DecodedCars2005 Mazda Tribute
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 2WD DX, 4dr SUV 2WD LX/DX V6, 4dr SUV 4WD DX, 4dr SUV 4WD Es V6
- Engines
- 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 21 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 173.2 in
- Curb weight
- 2,985–3,311 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 24 MPG combined — 33% better than the average 2005 SUV - (18 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints185 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 24 for similar models — most often about the suspension.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Mazda Tribute is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.3L 4-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 173 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,985 lb (4dr SUV 2WD DX).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 27 highway), 33% better than the 2005 SUV - average of 18 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 185 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the suspension.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 2WD DX | 173.2 in | 70.9 in | 69.3 in | 103.1 in | 60.6 / 59.8 in | 2,985 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr SUV 2WD LX/DX V6 | 173.2 in | 72 in | 69.3 in | 103.1 in | 61 / 60.2 in | 3,148 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr SUV 4WD DX | 173.2 in | 70.9 in | 69.3 in | 103.1 in | 60.6 / 59.8 in | 3,245 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr SUV 4WD Es V6 | 173.2 in | 72 in | 69.3 in | 103.1 in | 61 / 60.2 in | 3,311 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr SUV 4WD LX/DX V6 | 173.2 in | 70.9 in | 69.3 in | 103.1 in | 60.6 / 59.8 in | 3,311 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tribute 2WD | 2.3L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 24 | +33% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Tribute 2WD | 2.3L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 23 / 21 | +17% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Tribute 4WD | 2.3L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | +26% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Tribute 2WD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | +6% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Tribute 4WD | 2.3L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 20 / 18 | +8% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Tribute 4WD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 20 / 17 | +2% | $3,950 | 523 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Mazda Tribute under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Mazda Tribute (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser | 13 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2005 Honda CR-V | 23 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2005 Hyundai Tucson | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Subaru Forester | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2005 Kia Sportage | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (1)
Vehicle Speed Control › Cables · Jul 27, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V357000 · 217,500 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2006, and 2008, Tribute vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control. Inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector could result in a stuck throttle when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed. This risk exists regardless of whether or not speed control (cruise control) is used.
- Risk
- A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. Remedy parts are now available. The safety recall began on September 13, 2012. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222-5500, option #6.
Not every 2005 Mazda Tribute is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Mazda Tribute buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Suspension — 105 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Structure › Body — 88 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Wheels — 17 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 124,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Mazda Tribute. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Tribute years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Tribute | 32 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 8 |
| 2010 Tribute | 32 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 19 |
| 2009 Tribute | 32 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 26 |
| 2008 Tribute | 32 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 4 | 87 |
| 2006 Tribute | 27 | 173.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 41 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →