Used 2005 Mazda Tribute Consumer Reviews
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Love this SUV
seemmons, 11/02/2011
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
38 of 39 people found this review helpful
I love, love, love this car. My tribute currently has 89,000 mi. It's everything a small SUV should be. In the V6 with 4wd, it's powerful quick. I spend 2hrs in mine daily, both highway and dirt roads, and it's just as stable on the mud as it is on pavement. I'm getting around 25mpg. On our first big snow, I hit 4WD, and drove this thing through the mud and 16" of snow up a hill without so much as slip. It's much more stable than I feel the Jeeps are, and when test driving, blew away even the Escape. Mine also has an enormous sunroof, stylish leather and idiot-proof 6 CD changer. There also isn't a dog, a ladder or power tool my hubby and I can't fit in it.
310,000 mi no sign of stopping!
Larry, 08/01/2016
updated 08/07/2019
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
34 of 36 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 305,000 miles on it at a habitat for humanity store(thrift). only had to have the front main seal replaced and the serpentine belt $150.about 2 weeks after i got it.No problems since.going strong.A little over a year later,322,500 miles and prepping for a trip to Mi.no problems to report except the sun roof leaks like a sieve.8/7/2019 347,000 miles.planning our 3rd trip to michigan from florida with this mazda built by FORD.yes I would recommend this vehicle. i siliconed the sunroof shut,no more leaks!
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Mostly a great car
zel1, 05/14/2011
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
29 of 31 people found this review helpful
We have put 164,000 miles on our Tribute, including many long highway trips and back woods driving on two-tracks in the UP of Michigan. We required a new (rebuilt Ford) transmission at 94,000 miles, which possibly can be attributed to driving with cupped tires that probably vibrated it to pieces. Mileage is so-so, up to about 21.5 on the highway (we are usually pretty heavily loaded on trips). A/C, defroster, heater have always given some problems, but still work OK. Never burned a drop of oil, and still has good power on the highway. Hoping to make 250,000 miles.
Going Strong 125k
tannerrocks, 02/25/2012
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
21 of 23 people found this review helpful
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 don't 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.
Great ride
a_clemons, 07/15/2010
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
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 don't exceed the speed limit. High (but bearable) wind noise at highway speeds. Drives like a car. Easy to park.
Nice but too many issues
mitc1109, 05/20/2009
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
18 of 21 people found this review helpful
Bought it new off the lot in 2005. Got a great deal so I can't complain all that much. However, I have never been able to keep rotors on it. Have had them replaced three times!! When stopping, the vibrations are ridiculous! Props to the dealership though who has replaced the rotors every time under warranty. Just a hassle. Gas mileage is not great but it's pretty good in the New England snow for a FWD vehicle. I still like it a lot better than the Ford Escape (someone else in my family has one of those). Fun to drive and the 6 cylinder has some good pickup.
Cream of the Crop
srambus, 11/30/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute i Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
My 16yr old son and I spent a good month of his summer vacation test driving and researching smaller SUV's. After extensive research and many many test drives, the Tribute clearly rose to the top. Best combination of gas mileage and style and comfort. When a KILLER deal came up in the local paper I jumped on it. I love the fact that the interior gives me the feeling of driving a much larger SUV, yet the actual driving and handling are definately carlike and peppy. The steering wheel has a nice grip and texture to it. In other SUVs I felt a roll or tipping sensation going around corners, but in the Tribute it's practically non- existant. All in all, Zoom Zoom for sure!
Its old, so what do expect?
Uncle Jon, 12/27/2018
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
When buying any 10+ year vehicle with over 150K miles, realize the engine is due for an overhaul and a lot things start going bad. I owned this vehicle since it was new and preferred a Luxury model such as this. The leather seats were very cheaply made and wore through after 5 years. Gas mileage was always abysmal, but that is always true of the larger Ford engines. Very few repairs in the early years except for an early replacement of the coil set (2 times). Engine light stayed lit for 3 years and we could not figure out why. I guess that dashboard light was well made.
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2005 Mazda tribute s v6
ericvlewis, 08/02/2013
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
Driving strong at 255K miles only 2000 in maintenance since I bought it in 2006 phenomenal vehicle
Terrible build quality
Ryan, 03/17/2016
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
19 of 24 people found this review helpful
I've owned this car since 2005 and treated it pretty well. Only 125,000 miles on it, and it's totaled now. Mazda won't recall an inherent flaw causing passenger wheel well to rust out prematurely around strut mount. It's a $3000+ repair. I've already put $3000 into damages when the ecm caused engine misfires on one side of engine at 82,000 miles, destroying 2 of the 3 catalytic converters in the process, and another $1000 or so in random parts like alternator, starter control arms etc. Stay away from this dumpster fire of a vehicle, and it's twins the Ford escape and mercury mariner which feature the same flaws.
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2005 Mazda S AWD 3.0 V6
redeye, 05/19/2009
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
Didn't like it at first, but it steadily grew on me. Noisy at highway speeds, some interior and dashboard controls are poorly designed and impossible to see at night. Heated seat button is in a truly odd place. Body creaks and groans, wallows over some highway undulations. All this and I still like it....can't put my finger on it...maybe it's just that it is reliable, decent on gas (ECU went bad at 80,000 and I put a rebuilt one in that improved mileage to 24 - 25 hwy), tires wear forever and it does go in the snow better than any car i have driven.
GOOD SCOOT ABOUT OR ROAD CAR
zippadeedudah, 02/19/2005
2005 Mazda Tribute i Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I am averaging 23 mpg around the city and recently got 26 mpg on trip from Atlanta to Virginia. The 4-cylinder engine is all most people need for the pep they would expect. Price is extreme reasonable if you negotiate and stand steadfast. This car is stylish and has been extensively engineered. I am a staunch proponent of it.
Unlucky
Unlucky Owner, 12/15/2008
2005 Mazda Tribute i AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Ownweship experence, Wow where do I start, one alternator, four coils, new breaks all around,a front drive shaft and today a sensor costing 1200 before labor & taxes all before reaching 100,000K. Mazda claims there are no problems with the Tribute, but I say they need to look into it more closely. The SUV is just getting broke in at 97,000 what happened to having a product you could see 100,000 miles on.
Zoom, zoom!
dc_driver, 01/12/2005
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Drove all of the top selling small to mid-size SUVs, and the Tribute won my vote. It was quick, and drove more like a car than a truck (better handling than all the others SUVs). For the money, you cannot beat the features on the S with package 3 (leather, sunroof, 6 disc changer, heated seats, etc). I compared prices, and with the incentives this vehicle was $2-10K less expensive than comparably equipped SUVs. The AWD system is wonderful, and you never feel it come on or have to worry if you hit some tough weather or roads. Great room (both front, backseat, and storage). Well thought out interior, with good build quality and materials for the money. This is a winner!
Fun to drive
Jay, 02/18/2005
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I enjoy driving this tribute. It handles great in the snow and slippery roads. I wish it had a little better mileage and a bigger gas tank. It only holds 15 gallons @18 to 20 mpg. I live at the gas station. The car drives well and is roomy. No major problems after driving it for 9000 miles. I would buy another one.
Nice small SUV , handles like a car
GeorgeP, 11/14/2008
2005 Mazda Tribute i Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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.
Fun Car
Like the Mazda, 06/19/2010
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Have 88000 miles on the Tribute and really like it. Have new front brakes and new tires. However, had to have front left and right axles replaced -- which was a shock as the car handles so well. I do like driving the car and it has held up well. I have leather seats and the leather is still like new. Would definitely buy another one.
Problems with my Tribute
Maria, 08/28/2008
2005 Mazda Tribute i AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I love driving my Tribute, wonderful in bad weather, great visibility. It is noisy, but generally I have liked it except it has had lots of problems. Electrical - completely died in traffic at 30,000 miles. Had to have computer reset. Transmission problems at 34,000 miles. Now I just had to have radiator and coolant system replaced at 42,000. All covered by warranty and service excellent but I am afraid to keep it. I need reliable car to travel to see elderly parents.
Really Great
Dan, 02/01/2008
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
No problems in 21000 miles. Acceleration, conering, turning radius, all really good. A very easy handling vehicle with good vision. Mileage, 20 city, 27 interstate at 70 mph. Other than noisy tires I love it.
rusty rusty
Judy Romano, 05/08/2016
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
8 of 11 people found this review helpful
The bottom of my car rusted out no support from the dealership I finally found a welder who welded a new bottom on my car and today the arm that puts my car into gear will not move
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2005 tribute problems
diverdan1, 11/05/2011
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
8 of 11 people found this review helpful
since buying this vehicle i have had 7300.00 warranty work done on it and heaven alone knows how much apparently my problems i have spent on it. it is the worst vehicle i have ever owned and suggest to anyone to do some thorough research before ever buying a mazda ford tribute. apparently my problems are not over yet according to my mechanic. buyer be aware when purchasing one of these.
Love Mazda for this car
Austin Reed, 02/08/2016
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
Great buy. This was my first car which has 149,000 miles on it. It broke down one time and wounded up costing me nearly 1,700 butI believe it was because the previous owners did not take of the vehicle whatsoever. Other than that the car runs great and performs near perfectly for a 2005 in the year of 2016. one of the best 11 year old cars I have seen out there.
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No more Zoom Zoom
No more Fords, 03/03/2010
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
Transmission failed at 27,000 miles, one year after warranty expired. After $3,000 to replace transmission and insure check engine light no longer came on, I traded the vehicle. Mazda declined to make any payment toward replacement of transmission although dealer said it was a manufacturing defect. I have owned three previous Mazda's but Zoom Zoom is gone gone.
Careful - has a Ford engine.
Riley, 07/26/2010
2005 Mazda Tribute i AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
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 aren't 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 couldn't 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. I've had to replace all my spark plugs three times and replaced all three catalytic converters. Some transmission probs.
Blazing on!
vye wise, 04/22/2016
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
7 of 11 people found this review helpful
everyone raves about the color, roomy & comfortable for 5 adults
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Blown engine
pjl7, 09/08/2013
2005 Mazda Tribute i Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
22 of 40 people found this review helpful
We read all the reviews about this vehicle before we bought two years ago. This is not the car to buy if you are looking for a reliable older vehicle. Yesterday, the engine blew and left our son stranded on the interstate. We now have a decision to put another $2,000 to $3,000 to fix or just scrap and payoff the remainder of the five year loan. Less than 100,000 miles, no warnings! Do not buy this vehicle.
2005 Tribute Fwd
David, 01/13/2005
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've had the Tribute for 2 months now and I couldn't be happier. I priced out the Escape and the Mariner but ended up with the Tribute for the styling, standard 16" wheels, warranty (4 years/50000 miles), and the aggressive pricing from the dealership. Even if you live in a cold climate, the FWD is more than adequate for getting through snow and the antilock brakes are very effective. I test drove the new 4 cylinder and it was fine but the 6 cylinder is much smoother and the gas mileage is still respectable. Give the Tribute a look and tell the dealer that you're seriously considering an Escape. The price will come down considerably. Hope this helps!
Should get better gas mileage for a 4 cylinder
dennis, 10/21/2005
2005 Mazda Tribute i AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Traded my Camry for this and wish I had kept it mainly for gas mileage. Thought a 4 cylinder would do good but I get only 23 on trips even with just myself in the car. I added a power roof which I like. Passenger door does not accept key so the only way in is the driver's door if you don't have remote. This is sometimes a pain as I try to keep my keychain from being too bulky esp. if carrying remotes for other cars too. There was a recall for the back hatch door lock which was minor. I have about 17000 miles and no real problems so far other than it is sluggish on the highway, esp. hills and has to downshift to climb. It does that a lot on trips. It does ride smooth and is sporty. It is just OK.
For the price you can't beat it.
judyrom1, 11/16/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
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.
Excellent
Suzie, 02/18/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 8 people found this review helpful
This is a great family car and is also great for a single person. This SUV drives excellent. The SUV handles as well as a car with the feel of a truck. I would recommend this to a single family with a couple of kids or someone single that wants a sporty look.
Outstanding Tribute!
Jimbo, 06/13/2009
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have had no problems with this vehicle. It has been a pleasure to own.
Awesome Vehicle
steelerfan500, 12/30/2008
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I lovemy Mazda, so far I have not had a bit of trouble with it. I got a great deal on the 6 cyl. and it has excellent pickup. The only 2 mistakes I made is to buy a black vehicle and to get cloth seats (I have a child) but the car is great I have no complaints at all. If I had to list something it would be to get better gas mileage, currently I get 21 MPG in the city.
So far so good!
lmvp17, 07/14/2009
2005 Mazda Tribute i AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought my gently used '05 fully loaded Tribute (3.0, 4WD w/ towing package) couple months ago and so far so good. Had some trouble with the engine light but that was fixed by replacing the gas cap. I tow my 16ft fishing boat with ease and felt confident when the 4x4 kicked in to pull the loaded trailer out of the lake. Left the moon roof open one night through a rainstorm and had my interior and dash completely soaked! Surprised to say absolutely no electrical problems and leather still looks brand new. Only thing I wish it had was ability to play MP3's!
Great SUV
PAT HEMPHILL, 08/22/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I HAVE TAKEN THE SUV ON TWO TRIPS AND HAD BAD WEATHER ON BOTH TRIPS. THE MAZDA DID GREAT IN THE STORM ON BOTH TRIPS. THE GAS MILAGE WAS NOT GREAT,BUT GOOD. I HAVE ENJOYED DRIVING THE MAZDA TRIBUTE YOURS TRULY, PAT H.
