DecodedCars2006 Mazda Tribute
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 2WD Gs, 4dr SUV 2WD Gx, 4dr SUV 2WD Gx-V6/Gs, 4dr SUV 4WD GT
- Engines
- 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 27 combined · 28 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 173.2 in
- Curb weight
- 3,195–3,490 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 27 MPG combined — 59% better than the average 2006 SUV - (17 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 Mazda Tribute is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.3L 4-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 173 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,322 lb (4dr SUV 2WD Gs).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (28 city / 27 highway), 59% better than the 2006 SUV - average of 17 MPG, for an estimated $2,500 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 41 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2006
- New hybrid version
- Best combined MPG up from 24 to 27
- Lightest version 209 lb heavier
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Tribute →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 2WD Gs | 173.2 in | 72 in | 70.5 in | 103.1 in | 61 / 60.2 in | 3,322 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr SUV 2WD Gx | 173.2 in | 70.9 in | 67.7 in | 103.1 in | 60.6 / 59.8 in | 3,195 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr SUV 2WD Gx-V6/Gs | 173.2 in | 72 in | 67.7 in | 103.1 in | 61 / 60.2 in | 3,322 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr SUV 4WD GT | 173.2 in | 70.9 in | 70.5 in | 103.1 in | 60.6 / 59.8 in | 3,490 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tribute Hybrid 4WD Hybrid | 2.3L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 28 / 26 / 27 | +59% | $2,500 | 329 |
| Tribute 2WD | 2.3L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | +26% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Tribute 2WD | 2.3L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 23 / 21 | +15% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Tribute 4WD | 2.3L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | +24% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Tribute 2WD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 23 / 20 | +9% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Tribute 4WD | 2.3L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 22 / 20 | +18% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Tribute 4WD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 21 / 19 | +12% | $3,550 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Mazda Tribute under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Mazda Tribute (this car) | 27 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser | 13 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2006 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2006 Honda CR-V | 23 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2006 Hyundai Tucson | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Subaru Forester | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Kia Sportage | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Vehicle Speed Control › Cables · Jul 27, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V357000 · 217,500 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2006, and 2008, Tribute vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control. Inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector could result in a stuck throttle when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed. This risk exists regardless of whether or not speed control (cruise control) is used.
- Risk
- A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. Remedy parts are now available. The safety recall began on September 13, 2012. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222-5500, option #6.
Not every 2006 Mazda Tribute is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 Mazda Tribute buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 8 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 8 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Structure › Body — 8 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 120,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Mazda Tribute. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Tribute years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Tribute | 32 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 8 |
| 2010 Tribute | 32 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 19 |
| 2009 Tribute | 32 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 26 |
| 2008 Tribute | 32 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 4 | 87 |
| 2005 Tribute | 24 | 173.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 185 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →