Used 2006 Mazda Tribute Consumer Reviews
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Awesome little SUV!
I bought my '06 Tribby used in 2010 and it has served me very well with no major mechanical problems. This is a great car for a DIYer, because the maintenance is easy to perform. It handles quite well, with almost a car-like feeling. Performance is decent as well, it can easily tow small boats and trailers with no problem. It does lack a little power when you seat 5 and haul luggage and a trailer, but this has to be expected for a 200hp and sub-200 ft/lbs vehicle. A downside of the car is that fuel economy isn't very good. Traction in the snow is amazing, the 4wd does its job very well. I have never been stuck anywhere, even in the worst Quebec snowstorms with 50cm of snow (of course, good winter tires and the high ground clearance also help). It has plenty of cargo space and the interior is roomy. The sound system is decent but I wish it at least had an auxiliary input. Just do your regular maintenance and replace aging parts before they fail, and this car will amaze you with its reliability. Mine is going on 10 years and I feel almost no signs of aging (keep in mind that I have taken great preventive care of it, religiously changed all fluids, etc.). You should also be careful of rust buildup, I had some rust starting on the tailgate and had it fixed by a bodyshop before it was too bad. 10/10 would recommend
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Nice value
Gas mileage is as low as 12-15 mpg in town. Max of 21 mpg long distance hwy. Very reliable. NO repairs needed since 2006. No major repairs needed still, just basic maintenance and brakes.
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Roll Over Accident
I owned a 2006 Tribute. I loved it. But the day before Thanksgiving me and my 3 year old daughter were involved in a roll over accident. Witnesses say it rolled 6-7 times. It happened so fast that I couldn't be sure how many times it rolled. I had my seat belt on, my daughter was sitting behind me in her car seat. WE BOTH WALKED AWAY WITH MINOR INJURIES (some bumps) but WE WALKED AWAY. The frame held up perfectly, the door where my daughter was sitting was almost perfect except a few scratches on the top. I was so impressed with the way this suv protected us that I'm going to buy another one. It's all about safety when it comes to my family and this proved safe. This time I will get the v6.
2006 Tribute Can't Tow
I researched and bought my 2006 Tribute s AWD, but it did not have the factory tow package. The dealer told me that you can add a hitch. The only problem is that it won't accept aftermarket wiring! I had two different trailer wiring harnesses installed by a pro and they both fired the module. The second one burned out the Tribute's computer. Mazda replaced it as a "good will gesture", but said that it can't accept an aftermarket trailer harness. My tribute also needed the leather driver's seat cover replaced, and a sunroof switch. Can anyone help with the wiring issue. I really want to tow a small trailer and also want to keep the tribute. BTW- it only gets 18-20mpg around town.
Fun at First...but then
When we first got the Tribute we really loved it. We got an extended warranty since we bought the car used. This was a good thing because wheel bearings, the 4WD shift controller, Rear Suspension where just some of the things that needed to be fixed in the first few months. We took on a trip through the Maritimes and it had lots of pick-up, no issues on climbing some hilly terrain or passing. The comfort inside was great, but the radio broke and cup holder kept coming off. The all leather interior on our model was great and easy to clean.
A Good Ride
Bought my Tribute new and chose it over the competitors because of price and value. I've owned it for 4 years and never had any problems with it. I would have kept for many more years but needed more room after finding out we were having our 3rd child,so we traded for a minivan. It gets pretty good gas mileage for an suv around 21mpg nice ride but a little noisy at higher speeds. Good family suv and good trunk space. Overall a great value compared to the other small suvs on the market.
CRAPPY CRAPPY TRANSMISSION!!!!
I bought my Tribute w/ 77k on her 17 months ago and first off it is VERY weak. I maintain my vehicle myself and do so very OCD like. The transmission gave out on me @ 108k. My only complaints are the noticable lack of power and the PATHETIC transmissions Mazda designed and installed on these vehicles! Thank Goodness I have a GREAT hookup here in NC which rebuilt the tranny with much better than factory parts. I took out and reinstalled the transmission myself which saved $400. The rebulid alone was $900 which is a deal. If you buy a Tribute be prepared to replace the tranny without ANY doubt. For someone without help or ability its gonna be $1800-$2500..EASY Good luck, You'll need it!!!
