Used 2002 Mazda Tribute Consumer Reviews
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Nothing can still compare
So powerful that you'll not notice you're speeding already.
I still love my little Tribute!!!!
I have had my little Mazda for almost 8 months and still love it! Knock on wood, I have had not one single problem with it. My Trib goes anywhere I need to go, in any weather condition. The push button 4 wheel drive- very convenient!!!! I will buy a new version on this vehicle in a few years. Yes, I still miss some of the features of a CAR, but would not trade my Trib anytime soon.
From Porsche to Tribute
Had a 2000 Boxster S. Traded and bought my Tribute ES 4WD. Would MUCH rather have a Tribute than a Porsche anyday. It is the right size, useful, comfortable, performs beautifully, and a joy to own. I coulc not be happier.
Best Small SUV
Test drove and priced several small SUVs. I am 6'9". This one has plenty of head and leg room and is comfortable to drive. I have the ES model and it has everything to offer that vehicles selling for $10000 more have. The gas economy is a little weak but appears to match other 6 cylinder vehicles with the same horsepower.
AOK by me
I've only had the Trib for 3 months, but so far I've enjoyed my purchase. My biggest concern was performance in snow, as I live in a mountainous region and like to ski. The Trib has done fine driving through snow storms and up snowy mountain roads. It also holds all my gear with out a problem. I like the power it has to go up Mountain passes and to cruise on the highway. The roof rack could be a little higher as the clamps for Thule ski rack I put on don't have enough clearance off the roof. The gas milage is disappointing, I've been averaging 18-19 mpg with a combination of highway and city driving. R
No Problems Here
Have had my Tribute for about 7 months now and am quite happy with it. Only thing which stands out is gas mileage which seems poor. Other than that, comfort and handling is excellent as well as performance.
Best SUV under 26K
Very peppy performing "small" SUV that feels like a mid-size vehicle & corners like a sports car. Lots of room inside for "real" people, including rear seat legroom. Fold the rear seats down & it becomes a serious hauler - very tall & wide rear hatch. Gas mileage is consistently around 20 mpg (& I drive it enthusiastically!) Just can't beat it for the bucks. After a lot of research, we are strongly considering another new Tribute next year. There just isn't anything else in its class that combines great looks, true functionality, economy of operation, and FUN to drive.
Only 3 flaws
Fun, like a car. Not as peppy as it seems, but still a potent 200 hp. Sits high off the ground with no fear of rollover. Corners and steers well, lots of hand grips throughout the cabin for rough terrain. 3 flaws: 1-Move shifter to floor--too easy to knock the 'Bute out of gear reaching for the radio. 2- Interior molding comes loose easily. 3- At highway speed, we had sudden power failure...no steering / brakes...engine died...scary! Mazda says most 'Butes do this, yet there's been no recall! Unacceptable! Nonetheless a satisfying ride. Worth a close look in the small to mid-sized SUV class.
Not Bad for an SUV
I was looking for an mini suv with good passing power and comfort. The tribute had both. The V6 engine has great power on demand. I've had it now for 3 months. The only complaint I have about it is the driver side mirror vibrates at speeds above 70 mph. Otherwise, I'm completely satisfied with the purchase. If you are in the market for one, put it on your test drive list.
Best value in mini-SUVs
We just rolled over 10K trouble-free miles in our 2wd Tributes ES. The Tribute has to be the best value in the mini-SUV market. It has as much or more passenger room (especially in the backseat) and cargo room as some midsize SUVs but in the size and price of a mini-SUV. My wife likes the driving position, its small proportions and low step-in height. It handles well for a tall vehicle, has great power, brakes and steering. The biggest surprise has been how smooth and quiet the engine and ride are. Plus we get 22 mpg in normal driving. Great value, highly recommended.
Best Deal on a SUV
We purchased our Tribute almost a year a go. 16000+ miles, 3 cross country trips and we are still loving it. Fuel economy has improved ...we are averaging 20 mpg in Atlanta traffic! on the highway we managed 25mpg. Not bad considering the great power and comfort. We seriously considered the Toyota Highlander and the Range Rover Freelander, but Tribute wins... power, price, space, ride and for far less than the others.
This SUV Rocks!
I bought an ES-4WD three weeks ago. I already racked up 1600 miles. So far I've been very impressed. After driving a sports car for seven years, I wanted a car-based mini-SUV with somewhat similiar performance. The Tribute doesn't disappoint. It's quite nimble to drive and has plenty of power to boot. Fuel economy averages about 20 a gallon ... not too shabby. I've test-driven a few other mini-SUV (Honda CRV, Toyota Rav4 ...), I think the Tribute is definitely a good buy for its class.
tribute lx 4wd 6 cylinder
We owned this vehicle for a little over one year. Initially we were impressed with the size, acceleration, and utility of this vehicle. However, certain annoyances became much more noticeable the longer we drove it. It is NOISY. I repeat NOISY. Rear lift developed a loud rattle which has proven elusive to correct. Cigarette lighter broke after one week. The steering is very heavy at low speeds. The seats are very firm and uncomfortable on long trips. Fuel economy is poor. Brake dust!!! Brake dust all the time on the front wheels. The longer your in this vehicle the more annoying it becomes. Beware future buyers, this is a FORD with mazda badging.