Somewhat Disappointed
tributedriver4now, 11/23/2007
2005 Mazda Tribute i Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have 50,000 miles on our Tribute and I must say that I have been disappointed in the gas mileage (nowhere near what was rated). I purchased the 4 cyl to get better milage but often get below 20. The 4 cyl isn't quite enough power for this vehicle. When it is loaded down and the AC is running it can't pull small hills without shifting down. The seat material shows every spot and has to be cleaned very often. But the price was right compared to the Ford Escape twin. Much of the features would have cost more on the Ford version.
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.
Dependable
Norm, 05/23/2007
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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 don't 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 I'm 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.
No No No more Mazdas for me.
BNAride, 10/16/2007
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Two weeks after purchase gas pedal stuck wrecked vehicle and could not get parts from customs. Recalled for gas pedal shortly after. I have had recalls for door latches. The headlights have been replaced due to condensation build up. Now the door ajar light stays on. Latest I am told that I need to have the engine replaced due to the oil light staying on. I am really disappointed in this vehicle. I have owned 6 mazdas and they have been great.
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
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.
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.
It meet the high expectations
C Daugherty, 12/14/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love to drive. I actually enjoy car shopping. I've driven all of the new Mazdas and settled on the Trib. I enjoy driving this car a lot. The handling, feedback and pick up are satisfying. The car stays very flat around corners and the car has torque when needed. (My wife and I got ride of a Honda CR-V for the lack of torque) The seats are comfy and the materials are good. Plenty of head room a 6 footer front or back. I got the Dark Red/Gray S 4wd V6 with the moon roof/audio package. For any car and the money you pay, the expectations should be high, the Trib does not disappoint.
zoom...zoom...zoom
Mike, 08/30/2005
2005 Mazda Tribute s Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I really enjoy our new Tribute. Lots of bells and whistles for the price. The rebates make it awesome. You don't see a tremendous amount of Tributes on the road, I don't like to be "part of the crowd". The gas tank could be larger and the gas mileage could be better. When you accelerate you can feel the vehicle tugging at different rates. The dealership I purchased at had two different personalities, before purchase and after purchase, that is the only "real" negative experience. I can live with the rest! Zoom....Zoom....Zoom.....
Good Move
Bill Cupo (The Coop), 03/28/2006
2005 Mazda Tribute i Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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 won't 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.
Good buy for the price
lkiersh, 02/17/2005
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Love the truck, runs and handles great. My evaluation was that MAZDA offered the best package of this SUV compared to FORD Escape or Mercury Mariner. Downside is, no passenger operated power door locks. No daytime running lights offered. No tinted windshield offered (upper band). No backup warning system offered. Spare tire under the vehicle is a minus.
'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.
Best of the Best
Bfelosi, 08/21/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my 2nd Tribute and they only get better. The exterior is beautiful and the interior is even better, with very comfortable seating and a very smooth and quiet ride. Handling of this vehicle is amazing on sharp curves and steep roads. These vehicles are loaded with standard features! I am hooked on my Mazda Tribute!
Scootin' Along
LDavisca, 07/13/2004
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Driving this SUV is more than easy, it's downright fun! It handles like a dream and the smooth ride feels like cruising in a pricier, larger vehicle. The spacious cargo area doesn't take away any of the backseat legroom, passengers are comfortable and enjoy the ride. Easy rear access through either the window or whole tailgate is a real treat. This SUV responds well on any road surface and handles like a dream on freeways as well as in city traffic. My choice was made after a lot of research and I'm extremely pleased with this happy little vehiicle! Front legroom and headroom are the best in any small SUV!
Drag a wagon
Robert Garvey, 03/31/2005
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
After being lied to about the invoice price which resulted in paying 26,500.00 we did not get the features we wanted. It took three weeks to get delivery because they claimed it arrived at the dealer with "slashes (keyed)" over the front panel. Then it had to have the windshield replaced because a rock hit it while driving it back to the dealership.by then we were no longer eligable for the $2,000.00 rebate. After receiving delivery, it still has a small dent in the chrome on the hood. It rides like a childs wagon being pulled down the street. It hits every imperfection in the road like a speed bump. It makes it impossible to try and make notes or write in the rear seat.
I'd buy it again!
Tim G., 02/17/2005
2005 Mazda Tribute s AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this vehicle primarily to pull a pop up trailer in the mountains. Mine is equipped with all wheel drive. It has performed admirably. However, it doesn't get the best mileage while pulling the trailer, but what car or truck does under these conditions? This brings up another point associated with the mileage; the fuel tank is only 16 gallons, not enough when you're only getting 14-15 mpg. Except for the above mentioned, I'm very happy with my choice.