EDMUNDS.COM 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Roomy on the inside, stylish on the outside and fun to drive wherever it goes, the Tribute is one of our favorite small SUVs.
Pros
Roomy and comfortable interior, peppy V6 engine, drives more like a car than a truck, long list of standard features.
Cons
Mediocre fuel economy and driving range on V6 models.
What''s New for 2005
Extensive changes for the Tribute this year include a new base engine, restyled exterior and a new electronic four-wheel-drive system. A floor-mounted shifter replaces the awkward column shifter, and ABS is now standard on all models.
Overview
Introduction:
Remember the Navajo? No, the Navajo, not the Alamo. Didn''t think so. The Navajo was Mazda''s first SUV, a rebadged Ford Explorer two-door that was sold from 1991 to 1994. Dwindling sales didn''t justify its continued existence as sport-ute-hungry consumers wanted four doors rather than two, and the Navajo was unceremoniously killed when Ford updated the Explorer for 1995. Mazda soldiered on until 2001 without an SUV in the lineup, though the company tried mightily to convince the public that the MPV All-Sport 4WD was really an SUV and not a minivan. Salvation and sales success came in the form of the 2001 Mazda Tribute, a small but amazingly competent sport-utility co-developed with Ford Motor Company. Although the Tribute and the Ford Escape are the same under the skin; the two companies wisely decided to give the cousins distinct coats of armor. They share platforms, structures, powertrains and even some interior parts. The 2005 model year marks the first serious refresh for the Tribute. Last year''s weak four-cylinder base engine has been replaced by a new 2.3-liter four with 153 horsepower and 152 lb-ft of torque. Styling revisions abound inside and out, and a revised suspension system takes care of things underfoot. A new electronic four-wheel-drive system, called Active Torque Control Coupling, uses an electromagnetic clutch to control the amount of torque sent to the rear wheels. In other words, power is split front to rear according to the engine control computer, and the system can react appropriately before traction is ever lost. As always, the Tribute is more a car masquerading as a truck than a truck masquerading as a car. It drives like a tall, sporty station wagon, feeling nimble and surefooted on pavement. The trade-off, of course, is that when you get a Tribute into the mud, it is somewhat limited in its capability to bash boulders and scrabble up mountainsides. Thus, it is perfectly suited to the lifestyles of the majority of its buyers, who live in cities and suburbs and use it to haul groceries, children and the occasional piece of furniture. Stylish, speedy (with the V6) and spacious, the Tribute is one of the best small SUVs on the market.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The four-door Tribute is available in two trim levels -- base i and high-line s. The i comes with the new 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine and a decent amount of standard equipment, including 16-inch alloy wheels, a roof rack, air conditioning, a CD player and power windows, mirrors and locks. Besides a V6 engine, the s adds privacy glass, a height-adjustable driver seat and cruise control. Key options include leather upholstery, a power driver seat, a power moonroof and a class II towing package with 3,500-pound capacity. A rear-seat DVD entertainment system can be ordered on any Tribute as long as a sunroof isn''t involved.
Powertrains and Performance:
Two engines are available in the Tribute. The i comes equipped with a 153-hp, 2.3-liter, inline four-cylinder engine matched to a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The s gets a 200-hp, 3.0-liter V6 engine. A four-speed automatic is standard with the V6. All models are available with either front-wheel drive (2WD) or an electronic four-wheel-drive system (4WD). Note that 4WD models require an automatic tranny, even with the base four-cylinder engine.
Safety:
Four-wheel antilock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and BrakeAssist are standard on all models. Side-curtain airbags are optional on the s. The Tribute scored very well in governmental crash testing, earning a perfect five stars for the driver and four stars for the front passenger in the frontal impact category, and five stars across the board for side impacts. Frontal offset crash testing conducted by the IIHS told a different story, however, as the Tribute earned a "Marginal" rating (the second lowest of four). The Tribute did earn a "Good" in IIHS side-impact testing when equipped with side airbags.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Tribute cabins are roomy and functional with plenty of room for four passengers and a simple control layout. All radios come standard with Sirius Satellite Radio capability this year. In general, materials quality is not as impressive as that of other Mazdas, but considering the economical nature of this small SUV, most buyers won''t find it lacking. Cargo capacity is generous for a small SUV with 30 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a total of 66 cubic feet when the seats are folded.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Mazda markets the Tribute as the Miata of SUVs, and the claim isn''t far off the mark. With a wide track and powerful V6, the Tribute handles better than most SUVs on the road, driving more like a sporty car than a truck. Ride quality is smooth, making this SUV a suitable choice for commuting or hauling around the family. Equipped with 4WD, the Tribute can easily take on snow and ice during the winter. One of the few drawbacks to this Mazda is the V6 engine''s mediocre gas mileage. This year''s new 153-hp four-cylinder is a good option for buyers on tighter budgets -- expect adequate acceleration and better mileage than what you''d get with the V6.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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