Mazda Tribute 2001 - 2006 review

2005 Mazda Tribute. Photo: Mazda Canada

2005 Mazda Tribute Photo: Mazda Canada

Mazda Tribute is a nice-looking, roomy, functional moderately-priced mid-size car-based SUV. The Tribute was developed in association with Ford; Ford Escape is built on the same platform.

Available as front- or four-wheel drive, the Tribute offers car-like unibody construction with fully independent suspension and transversely-mounted 4-cylinder or V6 engine. Transmission choices include 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. The ABS is optional (standard from 2006). Disk brakes in the front, drums in the back (late models have optional four-wheel disk brakes).

The interior is old-style, plain-looking - nothing fancy, but feels comfortable and roomy. There is plenty of head room. Tall driver's position offers good visibility. The split rear seat can be easily folded flat (with headrests removed) for extra cargo room. Rear hatch window opens separately - a big plus.

Handling is rather car-like - the Tribute drives very good for an SUV - great maneuverability. Ride is stiff, quite noisy at highway speed. The 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine feels adequate. The 3.0L V6 is very peppy. Available four-wheel drive system provides good traction on a slippery road, although it's not designed for heavy off-roading.

In the NHTSA frontal crash test, the 2001-2004 Mazda Tribute has received five stars for the driver, four stars for the front passenger. The 2004-2006 Tribute has four stars for both the driver and the front passenger. In the NHTSA side crash tests the 2001-2006 Tribute has received five stars.

The engine

Mazda Tribute 2.3L DOHC 16-valve engine

Tribute is available with two engine choices:

The 2.0-liter 16-valves DOHC 130-hp 4-cylinder Ford Zetec engine, which starting from 2005 was replaced with the 2.3L 153-hp 4-cylinder Mazda MZR engine.

The more poverful choice is the 3.0-liter 200-hp DOHC 24-valve Ford Duratec V6 engine.

Only the 2.0L engine has a timing belt that according to the owner's manual, needs to be replaced every 144,000km (90,000 miles). The 4-cylinder 2.3L engine and the 3.0 V6 both have a maintenance-free timing chain that does not require regular replacement. All three engines, although not completely trouble-free, are fairly reliable if maintained properly and don't have major problems.

Strengths

- Good styling, perfect size
- Comfortable and spacious interior
- Functional design
- Good handling, maneuverability
- Not very expensive
- Powerful V6
- Rear seat folds flat

Weaknesses

- Not the best quality and reliability
- Poor gas mileage
- Early models have transmission shifter blocking the radio controls
- Ignition switch location
- Excessive road and wind noise at highway speed

Overall

Mazda Tribute combines car-like handling with a roomy, comfortable and functional interior. It's not as cramped as Toyota RAV4, it offers optional V6, that you won't find in Honda CRV and it's not as thirsty and bulky as larger truck-based SUVs. On top of that, a used Mazda Tribute is not very expensive.
However, quality and reliability are not the best; issues like defective rear wiper, excessive brakes wear, cupped tires, some minor engine problems are not uncommon. An extended warranty might be a good idea to protect yourself from unexpected repairs.
Check more Used SUV reviews

What to look for when buying a used Mazda Tribute

Definitely check the used car history records to protect yourself from hidden problems, follow this link: How to check used car history
- Check the service records if available - it's important to verify that the car was properly maintained.
- Look for leaks.
- If the "check engine" light is on, have the problem assessed with your mechanic or a Mazda dealer before buying a car.
- Make sure to test the hand brake and rear wiper operation.
- Look for tires being noisy due to uneven wear.
Learn more what to look for when buying a used car
- Prior purchase have the car inspected by a mechanic of your choice on a lift - many components (e.g. ball joints) can not be properly inspected by simple visual inspection.
After buying a car, visit your local Mazda dealer to check if all necessary recalls and engine computer software updates have been performed.
Shop wisely, check few cars to compare; it's worth to pay a little extra for a well-maintained vehicle in good condition; check our step-by-step used car buying guide for more information.
Some models may be costly to insure. Get the insurance quotes first.

Few maintenance tips

- Wash your truck regularly, wax it once in a while.
- If you live in the area with high humidity, rustproofing will help to protect the car body from corrosion.
- Regular oil changes are very important to keep your engine in a good shape.
- Change transmission fluid regularly.
- Try to avoid overheating the engine; it may cause serious problems.
- Take care of minor problems as soon as you can, before they cause something serious.
- Always check your parking space for leaks, and if you find one, get it fixed as soon as you can.
- If your car stalls unexpectedly, visit your dealer, there might be an engine computer software update available to address this problem.
- Follow recommended maintenance schedule and keep all the fluids clean and topped up.
- At least once a year have your car inspected in a garage on the lift (e.g. when doing tire rotation) to keep it safe. Many components (e.g brakes, steering, suspension) cannot be properly inspected by simple visual inspection at fast lube places; the car must be on the lift.
Check more Car maintenance tips from Samarins.com

Mazda Tribute short specs. (2005 model)

Links

If you are looking for Service Manual

If you want to find more technical information such as repair manual, check engine codes description, electrical diagram, diagnostic procedures, vacuum line diagram, fluid type, maintenance schedule, component location, technical service bulletins, etc. follow this link: Where to find repair manual

by Vlad Samarin