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Used 2001 Mazda Tribute Consumer Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
113 reviews

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3 out of 5 stars

Plastic Wonder

R.M., 02/24/2016
2001 Mazda Tribute DX-V6 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
31 of 33 people found this review helpful

This has to be one of the worst designed vehicles for repairs. I've done plenty of wrenching and have come across so many engineering failures on this vehicles it's hard to give this vehicle a decent rating. When the vehicle works, it's not too bad of a ride. Gas mileage leaves quite a bit to be desired and I range under 24 for highway. However, once you need to start doing repairs that is where the joy starts. First, almost everything is plastic. The intake manifold and valve cover are plastic which has become a joy years later as some of the brass nuts embedded in the plastic have begun to spin out and no longer hold. Plan on a lengthy swap too when you want to do some basic maintenance such as spark plugs, that's right pull the entire intake, plus the IAC and a couple of other sensors and hoses off just to do plugs. I also had the fun of needing to replace the alternator on this vehicle and Ford had the ingenious idea to bury it at the bottom of the engine right where it is most susceptible to water and mud (x10 if you have and use the 4WD like it was made to). Now the real fun comes in trying to get the dumb thing out. The official repair procedure is to remove the entire passenger intermediate axle shaft to get it out! Seriously, look it up if you think I'm making that up. There is a workaround however that you can barely slip it by the firewall by carefully moving the ac lines enough to lower it. Anyway, VERY stupid. Another big complaint on the interior is the use of plastic for the door handles. Overall the vehicle is pretty nice to drive but if you do your own repairs I suggest finding something else and staying away from this plastic wonder.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Great SUV!

juguru, 07/23/2013
2001 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful

I bought my 2001 Mazda Tribute ES V6 4x4 in October 2000. This has been a great car. I recently had a tune-up at 229,000 miles and the mechanic couldn't believe it was in such great shape for being almost 13 years old. She looks and runs like the day I bought it! I'm sure the fact I live in Charleston, SC helped keep it looking so nice - no snow! The only problem I had with it was the pleather inserts on the door panels failed about 2 years ago, but I was able to fix them myself... A very good and dependable vehicle and a lot of fun to drive. My sister needed a new car so I just drove it to Upstate NY to give to her. Still running great on long trips. I will miss driving it!!!

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2001 Mazda Tribute for sale near you
Showing 3 of 12 listings
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    MSRP: $3,995
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  • DX-V6 4dr SUV
    MSRP: $2,900
    700 mi away
  • LX
    MSRP: $6,495
    828 mi away
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4 out of 5 stars

power window and door locks fail

1961barbie, 09/20/2014
2001 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
19 of 21 people found this review helpful

2011 cd player malfunctioned trapping my fav cd forever. cant play it, cant get it back out. 2011 the bolt holding the rear window on rusted thru and if you open it you need to lift while closing it to line it up manually. 2012 bright/dim switch stopped working. 2012 shifter cable broke. 2013 transmission went out 2013 drivers door power window off track 2014 power door lock malfunction resulting in drivers door and driver side back door will not open, and front passenger door only opens from the outside. 2014 drivers door window off the track again. but... drives smooth, good mileage and good on tires.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Love my Tribute

bevhath, 05/01/2011
2001 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
18 of 20 people found this review helpful

I've had this 2001 for little over 2 yrs now, over 105K miles. ONLY problem I've had is running rough when you first start it and occassionally rough "surges" at stop lights/signs. Any idea what that can be? Fun to drive, radio not very good, was hoping for a little better gas milage - gets around 18 around town & 24-25 long haul driving (interstates, etc). Looking for another in addition to this one now!

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Awesome...but....

andrewcaudillo, 03/30/2011
2001 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
15 of 17 people found this review helpful

I love my Mazda, I really do. But after 10 years of babying, I feel that it should fare better than it is. We bought it brand new in late 2000. It looked incredible then, and it still does. However, there are a few issues: 1) (minor) the fabric panelling on the doors is falling off. ($20 fix) 2) (minor) The headlights are all fogged up ($15 fix) 3) (major) The PLASTIC intake manifold gasket has gone bad ($1000 fix) Would I buy another one? Mmm...probably not. I'm driving a 2001 Toyota Camry LE (4 cyl) while the Mazda's in the shop, and though it doesn't look as good, drive as well, or sound as awesome, it hasn't given my grandparents a single issue... I'll buy a VW or Toyota next time

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5 out of 5 stars

My Tribute .....

Mike P, 03/30/2002
2001 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

I really enjoy this truck. I also own a 91 Miata which was my daily driver before I bought the truck. My wife's car is a 2000 Maxima SE. The truck has a tight and comfortable feel. Very responsive and rides more like a car than a truck. I test drove the Xterra, Sante Fe, Rav 4, CRV & Suzuki & Escape. I like the Tribute best. The Escape has a cheaper looking interior and unpainted body moldings making it look unfinished in comparison. The others either were under powered or felt more truck-like in their ride. The Hyundai had nice styling but felt slightly underpowered.

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4 out of 5 stars

Great vehicle under 75,000 miles

vabeachjason, 10/19/2007
2001 Mazda Tribute DX-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

I bought my tribute at 76,000 miles. It has been a great vehicle to me in the last 2 years until the last 4 months its been 1 thing after another. In April I started the engine and it literally exploded. The intake exploded destroying everything around it and sending oil and plastic parts everywhere! The dealer could not explain it and said "these things happen." I was given no explanation and had to pay 1300 dollars to replace the intake, the cable and damaged hoses. Then in May the transmission went ($3000) and today I have an unexplained oil leak under the rear differential. I love my Tribute, but I would never buy one again because of the costly repairs.

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1.88 out of 5 stars

Mazda Tribute Lemon

Tim, 03/20/2006
2001 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

After buying this I had to take it back the next day for a leak on the transmission. They had to replace the rear seal and plug. Since then I have had the brakes, battery, brake booster, window controls, cruise control, gas tank, gas cap replaced (along with a few other items). Now the transmission went out, wonder if it is related to the original leak. $3300 for a transmission, what a rip off. Please do not buy one, or any Mazda. Service here is not the best either.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great value

dannybmx, 02/28/2011
2001 Mazda Tribute DX-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

I bought my Tribute used when it had only 25,000 miles on it. It now has 228,000 miles. The engine has been great. The weak spot has been the automatic transmission. I have had the transmission rebuilt twice. However the first time the shop did not do a good job so a second time was needed. This has been such a great car for my small family. The inside is really nice a rommy allowing us to pack gear and even a 50cc motorcycle into it. I have used it to tow a motorcycle trailer without problems.

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2.13 out of 5 stars

tributes are terrible

Gary Moore, 06/21/2005
2001 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Here is a car that after 96,000 miles (50,000 of which were highway), now requires a valve compression job ($2100) in addition to spark plug and coil replacements ($750). To me that is unacceptable and has convinced me along with the other problems we've had (several times for the emissions light, stalling while simply driving down the road) NEVER to buy another Mazda product again.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Administering CPR

maxbassmedia, 05/27/2010
2001 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Bought this vehicle new in Oct 2000. Been extremely reliable. Had a problem w/sunroof years ago, and opted not to get it fixed. Now on my 4th set of tires, and just turned 253,00 miles. Been aiming to get 300K out of it. Just had first major problem, transmission started slipping :( Going to put a couple of grand in to keep it going, rather than get another car AND car payment. Hope the gamble pays off.

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3.13 out of 5 stars

Wife's Mazda

timc46, 01/24/2004
2001 Mazda Tribute DX-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Got home with it and had to take it back for a rear seal leaking. Then had to have the gas tank replaced. Then had to have the door locks replaced, they wouldn't lock, even trying manual. New brakes and rotor at 44K, which cost $400+. Rear washer motor had to be replaced. Too much for only 44K.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

2001 Tribute

Racerog, 12/17/2008
2001 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I bought this car new in late 2000 when they first came out. I have put over 160k miles on it and it still feels tight and runs great. I do take good care of it, I keep it clean, waxed and serviced regularly. It has given me absolutely no problems at all. Gas mpg is about 21 overall. It will carry 4 adults comfortably (5 for a short distance) and has large storage area as well. Great traction in wet and snow is no problem - the auto 4WD works flawlessly. Another great thing is it does not have a timing belt (it has a chain)- so you dont need to replace that every 90k like most other cars. In short, I love this car!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Very fun SUV! Over 200,000!

Kondo157, 01/16/2010
2001 Mazda Tribute DX-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I purchased my 2001 tribute used from a friend with a little under 150,000 miles on it. He was short on cash and needed to get rid of it. So far this car has been nothing but reliable, had a small malfunction with a transmission plug but once this was corrected the car runs like new. Very much power for such a small SUV. Very good modern look to it as well.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

lots of car with a nice price tag!

sdz4747, 07/12/2005
2001 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Love driving the car, SUV look but handles like a car. Great get up & go! My husband is looking at buying a Porche Cayenne & still says my car drives great compared to it. Have had only minor problems with the car... tape player has never worked right, was under warranty but didn't get it fixed, never used it so always forgot! Cable on drive gear broke ($200) & now my driver's side door handle is broke.

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2.25 out of 5 stars

Do I have a lemon?

Kaycee, 01/14/2006
2001 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

This car is rough, loud, & too many things have broken that normally never break; leather(?) door panels peeled off in garage kept car. Cruise control off & hissing noise when accelerator is used.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Tribute Overall enjoyed but....

Sonaran, 12/16/2003
2001 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Overall, I have enjoyed my Tribute since getting it in 2001 but I have had some problems. One losing power while driving-2001. In 2002, I had to have the brake lines and coolant lines replaced due to a leak as well as the stalling problem started again. The delearship replaced everything except for the engine and electrical lines. 2003, I had to have some of my electrical parts replaced-OBDII light came on one night and the next day my Tribute wouldn't start. But despite all of this-I really like my Tribute and even though I have had problems. So,I'm thinking of either getting 2004 or 2005 model.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Even better than I imagined

da, 01/04/2007
2001 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I needed a family car as we were expecting our first child. This was particularly traumatic for me as I had to trade in my beloved Eclipse, but this car has it all. It performs excellent with quick acceleration in the city and an oh so smooth ride. I'm converted to SUV-dom and Mazdas. We change the oil and it does the rest. It is worry free, has that sporty look I love, has the room my wife loves, the safety for my daughter, and my family and co-workers are instantly impressed once they get inside and go for a ride. It pulls trailers just fine and does all I ask it to do. The only reason it's not a perfect car is the mpg, but I knew what I was getting into. Two years of happiness!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

fun and power!!

DONALD, 06/07/2002
2001 Mazda Tribute DX-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

The Tribute is the fourth SUV Ive owned. I had the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Subaru Outback an a jeep cherokee. The Tribute out does them all. As fun to drive as the Outback with more towing capacity and power. The v-6 makes this a hands down better suv that the subaru and was 3,oo less. The tribute also has more reliability than the jeep or subaru, the grand cherokee was in the shop 6 times in one year. Never had problems with Mazda and a better warranty! Hands down the best SUV Ive owned.

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3.5 out of 5 stars

A pretty good SUV

dan18932, 09/29/2006
2001 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I have had my Tribute for 1 year now. I bought it used from the original owner. It has gone through all of the recalls and I thought it was fine, until the transmission went out at 47000 miles. It had burned up one day while I was driving home from work. The original warranty had expired because it was a 2001. I took it into the dealer and they said I needed a new one which would cost $3000 dollars. I told them I never heard of a car's tranny going out so soon. After fighting with Mazda they agreed to pay half and the dealer I took it to paid some so it only cost me $1,000 dollars. I do not think I would ever buy one again though it drives nicely and has pretty good performance. My mpg is 19.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Thinking of buying another one

LoveMyTribute, 10/02/2002
2001 Mazda Tribute DX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

We bought our Tribute last year. I checked out other SUVs and none compared to the Tribute. The Tribute had a lot more standard features along with better horsepower, looks, and space. It was too good to pass up! I traded in my MX-3 for the Tribute and still have lots of fun driving. We've had this car for 1.5 years now and have put on 25,400 miles on it. We haven't had any problems with our Tribute. We're thinking of getting a second Tribute. It has excellent pick up too, I often pass other cars at intersections without any extra pressure on the gas pedal!

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3.38 out of 5 stars

In Love

sths0609, 08/11/2009
2001 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I've been in love with the 2001-2004 Mazda Tributes since they first came out. Finally got to get one about 2 months ago. Bought it with 71,000 miles on it, and 2 months later it's got 75,000 miles. She's fully loaded 6 disc CD and cassette, side air-bags sunroof. Plenty of get up, just wish fuel economy was better.

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2.63 out of 5 stars

Looks can be decieving

nocode, 12/11/2002
2001 Mazda Tribute DX-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Looks great but it's been in the shop more times than I can count. From the rear wipers, moon roof switch, air bag, seat belt, molding, visor, oxygen sensor, door jams, windshield and rear glass moldings, headlight leakage... the list goes on and on. While it's a beauty to look at and even fun to drive this Tribute has been a royal pain. STEER AWAY!

