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 sets up sporty driving traits. Tribute first appeared in Mazda's 2001 line but it shows up in 2005 with a new 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine worth 153 hp for the base trim, Tribute i, as the 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 five-speed manual transmission will be offered on the 4WD Tribute i, with a new premium package available for the Tribute i with an automatic transmission.

The compact-class minivan from Mazda goes by the label of MPV, which means Multi-Purpose Vehicle. It received a face-lift and new cabin features last year and repeats in 2005 with changes to optional packages. Rear air conditioning becomes a stand-alone option for LX trim, the All Sport Package adds power controls to the driver's seat and the LX Plus lists the rear air conditioner as standard.

MPV's cabin has two tall bucket seats in front flanking consoles on the floor and ceiling. On the second row, seats split and slide laterally to form either a continuous bench for two or two stand-alone chairs. The third-row bench, sized for three but more comfortable for two, folds down and disappears into a flat floor to increase rear cargo space. Power sliding rear side doors are optional on the MPV, with side-impact air bags plus a traction control system (TCS) available in a package. The MPV feels enthusiastic because it carries a 3.0-liter V6 that generates 200 hp.

The compact-class trucks from Mazda return for another year with three cab configurations and best-in-class powertrain performance. The two-door Regular Cab works for all B2300 and several B3000 issues, with a four-door extended CabPlus for B3000, and CabPlus4 for some B3000 and all B4000 models with twin rear-hinged back doors. Top truck B4000 -- with 4WD and push-button shifting into four-wheeling mode -- also has a husky six-pack that ripples with 207 hp. This optional engine caps Mazda's B-Series truck line and bumps its trailer-towing ability to 5,900 pounds.

Two other powertrains are offered - the B2300 with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine worth 140 hp and the B3000 with a 3.0-liter V6 at 150 hp. Special edition Dual Sport carries the raised suspension of a 4WD truck but retains the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) orientation. It also has plush gear like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cruise control; power to run windows, doors and mirrors; and a bed liner in back.

Compact-class cars from Mazda, with styling drawn from the Mazda MX-Sportif show car, look muscular in the promise of spirited performance and dynamic handling traits. And they bring optimal space in a five-seat cabin plus lively throttle action out of two different four-cylinder engines. The Mazda3 4-Door is styled as a four-door notchback sedan and outfitted with either a 2.0-liter four-pack for 148 hp or a 2.3-liter upgrade with 160 hp. The Mazda3 5-Door is a hatchback aimed at the youth market and decked out with fog lamps, low side skirts and 17-inch alloy wheels. The 5-Door pulls strictly from the larger 2.3-liter engine. All models for 2005 offer an optional audio system fixed for Sirius satellite radio service. (...BACK)