Used 2005 Mazda Tribute Consumer Reviews
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Emiley's experience with Tribute
rich emiley, 12/28/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is our 2nd Tribute, we had a 2002. We never liked the column shift on our 2002, 2005 moved it where it belongs, middle console. Milage has slipped from 22 to 19. The Tribute has lots of room for a smaller SUV. We drive our Tribute in Northern Wisconsin and it handles well in snow, never came close to slowing down in deep snow. The noise at higher speeds seems better than our 2002. The interior looks great and the radio has 190 watts with 7 speakers gives great sound to what ever music you like. Do not feel Mazda had enough colors to pick from and do not like smaller size trailer hitch.
4WD option
Ed Solari, 01/10/2005
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my second 4x4 Tribute S. Also own a 2002 4x4 ES. The vehicle is both good looking and dependable. I only have two concerns. #1 in the 2002 model there is a 4x4 button so you can select full time 4wd. I like this feature a lot. In the 2005 it is fully automatic and you don't have the option to select full time 4wd and for that matter there is no indication what so ever if your in 4WD. I want to know if the system is working and if I am locked in. #2 The gas mileage I would consider to be on the poor side. I don't believe for a minute that the fuel economy is what it is rated at. This seems to be a common problem for many Ford motors.
Don't buy it for the fuel Economy
No gas savings here!, 01/05/2005
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
If most of your driving is in local traffic this is not the car for you. The sticker promised 18 mpg city driving, I'm getting 12.5!!! When I called both the dealership and Mazda home office they said I had a heavy foot (not true) or it needed more time to break in. Well it's been 7 months and no improvement is found, however the highway mileage was much better then stated. The sticker stated 21 mpg I'm getting 26 mpg.
'05 Tribute a Best Buy
Tribute One, 10/02/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased my new, 2005 Tribute five months ago after test-driving several larger, more expensive SUV's, and the Ford Explorer. The Tribute continues to impress me every time I get behind the wheel. It's manuverability, quiteness, handling, and responsiveness are excellent. The suspension provides excellent road feel and control. Overall, Mazda has put together a great package in a small SUV, combining the perfect degree of style, performance, and comfort that I was looking for. I have owned two Mazda's prior to this purchase, This is my first SUV and I highly recommend the Tribute.
creaks, ticking, moans
kelleyartist, 05/27/2005
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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