New Car Review of the 2005 Mazda Tribute Compact Sport Utility Vehicle

Description: Compact Sport Utility Vehicle
Base MSRP Range: $19,630 - $24,390
Invoice Price Range: $18,350 - $22,790
Where built: USA

Even the sport-utility vehicle from Mazda is fun to drive.

Built on the chassis of a front-wheel-drive (FWD) car, Tribute has a tightly tuned suspension and a strong engine that set up sporty driving traits. Tribute first appeared in Mazda's line of 2001 but it shows up in 2005 with a new 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine worth 153-hp for the base trim, Tribute i, as Tribute s edition stocks a 3.0-liter V6 with 200-hp.

Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) are now standard with either trim, and a full-time four-wheel drive (4WD) system is optional. By mid-year a 5-speed manual transmission will be offered on the 4WD Tribute i, with a new premium package available for Tribute i with an automatic transmission.