($4000 cash back, or 0% financing).
Best Compact SUV on the market
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.
Our Second Mazda Tribute
We have a 2003 Mazda Tribute, and was so impressed with it, that we purchased a second one this year. 4WD handling is very sure-footed. Gas mileage is not a problem (if you read the reviews before you made the purchase) -- but not 12 mpg or anything extreme like that. Typically, 17/21 mpg city/hwy. The Tribute is excellent for towing too. Nice big moonroof and warm leather seats. Design is better in the 2005 versus the 2003 (gear-shift and air conditioning redesigned!). Cargo space is roomy, and the fold-down seats are easy to use. A little noisy, but highly recommended.
Great Little Ride
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 doesn't have is the v6 and sun roof. I average between 19 and 22 MPG around town. I'm 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 doesn't have enough power to get out of its own way much less fast moving traffic--IT IS SO SLOW!
Best of the Best
After driving and test driving SUV's for three months, we selected the Tribute to be the best overall. Price, style, comfort, fuel economy and ride. The Infinity FX35 and the GMC Envoy were close seconds. The leather package is very nice, the interior setup is very good. We took it on a 500 mile trip and it handled great! Fuel was great.
My new rig
Previously drove an Infiniti G35 for two years and find the Mazda Tribute to meet all of my needs....excellent stereo (nearly as good as the Bose system in the Infiniti)...Lumbar adjustment works well....plenty of power, but only getting about 16 mpg in town so far....Anyway I would rate this rig as an 8 against the 10 of the Infiniti.....not far behind for $15,000 less cost and cargo room is excellent even compared to larger SUV's that I compared it with......I swore I would never own an SUV, but I love this rig.........
Great SUV!
I am very happy with the Mazda Tribute.
My Tribute Rocks!!!!!
Best SUV in its class for the money. Comfortable ride, smooth like a car. Awesome in 12 inches of snow.
Zoom Zoom
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.
2005 Mazda Tribute S Fwd
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 do's and dont's. 5k on it now. Zoom Zoom
great choice
very good acceleration. very roomy. Awesome value
Can you say, "Recall(s)"
From the a month after buying, we had our first of now 5 recalls. I actually bought the 2003 model. Since then I have heard of no significant difference in the number of complaints to dealerships. The Tribute drives well around town and is built solid, but the engine proformance is horrible. Constant transmission problems. Dealerships are blaiming that on the non-Japanese built engine. The seats feel good at first, but after an hour, your rear end goes numb. Not a good road trip car. But around town, for the price, you can't beat it. I give it an average rating, all things considered. I recommendend paying an extra 2-3 thousand and getting more a SUV. I will never buy again.
tribute
this suv is the best. fun to drive.....fantastic car. smooth driving especially on the highway.
Great SUV
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.
Best in Class, Best in Price
I compared the specs of the Tribute against all competitors. The Tribute had the best specs in most areas in its class but about $2-4k less and a better warranty. I was very impressed. This is a great SUV. Could use some improvements, noted, but most all of them in its class could. The price couldn't be beat. This was a no brainier. Paid $16,750 4WD, auto.
great small suv
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
Fantastic Car
This has been the best car purchase. I wanted to get a 4x4 for Minnesota winters but still have a car that's fun to drive. This definitely lives up to it! The revamped interior with a substantial center console and gear shift make it much more luxurious than past models and it's space and handling create a much more versatile car than ones like Chevy Trailblazer. On road trips I get about 28mpg and all the comfort you could want.
Zoom Zoom
Love to drive it
What a find!
I recently purchased a 2005 Mazda Tirbute 4wd, 6cyl and have been very pleased. I took it on a long journey and it exceeded my expectations for handling, comfort, and performance. I owned a Buick Century and was used to geting 30 miles per gallon on the highway. With this SUV the mileage on the highway is about 22 and around town 18. That is the only drawback to this vehicle. It is fun to drive, loaded with safety options such side and front air bags, ABS standard brakes, all wheel drive and much more that makes it a real asset for your driving pleasure. After researching and researching compact SUVS for months, I am glad I purchased the Mazda Tribute. I think you will enjoy this vehicle
In sum: great value.
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 don't accommodate various sizes and heights. Tall drinks next to the center console latch won't 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.
tribute to mazda
i test drove all the vehicles in it's class. and i came down to mazda and honda. 2 great vehicles, but there wasn't any other vehicle in which i was instantly comfortable and at home. Mazda has always made a top notch vehicle. I had a b2200 for 9 yrs and the truck didn't cost me a dime. So i naturally wanted another mazda.Out of all vehicles in it's class, the Mazda tribute has the room and the stability that i was looking for, honda makes great cars also, but for the money i was getting alot more in the Mazda that were standard features like abs brakes and 16" wheels.the 4cyl could be alittle more responsive but is nice, this is the all around the best suv for the money. great vehicle.
Excellent SUV
This is an awesome SUV! Lots of interior room, cargo area folds flat (with the rear headrests removed), handles very nicely, tons of value for the money. I only have 1000 miles on it so far, but it's incredibly fun to drive, handles like a car too, especially on turns. Others have complained about wind noise - bah! I've had this up to 85 mph, very quiet inside, quieter than most of the cars I've had.
Supreme
This is the best suv around Mazda is the most reliable car. I have owned a Ford Explorer and it was terrible. I will never buy anything again if it's not Mazda. This Tribute has great space in front and back. It is fun to drive has great suspension, etc. I could go on all day. If you need more info. you just need to test drive one and that will explain it all. Besides all the great features the price is right! I've had 8 people buy a Tribute because they loved mine so much, even my neighbors have them, co-workers, etc. Just do yourselves the biggest favor and own yours now!
Mazda Tribute
I love my Tribute and everything about it.The style is so nice. We had a 2002 before we got a 2005. We plan to stay with the Tribute.
Glad to own Tribute
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.
Not a 6
Purchased a Mazda 6 11/04. Not a thing gone wrong to date. Tribute had lock problems from factory, engine failure (plugs and computer) at 9K. You can see the Ford connection in this truck. Also no where near the advertised fuel mileage. First and last Mazda SUV.