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2005
Mazda Tribute

Starts at:
$19,765
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New 2005 Mazda Tribute
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2.3L Man i
    Starts at
    $19,765
    24 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2.3L Auto i
    Starts at
    $20,370
    22 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2.3L Man i 4WD
    Starts at
    $21,465
    22 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2.3L Auto i 4WD
    Starts at
    $21,870
    19 City / 22 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 3.0L Auto s
    Starts at
    $23,100
    20 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 3.0L Auto s 4WD
    Starts at
    $24,600
    18 City / 22 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2005 Mazda Tribute 2005 Mazda Tribute 2005 Mazda Tribute 2005 Mazda Tribute 2005 Mazda Tribute 2005 Mazda Tribute 2005 Mazda Tribute 2005 Mazda Tribute 2005 Mazda Tribute 2005 Mazda Tribute 2005 Mazda Tribute 2005 Mazda Tribute 2005 Mazda Tribute 2005 Mazda Tribute 2005 Mazda Tribute 2005 Mazda Tribute

Notable features

More powerful four-cylinder
Available V-6
Available 4WD
Carlike driving feel
Sporty suspension tuning

The good & the bad

The good

Easy-to-manage size
Maneuverability
V-6 performance
Four-cylinder fuel economy
Crash-test ratings

The bad

Noise
Short seat bottoms
Occasional floatiness
Lack of low-range gearing

Expert 2005 Mazda Tribute review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Ford owns a controlling interest in Mazda, so there’s a close kinship between the popular Ford Escape sport utility vehicle and the related Mazda Tribute. Both SUVs were introduced for the 2001 model year and upgraded for 2005. When comparing the two SUVs, there are subtle styling differences, unique interior features in each and different suspension tuning.

Serving as the sportier member of the pair, the car-based Tribute attracts considerable interest even if its sales lag well behind the Escape’s. Both models compete against the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

New Tribute i and s trim levels replace the previous DX, LX and ES for 2005. A new 2.3-liter four-cylinder in i models produces 153 horsepower, versus 130 hp in the prior version. For the first time, four-cylinder models can be equipped with an automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are available, but the Tribute and Escape aren’t considered true offroad machines. Mazda says the new Active Torque Control Coupling four-wheel-drive system reacts faster than a hydraulic unit.

Exterior
The Tribute has the same overall shape as the Escape but features unique exterior trim and a different grille and headlamps that were redesigned for 2005. Both SUVs exhibit a conventional small-SUV profile, with similar dimensions. A new rear fascia features vertical taillights, and redesigned alloy wheels hold 16-inch tires. The rear liftgate has flip-up glass.

Tributes ride a 103.1-inch wheelbase and measure 174.4 inches long overall. Standing 69.9 inches tall when the roof rails are counted, the four-door Tribute has a fully independent suspension.

Interior
The Tribute carries five people on twin bucket seats up front and a three-place, 60/40-split, folding rear seat. Tributes now have a floor-mounted gearshift rather than a column lever. The standard 100-watt CD stereo is Sirius Satellite Radio-ready. Leather upholstery, heated front seats and side mirrors, and a power driver’s seat are optional.

Under the Hood
Tribute i models get a new 153-hp, 2.3-liter four-cylinder. A 200-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 goes into s models. The four-cylinder teams with a four-speed-automatic transmission or a five-speed manual, while the V-6 is available only with the automatic. Tributes may be equipped with front-wheel drive or a new four-wheel-drive system that engages automatically but has no low-range gearing.

Safety
Antilock brakes are standard and have electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. Side curtain-type airbags are optional on s models.

Driving Impressions
In its previous form, the Tribute drew mixed reactions, but its sporty nature earned high marks. Tributes are quieter than they used to be, and energetic V-6 throttle response is satisfying. Automatic-transmission shifts are barely noticeable, and downshifts for passing and merging come swiftly.

The Tribute steers with a somewhat light touch and handles adeptly. Occasionally, a floating sensation makes the driver feel less than fully connected to the highway.

Ride comfort is pleasing, but wavy pavement produces substantial up-and-down motion. The Tribute exhibits no raucous behavior and copes handily with bumps and holes.

2005 Mazda Tribute review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Ford owns a controlling interest in Mazda, so there’s a close kinship between the popular Ford Escape sport utility vehicle and the related Mazda Tribute. Both SUVs were introduced for the 2001 model year and upgraded for 2005. When comparing the two SUVs, there are subtle styling differences, unique interior features in each and different suspension tuning.

Serving as the sportier member of the pair, the car-based Tribute attracts considerable interest even if its sales lag well behind the Escape’s. Both models compete against the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

New Tribute i and s trim levels replace the previous DX, LX and ES for 2005. A new 2.3-liter four-cylinder in i models produces 153 horsepower, versus 130 hp in the prior version. For the first time, four-cylinder models can be equipped with an automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are available, but the Tribute and Escape aren’t considered true offroad machines. Mazda says the new Active Torque Control Coupling four-wheel-drive system reacts faster than a hydraulic unit.

Exterior
The Tribute has the same overall shape as the Escape but features unique exterior trim and a different grille and headlamps that were redesigned for 2005. Both SUVs exhibit a conventional small-SUV profile, with similar dimensions. A new rear fascia features vertical taillights, and redesigned alloy wheels hold 16-inch tires. The rear liftgate has flip-up glass.

Tributes ride a 103.1-inch wheelbase and measure 174.4 inches long overall. Standing 69.9 inches tall when the roof rails are counted, the four-door Tribute has a fully independent suspension.

Interior
The Tribute carries five people on twin bucket seats up front and a three-place, 60/40-split, folding rear seat. Tributes now have a floor-mounted gearshift rather than a column lever. The standard 100-watt CD stereo is Sirius Satellite Radio-ready. Leather upholstery, heated front seats and side mirrors, and a power driver’s seat are optional.

Under the Hood
Tribute i models get a new 153-hp, 2.3-liter four-cylinder. A 200-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 goes into s models. The four-cylinder teams with a four-speed-automatic transmission or a five-speed manual, while the V-6 is available only with the automatic. Tributes may be equipped with front-wheel drive or a new four-wheel-drive system that engages automatically but has no low-range gearing.

Safety
Antilock brakes are standard and have electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. Side curtain-type airbags are optional on s models.

Driving Impressions
In its previous form, the Tribute drew mixed reactions, but its sporty nature earned high marks. Tributes are quieter than they used to be, and energetic V-6 throttle response is satisfying. Automatic-transmission shifts are barely noticeable, and downshifts for passing and merging come swiftly.

The Tribute steers with a somewhat light touch and handles adeptly. Occasionally, a floating sensation makes the driver feel less than fully connected to the highway.

Ride comfort is pleasing, but wavy pavement produces substantial up-and-down motion. The Tribute exhibits no raucous behavior and copes handily with bumps and holes.

Safety review

Based on the 2005 Mazda Tribute base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
4/5
Frontal passenger
4/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
3/5
Side driver
5/5
Side rear passenger
5/5

Factory warranties

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
4 years / 50,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
4 years / 50,000 miles

Consumer reviews

4.4 / 5
Based on 27 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.4
Interior 4.1
Performance 4.1
Value 4.3
Exterior 4.4
Reliability 4.6

Most recent

  • Really good buy.

    Purchased the 2005 Tribute AWD 4 cylinder A/T new, daily driver and for weekend trips. Currently (2023) has 280k miles. As a precaution at 250k miles, we O/H'd the tranny, O/H'dm rear differential, replaced rubber brake lines, throttle cable, wheel bearings, u-joints. Didn't replace CV joints, as they are still tight. Interior is holding up well, exterior paint showing some age from being parked outside. I run Toyo AT tires, rated for 55k miles, 3 sets now exceeded 75k miles with one set going 85k. Only thing I don't like is the road noise from the (traction) tires. 21 mpg city, 25 hwy. Without cruise control. Very reliable, no surprises. Paid $16k new, spent $6k a couple years ago on repairs. Was worth it. It's a no frills rig that never lets me down. Not a lot of electronic stuff to fail. 4 stars overall because the seats could've been softer.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Horrible gas mileage!!!

    Absolutely HORRIBLE GAS MILEAGE!! Unbelievably horrible gas mileage!!! Costs a fortune to run this rust bucket!! The first costly repair and the junk is history!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Was told the engine was to strong for the transmis

    I purchased a 2005 Mazda Tribute brand new at 17 months the transmission went out. 5 years later it went out again since the last transmission was a rebuilt one running go
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • 2006 Mazda Tribute

    I own a 2006 tribute which I bought in 2005. It is my daily driver still and currently there are 310k miles. Never ever been in the shop other than when needing new tires. I’ve always done the maintenance myself. I’d drive it anywhere with no worries.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    11 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • A good all round vehicle

