I have a 2005 Mazda Tribute V6 that has developed a hitch in the engine while under slight acceleration. Thought it might be water in the gas but after 1,000 miles and 5 cans of dry gas it is still there. The car has 55,000 mi on it. I bought it brand new

sounds like engine missing - check plugs, wires and fuel pressure.

With 55.000 thousand miles the first place to start is with a fuel filter replacement. If after the filter change the problem continues then you should check for one or more vacuum leaks.

Are there any error codes?
Are you usin a top tier fuel?
Last time throttle body was thoroughly cleaned out?
Fuel pressure PSI via a gauge is what?

Gap on the plug electrodes is where it belongs or too wide? If too wide then the plugs are shot. These are 100.000 plugs. If they are shot at 55.000 miles it's because you drive too aggressively. Don't get insulted. Just being honest with you and tellin you why you're havin the problems you're havin. If you pull the plugs and the gap is like at 90 then change the plugs and slow down. Use only "NGK" plugs.

Have the computer scanned for codes to see if there is a clue to cause of the problem there. If there is a stored code post it here and we'll be glad to advise further.

Try a few applications of "Sea Foam".

most likely just a misfire so you'll need to have it scanned. let us know if you still ned help or if you got it repaired already.