For 2005, the Mazda Tribute compact SUV received a redesigned exterior and upgraded features, as well as more power under the hood. Exterior styling changes included a sleeker, sportier look with a redesigned front end. Anti-lock brakes were now standard on all Tribute models, and an electronic four-wheel drive system replaced the previous year's hydraulic system.
The Tribute was available in two basic trim packages for 2005, and both were available with either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The basic Tribute i package was a five-passenger vehicle with a 2.3-liter inline four-cylinder engine that produced 153 horsepower (up from 130 horsepower the previous year). The front-wheel-drive version was equipped with a five-speed manual transmission, while the four-wheel-drive version came with a four-speed automatic transmission.
Standard features for the Tribute i included air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, dual airbags, a tilt steering wheel, power exterior mirrors, a roof rack, and an AM/FM stereo system with a CD player.
Stepping up a notch, the Tribute s was powered by a 3.0-liter double-overhead-cam V6 engine that produced 200 horsepower. It was linked to a four-speed automatic transmission. A manual transmission was not available on the Tribute s.
Standard features for the Tribute s were essentially the same as for the Tribute i, with a few upgrades, such as cruise control and steering-wheel-mounted controls. Options included leather seats, power seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a CD changer, and a DVD player.
Drivers liked the Tribute SUV's sporty nature, as well as its handling, cornering, peppy performance, storage space (for a compact SUV), and even its gas mileage (for the four-cylinder models). On the downside, drivers noted that wind noise could be distracting at high speeds, and that the vehicle lacked a number of options available on competitors' vehicles.
