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2005 Mazda Tribute Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2005 Mazda Tribute Review:
2005 Mazda Tribute Review
Mazda's compact SUV gets more 4-cyl power and added safety features, including available curtain side airbags, for 2005. Tribute shares its car-type design with Ford's Escape and Mercury Mariner, though only Escape offers a gas/electric hybrid powertrain. Tribute comes in models labeled i and s. Both are available with front-wheel drive or with all-wheel drive that does not include low-range gearing. Standard on i models is a new 4-cyl engine, a 153-hp 2.3-liter in place of a 130-hp 2.0. Standard on s models is a 200-hp V6. The i version is available with manual or automatic transmission; s models have automatic. ABS, previously an option, is standard for '05. Newly optional for s models are head-protecting curtain side airbags that cover both seating rows. Continuing as standard are 16-inch alloy wheels, 60/40 split folding rear seatbacks, and a rear liftgate with separate hatch window. Available features include heated front seats, leather upholstery, sunroof, and rear DVD entertainment. Tribute's performance and accommodations mirror those of comparably equipped Escapes.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles.
Our Best Buys include the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and the Mercury Mariner. Our Recommended picks are the Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, and Subaru Forester.
Our Best Buys include the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and the Mercury Mariner. Our Recommended picks are the Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, and Subaru Forester.
News
A clean-sheet Tribute is now expected for 2008 along with new versions of parent Ford's Escape and Mercury Mariner. The redesign employs a modified version of the Mazda 6 midsize-car platform, but styling is likely to be more differentiated among the three siblings. Meantime, Mazda says it will add a gas/electric Tribute as soon as possible, perhaps before introducing the redesigned '08s. The hybrid system should be identical to that now offered in Escape and Mariner. Timing seems to depend mainly on how soon battery packs can be made available in sufficient supply to allow adding the Mazda model.
2005 Mazda Tribute Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Cargo room | Noise |
| Maneuverability | |
| Visibility | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
V6 acceleration satisfying at all speeds. Automatic transmission shifts smoothly. Test AWD V6 did 8.9 sec 0-60 mph. No 4-cyl model made available for test.
| AWD s model | Class Average |
| 5 | 4.3 |
V6 acceleration satisfying at all speeds. Automatic transmission shifts smoothly. Test AWD V6 did 8.9 sec 0-60 mph. No 4-cyl model made available for test.
Fuel Economy
Extended-use-test AWD V6 Tribute averaged 19.5 mpg over 24,308-mi. test, including several long highway trips. Other test AWD V6 Escapes and Tributes averaged 18-19.2 mpg. No opportunity to measure economy with 4 cyl.
| AWD s model | Class Average |
| 5 | 4.8 |
Extended-use-test AWD V6 Tribute averaged 19.5 mpg over 24,308-mi. test, including several long highway trips. Other test AWD V6 Escapes and Tributes averaged 18-19.2 mpg. No opportunity to measure economy with 4 cyl.
Ride Quality
Very taut over bumps, but without float or wallow at highway speeds.
| AWD s model | Class Average |
| 4 | 4.5 |
Very taut over bumps, but without float or wallow at highway speeds.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Steering is notably direct, and directional stability is impressive even in gusty crosswinds. In typical SUV fashion, body leans and nose plows in fast, sharp turns, but Tribute is otherwise balanced and confident in changes of direction.
| AWD s model | Class Average |
| 5 | 4.7 |
Steering is notably direct, and directional stability is impressive even in gusty crosswinds. In typical SUV fashion, body leans and nose plows in fast, sharp turns, but Tribute is otherwise balanced and confident in changes of direction.
Quietness
Not car-quiet, and you may need to raise voices at 65 mph. Wind roar is noticed, and tires whine on coarse surfaces.
| AWD s model | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 |
Not car-quiet, and you may need to raise voices at 65 mph. Wind roar is noticed, and tires whine on coarse surfaces.
Controls
Climate and audio systems high on dashboard, within easy reach, and with large, simple controls. But there's no independent control for air recirculation or air conditioning.
| AWD s model | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.5 |
Climate and audio systems high on dashboard, within easy reach, and with large, simple controls. But there's no independent control for air recirculation or air conditioning.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Seats firm and supportive. Taller riders may want more head room in sunroof-equipped models, but it's otherwise generous. Those with long legs will have to move the passenger seat well back, but overall, the cabin feels spacious and airy.
| AWD s model | Class Average |
| 6 | 5.7 |
Seats firm and supportive. Taller riders may want more head room in sunroof-equipped models, but it's otherwise generous. Those with long legs will have to move the passenger seat well back, but overall, the cabin feels spacious and airy.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Roomier and more comfortable than many compact SUVs. Seat is tall and well-shaped. Tribute's leg and toe room exceed that of many larger SUVs, and a nearly flat floor helps center-position comfort. Step-in is taller than most in class, but doorways are wide.
| AWD s model | Class Average |
| 5 | 4.5 |
Roomier and more comfortable than many compact SUVs. Seat is tall and well-shaped. Tribute's leg and toe room exceed that of many larger SUVs, and a nearly flat floor helps center-position comfort. Step-in is taller than most in class, but doorways are wide.
