2005 Mazda Tribute Review

Tribute i is powered by a new 153-horsepower four-cylinder engine. It comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission; a four-speed automatic is optional for both the 2WD ($605) and 4WD ($405) models. The Tribute s is fitted with a 200-horsepower V6 and a four-speed automatic.

Tribute i comes standard with air conditioning; power windows, mirrors and locks; remote keyless entry; tilt steering; a roof rack with cross bars; 16-inch alloy wheels; four-speaker AM/FM/CD satellite-ready stereo; rear privacy glass; delayed accessory power; and two power points. Seats are upholstered in cloth, the rear seat is a 60/40 split fold-down bench, and there's full carpeting and front and rear floor mats.

The s model adds cruise control, fog lights, upgraded cloth trimmed seats, n upgraded driver's seat with adjustable lumbar, and sundry appearance items.

Options for both i and s include a cassette player ($200), an in-dash six-disc CD changer ($500), a DVD entertainment system ($1,200), various cargo area accessories, a perimeter alarm ($115), side step tubes ($400), and wheel locks ($30). An option package ($1,825) for Tribute i automatic features leather-trimmed seats, a six-way power driver's seat, cruise control with leather-wrapped steering wheel, fog lamps, overhead console with storage bins, wood-grain center stack and center console, and assorted exterior trim and paint schemes. The s is available with any one of three option packages: The first ($1,380) adds six-way power driver's seat, seven-speaker premium audio with six-disc in-dash CD changer, power moonroof and retractable cargo cover; the second package ($1,645) adds to the first leather-trimmed upholstery, the wood-grain center stack and console and leather-wrapped steering wheel; the third package ($2,495) adds heated front seats and outside mirrors. The s is also available with a Class II trailer tow package ($350) and a moonroof wind deflector ($50).

Safety features that come standard include anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Side-impact airbags, designed to provide torso protection for driver and front-seat passenger, and curtain airbags ($565), designed to offer head protection, are available only on the Tribute s models.