Fun to drive - around town
This IS a fun car to drive and looks great but someone my age(74)should be driving something more comfortable. I much prefer our 96 Voyager on trips. Mileage is disappointing, usually about 17 mpg. Car is OK, I'm just 30+ years too late. Car had to have steering box replaced about a month after we bought it. No other problems.
I love my Tribute!!
I love my Tribute. I've owned it for over a year and have had no problems at all. It is a lot of fun to drive and looks great too. I also liked it better than the Ford Escape (the Escape has rubber on lower body instead of being painted). It has great power and brakes and tight steering. I would buy another one in a heartbeat!
Be Careful
I have had a clunking noise from my 2001 Tribute for about 1 month now. The dealership keeps telling me they cannot find anything wrong. They rotated the tires and changed a shock. They say it was my fault for not rotating the tires every 5000 miles, after only 17000 miles there should not be such a problem that it feels like a constant flat tire, but that is what mine feels like. The dealership doesn't seem to care that there is a problem. Be careful who you buy from how their customer service is.
This is the ONE
I have finally found the perfect SUV to fit my lifestyle. I have been looking for something to fit my tastes as well as my budget and the '02 Tribute ES-V6 was the perfect match. The ride is smooth and handles just like my wife's Mitsubishi Galant. The interior is plush and the exterior is sleek and stylish. I would defintitely recommend this to anyone out there in the market for a compact SUV.
Loveit/Hate it
Bought it in 6/02, edited version: door chime rang nonstop when door open, replaced ignition. Happened again and finally fixed. Dashboard scratched during repair, replaced under warranty for being "warped". Odometer replaced (didn't work after dash replaced)resetting the mileage to zero. Incorrect mileage written on door jam sticker. Replaced: master cylinder, drivers seat, drivers side mirror. Repaired: rear window washer (X2), speaker, Air con vent stuck. Currently the power seat won't lower the back half and the replacement seat is developing a lump under the fabric like the first seat. I am going to pursue Mazda buying back the vehicle.
Fun to drive
I have driven this car everyday to work and I have had no problems with it. Great acceleration, sound system. good gas millage. Comfortable ride. it is a little loud but the 201 horses can be blamed for that, it is a great SUV. I recommend it.
Great car, IF it starts!
I have had much distress over a repetitve problem that the service people cannot fix,sometimes my car won't start,leaving me stranded.They replaced the immobolizer.They cut and reprogramed new keys,a tech took it home,and couldn't get it started,had to be towed back to the dealer.Then they thought it was a wiring harness connection,took apart and reconnected, and were convinced it was fixed.I am so stressed and upset over this,I was to go on a trip this morning,but still need to get the car towed,and confront the dealer.This may be a lemon,but I have had trouble getting callbacks from the servicing dealer,Pugi.
An Easy Choice
We had the chance to drive and compare the Honda CRV, Subaru Forester, Toyota Highlander and the Mazda Tribute 2WD V6ES. All things considered the Tribute was an easy choice. Compared to a similarly equipped Toyota Highlander, the Tribute came in at $6,000.00 less! The Honda and the Subaru did not have enough space and power (both had 4 cyl engines and no V6 was available) for our needs, and their prices were comparable, less for your money!
Death trap
I have not made the first car payment and my new Mazda is already in the repair shop. The car stalled on me as I was existing the freeway. So far, the mechanic cannot reproduce the problem. However, considering what I am reading on this website, it's no wonder Mazda has not gotten sued yet from someone getting killed due to this problem.
great mini-suv
This is my second experience with purchasing a new car. The only bad experience I have had from beginning to the present is a pushy salesman from another Mazda company. We went elsewhere, found a nice and easy going guy and love our vehicle. It was well worth the money and besides average gas mileage, my wife and I plan on keeping this car as long as it runs.
All I hoped For in SUV
My wife and I test drove several SUV's - Liberty, Xterra, Escape, Santa Fe, Vue, Montero Sport. We felt the Tribute was easily the best overall. It's roomy, has plenty of power, comfortable ride for an SUV, reasonably quite on the road, and looks great. Gas mileage is descent for a 200 HP V6. Been averaqing 18-19 in city driving so far in just 1500 miles. Like everyone else, our only complaint is that gear shifter partially blocks volume on radio when in drive. However, I've already found myself reaching around it without thinking about it. This vehicle really is fun to drive. I can tell a lot of people take a good look at it on the road.
Tribute - fun to drive
I was one of the first to buy a new Tribute. It was fun to drive and easy to maneuver. The only problem I have is it hurts my toes to drive. I am 5'3" and when I have to drive in stop-and-go driving, my foot does not rest on the peddle so I have to use my toes. The seat is higher than my non-SUV car so I am thinking that is the problem. Does anyone else have trouble with the peddles?
Only one complaint
I have 8,000+ miles on my Tribute. I had a hard time making up my mind what to buy. I am very happy with my purchase. My children love the SUV. With 3 vehicles in the house to drive, they are constantly borrowing it.
Mazda Tribute 2002
I purchased the Tribute for $250 over real invoice with side airbags, premium sound system and tow pkg. To make it look a little nicer I purchased the wood pkg. for the interior and it looks great. No problems after 5000 miles. Getting about 20 MPG with majority of the driving being stop and go. Only complaint is I wish the engine was more quiet, but hey...
Whining
Everything is great except for a whining noise @35-40 mph. Then it disappears. Any comments would be appreciated.
Very Satisfied
Surprisingly satisfied. I test drove the Grand Cherokee, Trailblazer, Bravado and Montero Sport. The Tributes comfort was better than any (except Bravado). It's performance was better that most. It's perfect for me. Mileage 1st tank 18.5, second 19.5. Go the ES model.
You Get What You Pay For!
Have had 2003 model for 6 months with all features and quite impressive for the price. Most of mileage has come from four 1500 mile trips with only negatives being road noise, poor gas mileage, and bad roof vibration at 70mph on windy days. No perceived drag on engine with air on but if you can do without it, the mileage improves from 20 to 26mpg. Lots of storage and room for cargo; better than my RX330 but not nearly as quiet and smooth riding. But at 1/2 the price, the Mazda is a better value. Long term reliability/cost is the issue and only time will tell which is the better value.
Good looks and great handling
I have been researching SUVs for months. The Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota RAV 4 were also on my list of hopefuls and I test-drove each one. What sold me on the Tribute is the handling, power of the V6 and the std. options available on the ES trimline. Because of a fleet program my Company participates in and a rebate offered by Mazda, I got my Tribute for $1,600 below dealer invoice. The Highlander is also nice but too costly once you add all of the same options offered in the Tribute.
Great Value
I guess you would call this a 30,000 mile report. I am very pleased with my purchase of my 2002 Mazda Tribute. I have used it for long trips, camping, skiing and have not had one problem with it. All I have done is the routine maintenance. The only annoying little thing is the rear window creaks when going over bumps in the road. When I take it in for service next time I will have them check it out. Other then that I have been very pleased with it.
stranded w/ 2 kids
I have only had my Tribute for 3.5 months and it died on me. I had two kids in the car and it was 100 degrees outside. My youngest was only 2 months old! My dealer came to our rescue and got us out of the heat pretty quick. Turns out there was a power control module that had to be reprogrammed. We had a Mazda MX3 years ago and loved it but my confidence has been shaken this time.
Tribute ES-V6 4WD ... fun driving
A year ago, I was looking for an affordable, useful, and good looking vehicle to replace my old sedan. The Tribute was my #1 choice back then (Jan '01), and it still is now (May '02). It's by far the most useful yet fun to drive vehicle I've had without breaking my budget. I love the way it handles on just about all on- road conditions although I wouldn't take it off-road -- it's not a Jeep. Gas mileage is disappointing at 16mpg city and 21mpg highway, less than the EPA ratings, but that may be because I enjoy driving it too much. Exterior is stylish and refined-looking; interior needs better materials and sound insulation.
Great SUV
I sincerely enjoy my tribute! It is big enough to compete with the other SUV's on the road, but I don't feel like I'm driving a tank either. It is easy to handle, and I love all of the safety features. A great car that is fun to drive, and I always get complimented on it!
The Snappy 2002 V-6 MAZDA Tribute 4WD
Excellent, good looking, snappy little SUV that offers comfort, performance, and reliability. While generally economical for an all-wheel-drive, the fuel economy drops markedly with a boat in tow. The interior appointments are quite good with little lacking except "quiet". Let's face it... this is a noisy vehicle and the unacceptable level of road noise is the only major disappointment we have had with the otherwise great Tribute.
New, but I love it
Although I never thought I would buy anything other than a Chevy, I'm in love with my Tribute. The ride is comparable to a car. Good pickup and a smooth ride. My only real complaint is the AWFUL gas mileage. With the right option packages, this small SUV is the perfect alternative to a car. Unfortunately, I think there is significant power loss with the air conditioner running. Other than that, I love my Tribute.
first review
Great little SUV. I would highly recommend it.