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5 out of 5 stars

Love this SUV!!

Love this SUV!!, 02/16/2009
2001 Mazda Tribute DX-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

We bought our Tribute new back in 2001 and absolutely love it. We now have 140,000 miles on it and the only servicing that it has needed has been the usual wear and tear. We have always had our servicing done at the dealer. Best of all...this SUV is great in the snow. I have never had a problem driving this vehicle in bad weather. I average about 20 mpg. We also had a Miata and finally departed with that car after it had 250,000 miles on it. What can I say about Mazda.......they make reliable cars as long as you do your part in maintaining them.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Thinking of buying another one

lovemytribute, 10/02/2002
2001 Mazda Tribute DX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

We bought our Tribute last year. I checked out other SUVs and none compared to the Tribute. The Tribute had a lot more standard features along with better horsepower, looks, and space. It was too good to pass up! I traded in my MX-3 for the Tribute and still have lots of fun driving. We've had this car for 1.5 years now and have put on 25,400 miles on it. We haven't had any problems with our Tribute. We're thinking of getting a second Tribute. It has excellent pick up too, I often pass other cars at intersections without any extra pressure on the gas pedal!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Well satisfied

BKT, 07/06/2002
2001 Mazda Tribute DX-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Overall, very well pleased with this vehicle. Prior to buying, we test drove everything else in this size/price class and found the Mazda was head & shoulders the most vehicle for the money. The V-6 is spunky, the handling and ride are very good for a SUV. The interior is surprisingly roomy. We've got 11,000 miles on the Tribute and it has been flawless so far. Only complaints are that fuel economy is less than expected and the car is a little noisy, particularly under acceleration.

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5 out of 5 stars

2001 Mazda Tribute is a Great Vehicle

Eva, 08/21/2005
2001 Mazda Tribute DX 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I purchased a 2001 Mazda Tribute in 2000. I have driven over 75,000 miles. This is a great vehicle. I have had no major problems with this vehicle. The only two problems I experienced was a broken door handle (inside) in about year three and about three months ago an EGR valve had to be replaced. The door handle cost was $75 dollars and the EGR valve $120. These are the only expenses I have had with my vehicle as far as repairs. This is a great everyday vehicle. It's roomy, the steering is excellent, it runs great and stops on a dime. I'm going into my fifth year driving this vehicle and I plan to drive it five more. My Tribute is well worth the $16,700 I paid for it back in 2000.

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1.75 out of 5 stars

What a lemon

Dewey, 06/30/2007
2001 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I had one of these, and have put several hundred dollars a year into it since it was about 2 years old. It's had at least three recalls. One of them caused all the power to shut off as I was driving down a hill; could barely work the power steering to get pull it off the main road. Struts have burst, things are leaking and broken that should not be. Am getting rid of is ASAP.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

"I Love My MADZA TRIBUTE!"

Madza Tribute, 08/03/2005
2001 Mazda Tribute DX 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The day I gave this black SUV a trial run I had to buy it. It was the first one sold in Contra Costa County. Every where I went people asked me what kind of SUV it was ... I still get compliments on it. It has been the true "ZOOM ZOOM" that they advertised. It pulls my Sea-Doo with no effort. The 4-wheel drive is easy to use and works great up in the snow. The ONLY thing that was negative is that they put the shift control on the steering wheel instead of on the floor; sometimes when you change the volume on the radio you accidentally hit the steering shifter. I think they have remedied this on newer models. I love this SUV!

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2.25 out of 5 stars

Very Disappointing

Disgruntled, 01/04/2006
2001 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Too many things go wrong. Within one year, had to replace windshield wipers, ashtray, and passenger door handle. Had a stall while driving @ 45 MPH due to failed powertrain, crashed into a fence. Loud wind noise from passenger back door. Rear windshield wiper keeps falling off. Door panel leather peeling off. Headliner cardboard coming off in trunk of car. Loud noise and rumbling when going in or out of overdrive. Random check engine lights go on and off all the time. Save your money and buy something better.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

silver streak

rambler, 04/07/2002
2001 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Absolutely love it. Both of us have hip replacements and have trouble riding long distances,but not in this toy.The ease getting in and the roominess of the inside makes it a dream. I'm 5'1", he is 6'2". The mild contour of the seats make it possible to sit without pressure on the sides of the hips.The back will easily hold our riding scooters.Lets us feel like kids again. great in traffic superb response, great on the open road.tried all the Comparable SUVS.This is by far the winner.Only complaint, needs a light on the moonroof switch so you know when it is totally shut...try it you'll love it...

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2.38 out of 5 stars

Hate it

Reasy, 07/01/2008
2001 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Bought this car after my cr-v was totaled in an accident (not at fault) and couldn't find another used cr-v. Within three months I had over $3000 in major engine repairs and it just keeps getting worse. Gas mileage has really gone down and the car is so loud and rough to drive... bumpy MI roads don't help, but I get a headache sometimes during my commute. This car has been nothing but trouble for me. Door handles stick really bad, have to really pull to get the doors open. With the cheap feel I'm worried they are just going to break right off. They probably will now that I wrote that. Leather seats are very cheap feeling.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Great vehicle

Rob Ellis, 02/20/2004
2001 Mazda Tribute DX-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

I've had my 2001 Tribute for over three years now and I am very happy with it. The engine performance is very adequate and I have had very few problems. The few problems I have had were covered under warranty. The service plan under the waranty has been great because it includes rental car coverage.

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3.5 out of 5 stars

Get one with low miles and be a mechanic

Will, 12/28/2009
2001 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 4 people found this review helpful

First off, this was my first car I ever owned and I loved it with all my heart, but Ford can't build cars to save their lives. If you can look past the doom and gloom of Ford than I think you will find a decent car. I think I had issues which were more isolated but none the less annoying. First off my transmission was horrific since day 1 with extremely choppy gear changes. The massive amount of recalls are staggering. My first factory sparkplug died early at 55,000 miles, thanks Ford. My best Top Gear simile to describe this car is "The tribute is like your girlfriend who is incredibly hot and will do great things for you, but she threatens to kill you each time she leaves."

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5 out of 5 stars

No Complaints

M J Boyer, 11/16/2002
2001 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is my spouses vehicle...and she truly enjoys owning and driving it. The sun-roof feature allows great outdoors enjoyment, and the tightness and overall appearance both inside and out have brought her many favorable comments from co-workers and friends. We're older individuals, and I would certainly recommend to anyone past 50 to consider this vehicle...the 200HP performance is terrific.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Worth the Money

bassman99, 11/29/2002
2001 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is an excellent car in most respects. It has been extrememly fun to drive, handles well in the snow and ice, and is a relatively comfortable ride. I have also been very impressed with its towing capability. I've towed everything from an 18 foot boat to a relatively large U-Haul. In my estimation, it rode better with a towed load than the Ford Explorer (XLT) that I traded in. I usually don't go for the first year models (having been burned once before), but this turned out to be a good move. I will get another after I've run this one into the ground.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Love my Tribute

Morgan Lover, 12/22/2007
2001 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this vehicle when it was one year old and had 7,000 miles in it. It now has 63,000. It has provided an excellent, FUN driving experience. No problems and it still drives like it did the first day. This is the first car I have owned that wasn't a sports car so I do "drive" and the Tribute is a blast. Stll have the original Michelins on her!!! I change the oil and filter every 3,500 miles, rotate the tires every other oil change, do the other maintenance by the book, and NO problems yet, not even when it was under warranty. I get 18 mpg in the city, up to 22 on the Interstate depending on velocity. Thinking of trading...but why should I?

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Allaroundgood

jga, 06/13/2002
2001 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This was the only vehicle my wife and I agreed on. We shopped for other SUVs and sedans. The value is amazing, I mean you try to find a 200hp V6 SUV for around 20K. We like its looks and functionality, it has only needed suggested maintenance and one sensor went out (repaired during dealer oil change) Customer service seems great both dealer bought from and service at, and corporate feedback.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

2001 Mazda Tribute Rock On!!

Flameworker, 07/15/2008
2001 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had this 2001 Mazda Tribute since it was new, and we have never had any problems with it. Only once when it was new, it shut off by itself on the highway, but this was soon resolved. It was a recall situation that got cleared up quickly for us. After that little incident it has always been smooth sailing with this vehicle. Great car based SUV! This vehicle is powerful, fun to drive, and very very very reliable.

