2003 Mazda Tribute SUV Review | Edmunds.com
Home / Mazda / Tribute / SUV / 2003 Tribute SUV
 

2003 Mazda Tribute SUV

 
 
 
Edmunds Review (199) MPG

We didn't find any results. You can try changing your zip code, or check another model year.

We found matches for you!

View All Matches ()
 
 
Mazda Tribute Features and Specs

Features & Specs

  • Engine 2.0 L Inline 4-cylinder
  • Drivetrain Four Wheel Drive
  • Transmission 5-speed Manual
  • Horse Power 130 hp @ 5400 rpm
  • Fuel Economy 19/23 mpg
  • Bluetooth No
  • Navigation No
  • Heated Seats No
See All Features & Specs
 

Review of the 2003 Mazda Tribute

  • Despite the entrance of revised and redesigned competitors to the marketplace, Mazda's Tribute remains a favorite due to its competent blend of style, space and fun-to-drive nature.

  • Safety

  • Pros

    Roomy and comfortable, peppy V6 engine, great value for the money, drives more like a car than a truck.

  • Cons

    Loud engines, poor fuel economy and range with V6.

  • What's New for 2003

    DX, LX and ES trims carryover, but the V6 is newly limited to LX and ES. If you want to see what's new on the 2003 Tribute, you'll need…

 
What Others Are Saying

Customer Reviews

  Average Consumer Rating (199 total reviews)

Great little suv - even

by on
Vehicle: 2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

I am sad to say that I recently totaled my tribute and am now shopping for a new one. I bought my 03 used with 25k miles on it. I was super impressed with its reliability in the 6 years I owned it. Bought new tires once. Major tuneup before a trip at 100k. Other than that - just oil changes. Ran perfectly. It did have some wind noise which was slightly annoying, but certainly tolerable. Other than that, no complaints. It was the perfect size for our family of four..not too big, not too small. Pretty good mpg. And super fun to drive..very peppy lil guy! I'll miss my trib!



The best vehicle i've ever

by on
Vehicle: 2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

I bought it in Nov. '02. I just cleared 170,000 Miles. Sure! There have been some quirky issues. The most annoying: the illuminating light which shows you what gear you are in went out recently and there is a short in a harness that indicates the status of the airbag. I had my power moon roof switch replaced. Most expensive repair 150,000 mile tune up required the replacement of the "Coil Packs" on all 6 cylinders @ $118 each! With the other routine maintenance I had performed = $1000. Replaced the Battery @ 170,000. Replaced steering linkage arms "clunking" at 125,000. First tires went 70,000. Second set 70,000. Now in only the third set. Brakes, somewhere way back when. Oil! Thats it!


4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Solid and fun to drive

by on
Vehicle: 2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

I bought my 03 Tribute LX 4WD at 95,000 miles and I've been happy with it every single day. It's amazing in the winter and even better in the summer! Everything still works at 106,000 miles a year later. The wheel bearing on the front right passenger side was broken when I bought it, unfortunately, and it wasn't until much later that I found that problem and the dealership paid for it. The crash test ratings are spectacular on this SUV! I was just hit a week ago by a drunk driver going 70 mph and I walked away without a scratch. My Tribute is in great condition save for a few cosmetic repairs. If I had been in a lighter SUV I would have rolled over. Definitely worth every penny.


 
 
 
Gas Mileage

EPA-Rated MPG

  • 19
  • cty
/
  • 23
  • highway
Calculate Yearly Fuel Costs
 

Other Tribute Years

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Full 2003 Mazda Tribute Review

What's New for 2003

DX, LX and ES trims carryover, but the V6 is newly limited to LX and ES. If you want to see what's new on the 2003 Tribute, you'll need to look inside. This year, the dashboard is two-tone, and the insert trim is either brushed aluminum (DX and LX) or fake black wood (ES). ES models are equipped with upgraded leather and a cold package that includes heated seats and exterior mirrors. New options include an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and a DVD entertainment system. Four new colors round out the changes.

Talk About The 2003 Tribute

2003 Mazda Tribute Discussions See all Started By

tribute2004
tribute2004
05-21-2008
Mazda Tribute Electrical Problems
My 2003 Tribute has a problem where all the gauges short out . All gauges go from zero all the way over regardless of what speed you are going. Includes speedometer, tach, fuel, and tempt gauge. Bee...

4rman
4rman
09-29-2008
2009 Mazda6
to keep my car clean and on a previous Mazda Tribute 2003, it drove me nuts to have to clean the wheels every week. I know these breaks are suppose to perform better (i.e. BMWs and Benz are using it...

vango357
vango357
02-02-2014
Mazda Tribute Transmission Problems
Ok all you Tribute owners, this is an update on my tranny giving out on the highway 2 weeks ago. I was on the highway and went to pass someone and as I was speeding up my 2003 tribute just lost power,...


See all 2003 Mazda Tribute discussions
 
 
 
 
 
 

More on the 2003 Tribute