What would cause a muffler rattle, car shake while driving, and engine "mis-fire" at higher speeds?

2001 MAZDA TRIBUTE
95,000 MILES
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SSCHUETTE
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The problems first appeared after driving through some low spots in the road filled with rain and then disappeared completely for several days before re-appearing while on a longer drive today under normal driving conditions.
Nov 20, 2011 at 4:00 PM
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RIVERMIKERAT
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Muffler rattle could be a loose heat shield. Car shake is most likely a tire/wheel out of balance. Misfire could be bad plug or wire, or a weak valve spring. Check engine compression.
Nov 20, 2011 at 4:05 PM
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MHPAUTOS
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  • 31,937 POSTS
Get under the car and thump the muffler, if it rattles you will have a collapsed baffle or internal pipe, this may also cause a back pressure in excess of normal allowances causing the tune problem as well.
Nov 20, 2011 at 4:06 PM
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