Cargo Room
Not the most among compact SUVs, but plenty roomy. Rear seatbacks fold flat once the headrests are removed and the seat bottoms tilted forward. Standard separate-opening rear glass is an added convenience.
| AWD s model | Class Average |
| 7 | 6.7 |
Not the most among compact SUVs, but plenty roomy. Rear seatbacks fold flat once the headrests are removed and the seat bottoms tilted forward. Standard separate-opening rear glass is an added convenience.
Value within Class
Tribute and the related Escape and Mariner are solid, spacious, and rewarding to drive. They cost in the mid-$20,000 range, well-equipped, making them Best Buy alternatives to some truck-based SUVs that may be larger on the outside, but use more gas and don't have significantly more interior space.
| AWD s model | Class Average |
| 10 | 6 |
Tribute and the related Escape and Mariner are solid, spacious, and rewarding to drive. They cost in the mid-$20,000 range, well-equipped, making them Best Buy alternatives to some truck-based SUVs that may be larger on the outside, but use more gas and don't have significantly more interior space.
Total Score
| AWD s model | Class Average |
| 56 | 50.7 |
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 30 | |
| Average Score | 50 | |
| High Score | 61 |
2005 Mazda Tribute Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 01/25/2005
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| 2WD i 4-door wagon, manual | $19,765 | $18,478 | $590 |
|
|
|||
| 2WD i 4-door wagon, automatic | $20,370 | $19,042 | $590 |
|
|
|||
| AWD i 4-door wagon, manual | $21,465 | $20,063 | $590 |
|
|
|||
| AWD i 4-door wagon, automatic | $21,870 | $20,441 | $590 |
|
|
|||
| 2WD s 4-door wagon, automatic | $23,100 | $21,588 | $590 |
|
|
|||
| AWD s 4-door wagon, automatic | $24,600 | $22,987 | $590 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
i
Powertrain
2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, map lights, automatic-off headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, roof rack.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
235/70TR16 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
s adds to i:
Powertrain
3.0-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, height-adjustable driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, illuminated visor mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Pkg. 1
|
||
|
s
|
$1,480
|
$1,288
|
|
Power sunroof, overhead console, 6-way power driver seat, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, upgraded sound system, cargo cover. NA w/rear-seat DVD entertainment system.
|
||
|
Pkg. 2
|
||
|
s
|
$1,745
|
$1,518
|
|
Leather upholstery, 6-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, woodgrain instrument panel, dual overhead consoles, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, upgraded sound system, cargo cover.
|
||
|
Pkg. 3
|
||
|
s
|
$2,595
|
$2,258
|
|
Pkg. 1 plus leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats and mirrors, woodgrain instrument panel. NA w/rear-seat DVD entertainment system.
|
||
|
Tow Pkg.
|
||
|
s
|
$350
|
$305
|
|
Trailer hitch, Class II trailer tow prep, trailer-wiring harness.
|
||
|
|
||
Safety |
||
|
Curtain side airbags
|
||
|
s
|
$565
|
$492
|
|
Includes front side airbags, rollover sensor.
|
||
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
|
||
|
i, s
|
$1,200
|
$960
|
|
Cassette player
|
||
|
i, s
|
$200
|
$160
|
|
In-dash 6-disc CD changer
|
||
|
i, s
|
$500
|
$400
|
|
Automatic day/night rearview mirror
|
||
|
i, s
|
$230
|
$185
|
|
Includes compass.
|
||
|
Cargo net
|
||
|
i, s
|
$35
|
$28
|
|
Cargo tray
|
||
|
i, s
|
$50
|
$40
|
|
Cargo tray and organizer
|
||
|
i, s
|
$150
|
$120
|
|
All-weather floormats
|
||
|
i, s
|
$60
|
$48
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Rear spoiler
|
||
|
i, s
|
$300
|
$240
|
|
Tubular side steps
|
||
|
i, s
|
$400
|
$320
|
|
Alarm system
|
||
|
i, s
|
$115
|
$90
|
|
|
||
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
||
|
Wheel locks
|
||
|
i, s
|
$40
|
$32
|
|
|
||
2005 Mazda Tribute Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mazda Tribute 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 174.4 |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.0 |
| Overall Height, in. | 70.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3346 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 66.8 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.6 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.2 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.3 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.3 /138 | 3.0 /181 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 153 @ 5800 | 200 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 152 @ 4250 | 193 @ 4850 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 5-speed manual | 22/26 | --/-- |
| 4-speed automatic | 19/22 | 18/22 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Mazda Tribute 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 3 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/Unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Also in the 2005 Mazda Tribute Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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