2006 Mazda Tribute 4 cyl. Adequate
Pros:
Roomy, comfortable, reliable
Cons:
Low trade in value, low towing capacity
The Bottom Line:
If you are looking for a mid sized suv that is roomy, comfortable and reliable this one may fit the bill.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
We purchased our Tribute in May 2006, we traded in a 2004 Tribute that was a 5 speed manual transmission. Due to an accident we had to have an automatic. We did upgrade to a better package, leather seats, better suspension, bigger tires. The 5 speed was definitely peppier, we find the automatic rather sluggish and now wished we would have gotten the 6 cyl. instead.
The ride is very comfortable and we don't have any steering issues as other reviewers have stated. The one thing we have had an issue with is that when we have to make a sudden stop the vehicle swerves from side to side, but only on a hard braking stop. We plan on having that problem checked out when we take it in for it's first service next week.
It is roomy and has plenty of storage space in the back for groceries, etc. I am really pleased with the factory sound system, it sounds much better than most factory systems.
Recently we have been looking at travel trailers and the tow capacity of only 3500lbs is very limiting. We asked the mazda dealer about trading it in on a different vehicle but the trade in value is already $5000 less than purchase price. I know vehicles drop in value as soon as you drive off the lot but I think this is a little much.
It's only 3 months old with 2000 miles and I was surprised That a Mazda dealer wouldn't give more than that on a trade especially considering this is the 4th vehicle we purchased from them in the last 6 or 7 years. What happened to the mazda customer loyalty plan? The gas mileage though not as good as the 5 speed is decent. We average about 22mpg city/highway driving. Our 2004 was very reliable and we are hoping the 2006 will be the same. Overall an adequate vehicle. But I would suggest moving up to the 6 cyl when purchasing an automatic.
Another thing that may be helpful is that we found selling price's vary greatly from dealer to dealer so shop around.
2006 Mazda Tribute
Automatic Transmission
4 cylinder
MSRP $22,800
Paid $18,000