Used to love her Part TWO!
An update to my previous post from 9/09. Sooo I ended up spending just over $3000 to have my transmission rebuilt, if only I could post the pictures! ALL of the metal parts in the transmission were all eaten up, its as if the metal they used weren't heated up to the right temperature when it was being produced. The company fixing it has never seen such a thing on a new car in their 30 yrs of business. So I think it's over,a little over a month and my other ABS wheel axle, one of the main reasons all the problems came to light starts going out, affecting once again my transmission, faulty axles and crappy transmission material. 3 months later I'm driving a BMW X3! Obviously way better quality!
posting an update of problems
At 3100 miles, transmission broke and was replaced. New transmission sometimes searches and kicks into gear, it's back in the service department now going on 3days. Now have 4700 miles on it. Rear windshield wiper assembly fell off when I was washing it. After hitting the pavement, I have a nice scratch on it. Noticed an indentation in the middle of the dash about 3-4 inches long. Right front lower door sheet metal has 5 lines in it. Very poor workmanship and quality. Am starting mediation with factory right now. I feel ripped off. Wonder what will break or fall off of it next. I do not feel safe in this vehicle and recommend to those who might buy one, not to. Nothing but problems since I bought.
Perfect basic transportation
I have always owned Toyotas, but hate the redesigned RAV. So I looked at the Tribute and got a great end of year deal. Now, I only require a vehicle with a CD player and AC, so features don't interest me. This car is reliable, economical (I get nearly 30 mpg on the highway and high 20s around town. I've had no mechanical problems in 45,000 and the tires are still original. Honda CRVs chew up the tires! The Tribute has room to tote lumber, move furniture and carry tools, but it's also comfortable on long trips and handles very well. I would buy another one in a heartbeat. Plus, my dealer charge for service is very reasonable. It's a great SUV!
Like Sports Car, but smoother, quieter
The 2.3L is surprisingly peppy for the 3500 lb curb weight. Handles more like the sports car I traded in for it, just not as quick on takeoff, yet the ride is more like a luxury car, much quieter then the sports car was (still some road noise). Gas mileage could be improved. Electronic 4WD system seems capable after I ran it through mud & snow. Ground clearance is adequate to have some fun, but I would not risk damaging the sexy exterior look. I feel safe in this competent, comfortable, roomy compact SUV. Factory cargo space flooring materials could be upgraded, but serve the purpose.
Dead at 47,000 miles
I've had this car for 6 1/2 years and just paid it off months ago. I loved this car the entire time I had it. Rarely had to put any money into it other than maintenance. It was the perfect size for me and went great in the snow. Until last week. The valves started to tap and before I could get to a gas station to put oil in it, the engine locked up. No warning. Got it to the repair shop and upon inspection, they found that the engine was dead - $5,300 for a new engine. Since that is about what the blue book value is, I decided to just buy a new car. The oil had been changed last 4,000 miles ago. There was no reason for the oil to have leaked, but apparently it did. Trade in $500.
Will never buy a Mazda Again
At first this vehicle was great. Loved how sturdy it was and how it drove. UNTIL I hit 70,000 miles. Things went south and fast. So far the oil pan had to be re-sealed TWICE, the transmission was leaking, the rack and pinon leaking (for break fluid), the starter had to be replaced, and now the alternator is bad. This all has happened in under a year. The dealership I bought it from stated I had an extended warranty for buying it and they also did not honor that warranty so all of the above was paid out of pocket. I really got a crappy Mazda. With 2 kids and hubby being the only one that works and me in school, This car has really put us in a hole and that is an understatement.
Zoom zoom ... yeah
This little puppy has guts and handles nicely in any situation. Acceleration from 0 -60 is quick, smooth, and a pleasure to experience. Trusty reaction time! Nice interior with spacious leg room, well laid out, and all controls in easy access.
