Used 2003 Mazda Tribute Consumer Reviews
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A Few Problems
Drex, 06/20/2007
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
So far I've had to change the alternator. Replacement was done at the dealer (ouch) so I was given an OEM alternator with a whopping 1 yr/12,000 mile warranty. Nice going there. The shifter gets in the way too much. I notice if you put the SUV in park, it still has a tendency to roll a bit after you take your foot off the brake. Even after fixing the recalled accelerator cable, the SUV still has a tendency to lurch forward when taking your foot off the accelerator. Rear liftgate hatch has broken and won't lock. Cost of repair is over $300. High highway noise, not so good gas mileage, not pleased with Mazda overall.
Mazda does well again.
Jimmy, 09/11/2006
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Mazda Tribute has done a great job on its compact car based performance SUV. It's certainly a SUV with a sports car soul. The 201-HP 3.0L V6 is powerful for exhilaration but not as much for towing. Measured 0-60MPH time was 7.48 seconds. The 4WD system works very well on snow, ice, and muddy dirt. The FWD system does show some very torquey steering, at least with the 6-cyl. The seats are sort of uncomfy, but only on long trips. Highway ride and performance is excellent. Handles bumps so-so. 7-speaker stereo works great. AC/heat works well. Reliability after 48k miles has been excellent except for some minor audio display twitches. Buy this car for a used car, and opt for the 6-cyl DOHC engine.
2003 Mazda Tribute for sale near you
3 of 15 listings
- LX-V6 4dr SUVMSRP: $2,400420 mi away
- LX-V6 4dr SUVMSRP: $2,950585 mi away
- LX-V6 4dr SUVMSRP: $6,495713 mi away
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Tribute Will Tow
Illinibravada, 10/11/2004
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Researched and test drove alot of midsize SUV's. Really am pleased with the Tribute. (Wife drives Highlander) Mileage 22 combo city/highway. I also use it to tow my 18 ft bass boat. Vehicle has tow package. I get 18-20 mpg when towing the boat. As my 5 year old says it has alot of zoom zoom dad.
I Love My Tribute!
wgBeethovenV, 03/05/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Being a senior citizen with a diabetic physical handicap, I had my share of problems entering sedan (low seating) type vehicles. With the Tribute this problem no longer exists. Its height affords the driver an ease of entry together with a very comfortable/roomy driving position. The "over the hood" windshield viewing area is superior . The maneuverability and handling of the miniSUV feels like a sedan most likely due to its unique suspension and steering ratio. Great vehicle for the price!
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.
It's a great car
nn, 07/25/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute DX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
see below
Having fun in a Tribute
Courtney9481, 07/16/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have been satified with my Tribute. Overall its been a very comfortable drive. I LOVE the cargo space and the reclining seats in the back. The Premium Sound System with the 6 disc cd changer was worth the money. One minor problem that I have incurred was condensation that drips from the AC on top a steaming hot metal exhaust under the car constantly makes a sizzling noise when I turn the vehicle off. Dealer said that all Mazda Tributes do it so they refuse to touch it. Overall I gave it a pretty good rating!
A solid B performer
FCM3, 10/02/2002
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had my LX -4X4 for 1yr and 2 months now (15K) and I rate the car as a solid B+. The car is speedy, handles well, and acts like a car. The down side is I 've had 3 warrenty items fixed ( I am going in for a 4th next week-the sunroof stopped working) all have been nuiscences that have required the car to stay at the dealership for 1 or 2 days. However the problems started after 8 hassle free months.(sagging headliner, check engine light(bad O2 sensor), and 4X4 switch broke-in on position. I average 18mpg/city and 21 on the highway. I've been overall pleased w/ the ride, handling, power, and space. For the $$ this has been a good car.
Perfect Answer to Your Boring CuteUte
zaimon, 02/06/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
In the time I've spent with my Tribute I've mostly had the best owner's experience! At first there were a few trips to the dealer to handle minor annoyances in certain parts, otherwise nothing major. The sporty handling and performance of the v6 leaves little to be desired. The 4wd system reacts quickly and works well in ice and snow! One major criticism, FUEL EFFICIENCY. I've never been able to get decent fuel mileage (averaging 18.1 mpg) on this car, although I admit I don't drive too conservatively, I would expect more out of the car, however. If there's a price to pay for excellent handling and performance, fuel consumption would probably be the one I'd choose.
Excellent Vehicle
04/23/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute DX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought a 2003 Tribute a month ago and I absolutely love it!!!!! It handles exceptionally well. Visibility is great!!! It has plenty of room and I love the sound system. I would definetely recommend this vehicle to anyone that is looking for a stylish, comfortable and reliable SUV.