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5 out of 5 stars

It DOES have the soul of a sports car

Sports Car Addict, 12/09/2002
2001 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have always had a sports car in my garage for the past 40 years, from MGs, TRs,V-12 E-Type Jags, Morgan +8 to the latest RX-7. When I needed an SUV I drove nearly all of them, but the Tribute is the only one I think is really FUN to drive plus high quality fit and finish. By the way, I'm 6' 7" tall and very comfortable in the Tribute...more than I can say for the sports cars!

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Not built for the long haul....

Pitt Fan, 12/14/2002
2001 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great vehicle, but I'm starting to think it isn't built for the long haul. I recently had the dealership perform a transmission adjustment to eliminate an occasional "rumble strip" noise that would randomly occur in the 40-50 MPH range. They said they're getting about 4-5 of these problems per month! I've also noticed the mileage is getting worse. I was getting about 20mpg with combined city/highway. Now I'm down to about 17, which STINKS.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Roomy and Dependable

daigt, 12/19/2002
2001 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Tribute lx v6. unbelieveably roomy for a "small" suv. the v6 is very powerful and peppy! I have owned it for over 2 years and it has given me practically no problems to speak of. The best vehicle in its class by far!

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4.13 out of 5 stars

V6 tows great

ddeemo, 01/22/2003
2001 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Owned a LX V6 4WD for over 2 years and now have almost 35,000 miles. It gets decent gas milage for a SUV with so much power. Tows very strongly, towed car and equipment on trailer 3000 miles cross country with no problem. Able to pass many cars up hills that could not go faster, while pulling about 3500# trailer load with little effort. Reliability concerns initially with a leaking brake master cylinder, security key error and a few minor problems fixed under waranty. It has been reliable last 25000 miles and has not left me stranded ever like my friends BMW X5 has 3x.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Saltz's 2 Tributes

Moi, 01/30/2010
2001 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased this vehicle brand new. I have read reviews about problems. The only thing I can say about that is it must have not been taken care of properly. My suv went in for all the maintenance when needed. Because of this I purchased a 2010.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Fun to drive (with lots of repairs)

gam4, 01/28/2011
2001 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Everything that I have read that can go wrong with this particular model, has gone wrong with mine. EGR valve, intake manifold gaskets tie-rods, cad. converter, door ashtray falls out, doors stick, etc...Just put a grand into it at 153K. It runs great now, and I do still love to drive it, but with gas prices going up, and the 15MPG it actually gets, I am looking for something more economical!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Loved my tribute!!I

nat, 02/02/2010
2001 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I had my lovely car for close to 10 years when a truck backed into it and smashed the radiator and grill :-( still arguing with insurance. It had 150,000 miles on it and ran like a dream-- mechanics all said (both dealer & private) that it had many more miles on it. I had to get a new transmission at 147,000 miles other than that just the regular wear-- oil change and brakes. I am negotiating with insurance but I WANT MY CAR BACK!! I love my tribute and I'm sure it has many more years left in it.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Fun to drive

domek69, 02/09/2003
2001 Mazda Tribute DX-V6 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This “compact” SUV is not so compact after all. I’ve been driving the Tribute for over 2 years now without any major problems. It is roomy. The 6- cylinder engine has a fantastic acceleration if you compare it to similar cars from other manufacturers.

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5 out of 5 stars

Perfect for me!

peachofalady, 02/14/2003
2001 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've driven my Tribute from the Southeastern US to West Texas several times - no problems, ever.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Best SUV for under $30,000

lachom, 04/08/2002
2001 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have owned my Tribute for a year and a half now. I usually replace my vehicles every one to two years, however this one is staying with me for a while. I love to drive this little SUV. It's like driving a tall sport sedan. Tight, Fast and sweet to look at. The best line I ever heard about the Tribute is...It looks and feels like you spent a lot more.

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4 out of 5 stars

I've had my Tribute for 6 years now

Meredith, 07/19/2008
2001 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I came on here looking for how long Tribute's last for but I can't find anyone with higher miles than mine. I currently have 124,000 miles and yes, I've been needing to replace a few things, but they all seem like normal wear and tear. However, I'm a little worried because of the high miles and can't afford costly repairs, but I LOVE my car. I've been pricing used ones, haha, yes I am thinking about getting another one. It's due for a tie-rod replacement and I need to have the spark plugs replaced, which will all hopefully be done this weekend. Also, my ash/trash tray thing on the backseat driver's side door has fallen out, for no reason, but otherwise, cosmetically, it's doing well.

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