2006 Mazda 4-dr SUV 5 spd Manual
Have had the car for 3 years now. Although the car seems underpowered with the smaller engine the gas mileage is very good, the manual transmission really makes the difference. Comfortable in town and on trips and handles very well. So far has aged well both inside and out despite dogs and kids.
great value among all SUV in market
this is great SUV, for less than 19k , which i paid this suv is great for its class and performance, i drove 29k miles and still going great , did not spend any dime other than regular oil change sporty and sexy suv,can not beat its value and class and modest price tag
don't do it
To all viewers on this web site. I bought a Mazda Tribute 04/02 for a graduation gift for my daughter (her choice) we have had nothing but TROUBLE from day 1. We have had it in for service more than i can say for air bag trouble. they cant seem to fix. I am trying to have mazda buy it back with no luck they say there is nothing wrong but if the air bag light is on the air bag will NOT deploy i have had it in for recalls 3 times when i complain the dealer says nothing the vehicle gets 8 to 10 miles per gallon they will tell me thats not bad when it should get 18 to 22 or so the dealer has changed people is the service so no one can say a thing so if you want a good car dont buy mazda
Used to love her...
We purchased my '06 Tribute brand new in '05 with only 17 miles on it. We couldn't stop raving about how nice it was and how we had never had any issues with it. That was until the transmission gave out ONE month after the warranty expired. It only has 33,000 miles on it & Mazda Corp. refuses to help me out. I couldn't produce sufficient paperwork proving that I've had oil changes showing that we've been maintaining it. After two weeks of waiting for Mazda's response it's now at a local garage getting a new transmission on MY dollar. I have two Mazda's, long time customer, I will never buy another Mazda again.
Love my V-6 Tribute
I bought my Tribute brand new off the showroom floor, it had 7 miles on it. She now has almost 90,000 miles on her and she is still going strong. I do regular oil changes, had a transmission service at 60-K, just had the transfer case fluid changed about 1,000 miles ago. The vehicle is fun to drive, does very well in the snow, has great get up and go power. Fuel economy could be better, but it is a full time AWD vehicle, so nothing unexpected. She averages about 21-22mpg on highway and 16-18 in the city traffic. So far so good, she is well out of warranty so fingers crossed no issues arise.
Biggest little SUV
After owning Jeep products since 1991. When it came time for a new vehicle the Jeep was out because of the Cherokee's poor new look and gas mileage was suddenly a factor again. So, since I need the space of the Jeep and wanted AWD with reasonable gas mileage, I kept coming back to the Tribute/Escape/Mariner. A friend got a 2005 Tribute. Once I drove it, I knew this would be the only reasonable Jeep replacement. The Tribute, because of incentives, was the best price of the three. After a long search (AWD's are hard to find) one FINALLY showed up on my local dealer's lot with all the extras I wanted and I got it out the door for $25K. I couldn't be happier. Definitely made the right choice.
Zooooooom Zooooooom
I've had this car about a month and I love it, my 2 year old loves to go for drives. Lots of space, my daughter can stick her legs out and not kick the back of my seat. Our 2 week old son's carseat fits in there real nice while the drivers seat can be all the way back if needed.
Zoom Zoom My Tail!! Bad Car
I posted about 2 months ago because the Tranny went out! This has been the most terrible vehicle that I have ever owned! In addition to the transmission going out at about 108k now my engine is shot. The vehicle has a 112k on it now. It's the 2.3 4 cylinder 2x4. Very Slow, very little performance at all. They look sharp but without doubt a true money pit disaster. I drive my car very easy and perform routine maintanence ahead of time!! All out just a bad vehicle!!!
Mazda Tribute
Love my Tribute! I researched extensively and decided on the Tribute over the Escape and Mariner due to slightly lower price (with rebates) and the 4/50K warranty vs. 3/36K. The only other one I considered was a Hyundai (I disliked the GMs). This is a fun-to- drive mini-SUV with all imaginable amenities included on package 3. The only things missing: steering-wheel radio controls and a message center (mileage, trip running time, etc.). Some owners gripe of the gas mileage, but I have averaged 19.3 during the initial 900 miles (50-50 split of highway & city miles). C'mon people -- it's an AWD V6 SUV, not a compact car with a tinny 4-cylinder. Heck, my underpowered '94 Subaru only got 18/26.
Safe!
I drove a mazda tribute for 4 years and had a head on collusion in it, that should have killed me and this car kept me alive.
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Great little 4WD
I have driven this SUV over Donner Pass crest during the worst three snow storms in the last decade and we were not leading but not far behind the big truck with giant show tires leading the pack. Great little car.
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Road Noise and Tire Replacement
I have a 3.0L 6-cyl. automatic that I bought new in Oct. 2006. It has performed well and has required no warranty work to date. I had to replace the tires at 23,783 due to very loud road noise that continued to get louder over time. It was the poor quality Continental Tires that were factory installed. Once I replaced the tires, no more road noise. I wish that I had replaced the tires long ago.
Will they learn its all about the seats?
I test drove a 2005 model, 4 cylinder last year, and found it sporty My only complaint was why do the designers not add even 1" more padding to the front seats? This would open the potential to a whole new range of buyers. We decided to buy an '06 just recently, and it is perfect for what we need. Family of four, with two big dogs, who get the rear cargo area. I am 5' 11", and 200 lbs, with a 44" chest and I have plenty of room for both with room to spare.
Our New Tribby...
My wife and I traded in a 2003 Land Rover Freelander SE for a 2006 Tribute i 4WD and let me tell you how happy we are! The Freelander gave us nothing but agony... it was in the shop for mechanical and electrical problems almost every 3-4 months since we had bought it and the service dept. was always booked! Since purchasing our new Tribby, our lives have become much less worrisome. It's nice having a SUV that is fun to drive and actually reliable all at the same time. Our Tribby comes with power everything, 16 in. alloys, and a fuel efficient engine that has been getting 23 MPG around town. We love this car and we now love Mazda. I am buying the new Miata next! The Tribute is a great buy!
Five on the Floor
Just traded in a '99 Explorer on this little SUV. So far so good. It's 4 cylinder, five speed is very peppy. We have 2WD which is all most people need. Love the mpg. We added leather and moonroof to class it up a bit.
Nice car, fun to drive
I have the car for a month now. I had a long trip from L.A. to the Grand Canyon. Very powerful with 5 people inside and full luggage including on the top and we had no problem of driving uphill in any speed on the mountains. However over 70 (speed limit in AZ is 75), gas mileage drops 20mpg on highway.
Painfulclunker
It is extremely painful to realize that my beautiful car is worst less than a clunker. With only 36k miles, and all the maintenance properly done on time,the automatic transmission broke, the dealer installed a new one which lasted exactly two weeks so a new one was installed, and yesterday, this one broke too; so in the period of 6k miles, it is 42k now, I had three brand new transmission installed. What is my next step? Get rid of the car before the warranty expires.
My New Tribute
I purchased my Mazda Tribute in April of '05. My model is a 4 cylinder base model. For being a base model it is pretty loaded up. It has power windows and locks, window tint (back windows), AM/FM stereo with CD player, and it has 16 inch alloy wheels. The truck is very sporty looking for 2005. My only wish is that it came with a larger 4 cylinder engine as it doesn't have the power of some of its competitors. However, I am very glad that I purchased my '05 Tribute and am very happy with it to date.
Gas Hog & Rattle Trap
Purchased used with only 600 mile so it was pretty much new. 1 year later I have spent 600.00 for brakes and my tires need to be changed already. I average 14 mpg in my V6 so is really is a gas hog. When gas was at its highest I was putting 63.00 every 3 to 4 days, I am not happy with the mileage at all. I thought it was pretty good in the beginning but now I drive 80 on the freeway the whole thing shakes. The resale value is terrible. The value 13 months later is about 8000.00 and I paid 17000 for a used. Will never purchase a Mazda ever again.
Poor Gas Mileage -nothing to do about it
I'll just list the bad stuff (I'm sure you've read enough good stuff so I need to balance it). I replaced a 1993 V6 Navajo that does 15 MPG. Now sticker says 22-26MPG on this tribute. I drive both so I'm hoping maybe 24MPG, but would be ok with 22MPG since it's more in the city. Guess what I get? 16-17MPG!!! I've told this to the dealer and all I keep getting from them is that it's right, that they (Mazda) are revamping the whole mileage rating because it's not accurate. !??!? Why not just list the right one? I got a 13 yr old newer car to get 1 MPG more? I don't even drive aggressively anymore. On top of that, when I accelerate from a stop sign, I can feel a thud in the gear.
