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Used 2003 Mazda Tribute Consumer Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
204 reviews

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3.63 out of 5 stars

transmission trouble 3 times

Eileen Kelley, 08/11/2005
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I love this car but at 22,000 miles the transmission leaked; dealership put in a new transmission. Almost a year to the day the 2nd transmission with only 14,000 miles now has to be replaced again. The dealership is very rude and has an "oh well this happens" attitude. Very frustrating because what's to stop it from happening again next year? Mazda customer service is not much better. Accused me of not taking care of the car. Now the front wheel bearings are to be replaced. Haven't had much satisfaction from anyone. Am going to try Attorney General's office next.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Love my Tribute

Terry Weinmann, 07/25/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

We truly enjoy our new Tribute. It is very comfortable and so much fun to drive. We have 2 grandchildren and feel completely safe having them in the car with us. I thought I would miss my sporty coupe when I traded it in-but I love this vehicle-highly recommend to anyone looking for a reliable SUV.

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5 out of 5 stars

tribute

stacie watson, 08/05/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute DX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

awesome vehicle.....happy that i made this purchase

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5 out of 5 stars

Five stars for 147,000 miles after that One star

Murph, 08/18/2020
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

2003 Mazda LX six cylinder 201 hp was a fantastic vehicle for 17 years. With the seats folded down I got 24 8 foot two by fours and close the doors and hatch. It was one of very few vehicles on the road and every blizzard we had- One of those when only snowmobiles are going. I hauled generators, washing machines, dryers, ladders, kids, teenagers, baseball gear, sleds, and etc. Forded more than one stream. Off road mild trails was outstanding. This was the best car I ever owned until I bought a 2008 Honda pilot. Catalytic converter blocked up overheating the engine, frying lifters and valve seats. Just junked it. Doesn’t owe me a darn thing.

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

Great SUV!

Brazmunkee, 02/06/2007
2003 Mazda Tribute DX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I bought this 2003 Tribute for my daughters who are competitive surfers as it has adequate room and a very good reputation. However, I like driving it so much they have to fight me to use it. I LOVE this little vehicle. It's just a blast to drive and it gets GREAT gas mileage. It's not the quality of my 2003 Toyota 4Runner, but it's more fun to mess around in and I'm not so burdened my the 4Runner's weight and size.

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3.13 out of 5 stars

Save Your Money

Rozy, 06/08/2008
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

New 2003 Mazda Tribute

avonman, 09/09/2002
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

This is my firstg SUV and I decided on it after extensive research, including Edmunds online owner comments, and test drives of a number of compact SUVs. I love the performance and handling of the car. The six cyl. engine is very peppy. The size of the Tribute is perfect for my needs, which do not include much off-road driving. I paid $500 over the published invoice.

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5 out of 5 stars

I LOVE MY TRIBUTE

Vanessa, 07/17/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

I initially wanted to buy a Nissan Xterra for about the same price i got my tribute, i would have a lower model (no leather etc.) Test drove the Xterra and steering was wtiff. Test drove cars like Santa Fe and Tribute and i loved the Tribute the best. I am enjoying this truck: nice looks, nice feel, looks expensive. Great Everything!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

The SUV I Always Wanted

JessieHope, 07/03/2007
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

I love my Tribute. I wanted a smaller SUV and looked at several makes (Jeep, Ford, etc.) before deciding on the Tribute. It has great cargo space and the area around the driver is comfortable and very well laid out. The gear shift is on the steering column which took a little getting used to but now I love it. It opens up the console as more usable space. There are plenty of well designed cup holders and a flat floor across the back seat, making this the perfect ride for roadtrips. Even with 5 adults it's comfy.

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5 out of 5 stars

New Mazda customer

sandpiper, 08/05/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I am a female that has driven Jeeps for 15 years but they have gotten too expensive for me. Having owned this Mazda for one month, I still have the safety of the SUV with less cost and better gas mileage which I attribute to its being less heavy. Mazda was also wonderful with the financing.

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