Love my First Mazda!!
This is my first attempt at having a non-GM vehicle and I have been extremely happy. I have already put 10,000 miles on my Tribute and have not had any problems with it to date. The only options I bought were the in dash 6 disc CD changer and ABS. I checked all the other SUVs out at the time and this was the best value by far. I think it has classier exterior styling than its counterpart, the Ford Escape.
Tribute One Tough SUV
We love the look's and power of it. We purchased it to tow our colemen camper with it, witch it does with no problem. Any one who needs a great looking suv with get uo and go with a price tag of under$20,000 should look at this baby. Tim Doherty
Stalling problem almost killed me...
I was quite happy with my Tribute until this week. It stalled 2x. Once at 50mph on a 4 lane hwy in the PM rush hour. Lost all power/brakes & steering. A car-carrier truck (fully loaded w/cars) would have killed me but I was able to muscle the Tribute off the road. Stalled again next day in rush hour going around a curve at 25MPH. Had to muscle it off road into someone's yard to avoid causing an accident. It is at the dealership now. Very scary - very dangerous - someone will be killed if this stalling problem is not fixed. I cannot believe there has been no recall. Is Mazda waiting for a lawsuit?
Classy Appearance
I saw one on the road and was immediately drawn to it back in 2000. I went to look at one right away. I was impressed and I thought the exterior and interior complimented one another and was impressed that it seemed to look and feel more like a car than a truck. Overall it fit my desire to not be too sporty or to be too much like a luxury SUV.
Tess's view
Excellent! Room for two car seats. Only small SUV with 1. leather (easier to wipe off children's mess) 2. sky/sun/moon roof (after a convertable, I really needed to see the sky! it makes watching out door events fun for the kids who like to stand up to see what's going on--& no, the car isn't moving; 3. roomier than the jeep or ford, 4. interior is better looking than the jeep or ford 5. handled a top rack and a bicyle rack, 6.options for the Tribute offer more of what I wanted than either the honda, ford, or jeep. The instrument panel in the jeep is highlighted and better for visual acuity. Over all, I'd buy another one, lots of fun and easy to take care of.
Great all around SUV!
I did a lot of shopping before deciding on the Tribute. The second choice was a Honda Pilot but comparably equipped it was over $6K more and drove more like a Minivan! The Tribute is an excellent all around SUV. I traded an Isuzu Trooper that we had owned for 10 years. While it lacks the space of a full size SUV like the Trooper, it more than makes up for it in handling, ride and overall driving enjoyment. The styling of the Tribute appears much more "upscale" than the comparable Escape. When BMW comes out with an SUV based on the 3 series, the Tribute will be the benchmark!
Test Drive
The Tribute is a wonderfull commuter car. Comfortable, quiet, and cool. The paint schemes available for the vehicle are plentiful. The model selectability seems to be just as plentiful. The V6 model (tested) is really powerful. The drawback of the vehicle is the car based chasis. The vehicle is based on the Mazda 626 frame. Which means it is a front wheel drive car with an all wheel drive option. For someone who does not like front wheel drive automobiles (from a maintenance stand point) this "car" is not for you.
I love to zoom zoom!
The Tribute is a great mix of practicality and sportyness. I have thoroughly enjoyed my Tribute. It is a great value for the money and towers about its class. The CRV and RAV4 seem cheaper but with options they end up being more expensive with a smaller engine and a rougher ride. I put 5000 miles on my Tribute in the first two months and I have had no problems thus far. While the interior is plain it is practical and you can't get more without paying a lot more money. I don't mind the odd gear shift--it actually makes a nice hand rest when you are flipping through radio stations and allows for more storage space between seats. Zoom zoom!!
Love it!
I've owned my Tribute for almost a year and absolutely love it. I have had one minor problem (faulty sensor caused check engine light to come on).
If only it had a better gas mileage
A great overall car to own. Beware of the gas mileage!
Fun to drive
I tried this vehicle on highways (in CA), in the city traffic, on the rural road and in the heavy snow in mountains (Lake Tahoe). It's always been fun to drive. I never had luck of power and didn't miss bigger engines of Jeeps, etc. Vehicle's behavior on heavy snow (powder ~1/2 of a wheel) has by far exceeded my expectations of "parquette SUV".
My 2002 Tribute Review
After 9 months and 12,500 miles, all I can say about my Tribute is that it has been a real pleasure ride and there's not a day that goes by that someone compliments the exterior design and looks of this SUV (I have black). I just came back from Florida and put the 4WD to the test on the most sandiest and secluded beaches without any problems. You never know your driving a SUV.It drives, feels and handles like a higher end mid size car. The only problem I have had was a broken back seat latch which the dealer replaced and the horn stopped working (not sure why yet and have an appt with the dealer). No other problems.