Car Forum World

I've been serching for an SUV/Car for my son, and I just wanted to ask about what people think about their own Mazda Tribute. My son and I like the looks of it but weren't sure. I am usually not sure because it's owned by ford, but is it any different because its an japanese car? Answer. Thanks.

I own a 2005 Mazda Tribute. we have had it for about a year. it's the "S" variant. The "S" is auto and has a 3.0L DOHC 24 valve V six engine with 200hp
comes with four wheel disks, while the "I" variant comes with front disks and rear drums, and has a 2.3 L. DOHC 16 valve, four cylinder engine with 153 hp.
So far we have had no problems at all and LOVE IT. No hesitation when passing. It has power to get you on the freeway. Ours is comfy and has leg room in the back that we couldn't find in other SUVs.

It has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds in the event you have to tow a ship or jetski. It comes with lots of alternatives.

Consumer reports stated that the MazdaTribute was better than the cousins to it Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner.

Go test drive one. See for yourself. Happy car hunting to you and your son.

Personal experience, buyer Reports

Ford only "owns" 33% of Mazda, and the engine inside the Tribute is a Ford Duratec 3.0L. This engine is insanely dependable, and able of quite some power. it is been used in the Ford <span title="Fusion/Freestyle/Escape/Contour,">Fusion/Freestyle/Escape/Contou. Mazda 6/Tribute, Lincoln Zephyr, and Mercury Milan. Its been around for a long time, and has had any possible kinks that may have firstly been in it worked out. Oh, and thinking its Japanese making it different and by different you meant better is the most ignorant declaration you may be able to make about a car. Look at where any Mazda is made with the exclusion of the RX8/Speed6, Toyota, Honda, etc. Unless Mexico, Michigan, and Ohio are separately of Japan they're as most of a "domestic" as anything else out there now. Check out the contour fan group, mazda6tech.com for more info about this specific engine and its potential.

I own a 2005 Mazda Tribute and love it. I had looked at the Ford Escapes 1st and test drove one drives the same as the Mazda, clearly, however Ford did not have a good selection and they were not giving me a great deal on my trade in, so I went to the Mazda dealership and am happy that I did. I got the "lower" variant, I can not remember if it's the "i" or "s", but it's the one without leather, etc. So far, I have not had any problems whatsoever, it drives great, gets decent mileage, and the gas tank is not too big only 16.5 gallons I believe, so you do not use up a ton of money filling it up. I favor the outside look of the Mazda over the Ford, I think it seems classier, but that's just my opinion and preference.

Made in America by Americans.
Japanese by badge only, primarily Ford parts.
My 2002 six cylinder was a dependable, peppy ride with good, better than avg. gas mileage but still not as good as I projected. Those EPA gas milage stickers are misleading.
My years model has had three minor recalls. My truck has some number of minor cosmetic problems. Air Conditioner not as strong as we need it here in just north of hell.
Overall I could recommend. Mazda send me my money now.