First time Mazda owner update
I am writing an update to my review of 4 years ago. I still really like my Tribute, and would probably buy another one. Done all routine maintenance and have had no mechanical issues (knock on wood) and hope it continues that way.
First time Mazda owner
I've been driving my 2006 Tribute now for 3 weeks. I really like it. It handles very well, it's very comfortable, the controls are easy to reach, though at first a little confusing! Nice rebates and getting a good deal helped convince us to go with the Tribute over the Mariner or Escape.
HAPPY NEW OWNER
I was looking for a reliable, economical, dependable, good looking car. I found it in the tribute Mazda. I feel secure and safe in this vehicle; in fact I just returned from a emergency trip to Texas. I went by myself. I am a female 67 years old and I felt secure driving the Tribute. The gas mileage was good 26.7mpg on the highway. My average speed was 67mph. I am no speed demon. I have had many compliments on my vehicle, all of them positive.
Good value
Nice car, good value and very comfortable. A couple of items not up to speed. Clothing hanger is poor and there is only one. The antenna must be removed with a wrench to go through a car wash. Pain in the behind. Otherwise, great for road trips and good mileage.
LOVE IT
My spouse showed up with this last week after our Exploder was on the way out. I was skeptical of a 4 cylinder being able to handle my driving. I absolutely love it. It handles tight and sporty, yet stable. It gets great gas mileage - I even got 28 last week on the highway. I wanted more seating, but this is exactly what I really needed for day to day driving with a family of four.
very nice mid-size suv
This vehicle has been a very pleasant surprise. I have owned larger suv's and was hesitant about going to a smaller model. The tribute has been more than I expected. The ride has been very nice and the performance has been excellent.
Zoom
So far so good. Some tire road noise. Not sure about transmission. Exhaust needed repair. Still like it a lot. Good ride and mileage. Tows OK for a 4 cyl.
Buy one before they're gawn!
I've owned 15 different Volvos whilst living in Sweden ... and for the price, this vehicle is a winner. Looks, comfort, style, economy, height/ clearance, sound system, most details, handling, quietness and fun driving. So far, it seems worth its price.
I love my SUV
I just purchased a 2006 Mazda Tribute in December 2006 and I love it! It handles nicely, rides comfortably and my daughter and I just love it. It was only the 2nd car I test drove. It's the perfect size, not too bulky and small enough to fit in compact spaces.
Like it so far
...for the price, it seems to be a good choice. It is fun to drive & it's nice to not see a lot of identical ones on the road.
Possibly Best Car Ever
I owned a 31 yr old Chevy until around early 2018. I got a 06 Mazda Tribute around April of the same year. It already had 200k miles on it, paint looked emasculate and this car seemed like it only probably had less than 100k miles on it even though the odometer said 199, 786. I’ve still got the car and have put another 22k miles on it and it still runs like a champ. Only complaint I have is that the A/C hadn’t worked for like 40k miles and is believed to have a leak at the rear main seal of the compressor due to age. But other than that, I would recommend this to anyone, only wish they would have fit a manual up to the insane duratec 3.0 in it.
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satisfied
Ford reliability with a better warranty.
Mazda Tribute
This vehicle has been a joy to own and drive. I get 20 mpg in town and 26 mpg on the interstate. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone!
Zoom...Zoom...Zoom
My family of four really enjoys our new Tribute. It's peppy and gets you where you need to go in a hurry! We plan to drive on our family vacation this Fall. My dealer had dual personalities, prior to receiving our cash and post cash. Mazda should better scrutinize who gets a franchise. The product though is Zoom...Zoom...Zoom!
I LOVE my Tribute!!!
I have owned many Ford Explorers in my time and this vehicle blows them all away. It is SOOO much better and more fun to drive. It now has over 40,000 miles and I still love it. I hate the tires, though. No problems to speak of. I've even towed with it.
Mazda tribute
I added the leather seats and they are so comfortable. It is small enough to get in and out of easily but has the handling of a car. I love it and my 2 year old loves it.