2003 Mazda Tribute Review
Fuel Economy
18 - 22 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
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.
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 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.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Great "Car"
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Great car all around. Decent gas mileage and quick v6. The handling on this suv couldn't be better, it drives just like a car and you can park it anywhere without problems
Favorite Features
V6-Great power! nice seats.
Suggested Improvements
Radio. Tail lights. Better stopping distance.
Transmission problem
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Great driving car and reasonable gas mileage. All was fine until 68,000 miles when the auto trans started slipping when shifting into 3'd. Upon disassembly the hub assembly P/N 7G120/a was found to have a cracked weld, unfortunately two new replacement hubs were also bad, took a third one and two weeks to be fixed. Other than this $2200 bump in the road it's been a great ride.
Favorite Features
Good size, not too big or small. Handling & performance.
Suggested Improvements
Visibility toward rear - sides and direct could be better.
Pretty good, but many small headaches
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Bought my 2003 Tribute FWD LX new and have been pretty pleased overall. 90k miles, still has original tires with plenty of tread. However, have replaced wheel bearings (~$450), brakes and rotors, throttle cable sticks and steering wheel squeaks, even after several attempts to have fixed under warranty. Now, power steering fluid leaks, alternator is going bad (seems to be common problem), and rust is forming on the tailgate (water collects on the window frame). However, gets decent MPG (20 city/ 25 hwy) and drives great, handles snow and ice well with FWD. Comfortable seats and fits my 6ft frame with no problems. Ok overall, but wouldn't buy again compared to others.
Favorite Features
Comfortable power with decent MPG, excellent snow handling. Overall strong performer, but no features jump out as excellent.
Suggested Improvements
Improve dealer shop repair success rate, give longer warranty. Move alternator to cooler position to alleviate failures. Reduce road noise.
Drives like a big truck
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 4 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
Review
My biggest complaint about this SUV is the turning radius. It's very hard to turn into parking stalls or make U turns in tight areas... impossible to do without doing a 3 point turn. The other thing is the road noise. It is very loud while driving. Need to turn the radio up to even hear it. Otherwise it's been a great little vehicle. The gas mileage is all right, averaging 19-20, except now after my tuneup, I'm getting about 15-16.
Favorite Features
The best features are the stereo system, the heated seats and the overall look of the vehicle.
Suggested Improvements
Make the vehicle easier to maneuver in tight places
Save Your Money
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 1 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Buyer beware... save your money. This was the first car I bought new and was in love with it until the second day I had it and it wouldn't start. The car went back to the dealrship 5 times for this problem and they had no idea what was wrong, just started to change wires to play guess and check. My car shut down on the highway because the alternator went at 30,000 miles. Then my transmission went at 50,000 (no longer under warranty). Mazda won't do anything to rectify the piece of junk they sold me! They are not helpful and said these problems were my fault. 2 days old and broken... not my fault. This car is a heap of junk for all the problems it caused.
Favorite Features
Nice looking and very roomy.
Suggested Improvements
Make it reliable!!
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