    I bought a 2005 Mazda Tribute with the towing package, and 3.0 automatic for 4k with 149,000 miles on it. Being a 17 year old vehicle I have had to fix broken or missing interior panels, whoever owned this before neglected it and used it as a family beater. That being said I've spent about 400 bucks in restoring it to factory condition and it hasn't given me a problem since! It drives just how it did brand new. There isn't any suspension or brake problems. There is road noise but you can talk to people in the vehicle without raising your voice. Its very torquey which I like. The brakes are very good, this vehicle has power disk brakes all the way around. The steering is always tight, but the wheel is not hard to turn. The vehicle likes 60 but it will hold 80 without any swaying. I'm sure it will go faster but I have not tried. The fuel economy is very good for a SUV I get 20-25 miles to the gallon on the highway with the AC full blast. The interior is comfortable but dated of course. My only genuine complaint about the interior is that there is very few cupholders. WARNING for people who fix their own vehicles: to reach anything at the rear of the motor you need to remove the intake manifold. This makes a 10 minute sparkplug job a 3 hour one
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most reliable car I’ve owned

    We’ve owned our Mazda Tribute since 100k miles. Now almost 200k miles it is still going strong except for the frame. It’s a shame we live in a state where it snows so much and we didn’t take care of the body, but let me start off by saying the 3.0L and 5 speed automatic on the Mazda has to be one of the most reliable cars I’ve driven or seen in a none Toyota,Honda product. The engine/trans still has a lot of life left but the chassis it self doesn’t. If you can find a cheap v6 tribute that isn’t rusted, it will get you to point a-b hassle free & with the proper maintenance will last 200k miles like mine!!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    10 people out of 10 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Truly a dependable car I might really on.

    I loved the car, it has met most of my needs, it is spacious thus accomodating most of my family luggage. Not so sure whether the diff lock really does the work. I wanna try off road sometime.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • I am a Mazda fan and was looking for a Tribute.

    I am happy with my purchase. Gas mileage better than expected. Very sporty ride was a surprise----independent suspension and brake pads all around was a pleasant surprise.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Bought new, now 135k miles, super reliable.

    This vehicle has the towing pckg and 3.0L engine which affects gas mileage. Back seats fold flat, great for dog cages and boxy items,square body makes carrying bulky stuff easy. Window opens up in tail gate. 6 speed transmission always has power. Ingress/egress, and visibility is great. The Tribute is such a good looking, dependable, utility vehicle that its hard to get rid of. Yes, would have loved more cup holders, and not have the console box over one of only two cup holders. More nook n cranny storage would be nice. 30 mpg gas mileage would be awesome...it gets 16-18 in town/20-22 hwy. The ride isn't super quiet, but you can hear people talking and the radio without a problem. The tribute grows on you fast and is a hard car to let go, even when you want all the bells and whistles.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Worst car I’ve ever had. Possibly a lemon?

    I bought this car used about 2 1/2- 3 years ago. The company I bought from really screwed me over price wise. But car wise: was wonderful at the beginning... I keep up basic maintenance like oil changes, brakes, etc. but starting in January of this year (2019) everything went down hill. I have replaced brakes 2-3 times. Brake calipers twice on the front. Entire brake line. Spark plugs twice along with boots (about to be 3 times). My all wheel drive component literally exploded off. Also something with the ignition. And a consistent issue with the car grinding gears, and now is about to have to have a new transmission... I recommend if you are going to get this car, to do some serious research and some serious questioning. Take it to a shop to get it inspected before you purchase. And get roadside assistance on your insurance.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    2 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Always starts, cheap to find parts, great deal.

    car is super reliable and being a truck under an suv until 2005, it has a frame and is safer than others. economy is good for an suv and it is beyond durable. the 2.3 liter engine is peppy and reliable.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • I really enjoy this car

    Last spring I was looking for reliable 4 wheel transportation (mostly ride two wheels) So after some research, I found The Tribute, Vehicle reviews were very positive. Found one at a local dealership, first impressions was i liked the look and interior was very pleasing. After a long test drive & and look over mechnically. I decided was car for me. Negotiated a fair price and drove off the lot. Have for almost one year, and true to all the reviews has been a reliable and fun car to own.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

Mazda dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2005 Mazda Tribute?

The 2005 Mazda Tribute is available in 2 trim levels:

  • i (4 styles)
  • s (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2005 Mazda Tribute?

The 2005 Mazda Tribute offers up to 24 MPG in city driving and 29 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2005 Mazda Tribute reliable?

The 2005 Mazda Tribute has an average reliability rating of 4.6 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2005 Mazda Tribute owners.

Is the 2005 Mazda Tribute a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2005 Mazda Tribute. 85.2% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.4 / 5
Based on 27 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.4
  • Interior: 4.1
  • Performance: 4.1
  • Value: 4.3
  • Exterior: 4.4
  • Reliability: 4.6
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