Used 2003 Mazda Tribute Consumer Reviews
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Fun to Drive
Doug Stimpy, 09/24/2002
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I waited almost 6 months to get this. I have one of the first ones. Zoom Zoom is accurate and fun to drive. Had transmission problem. Dealer was very quick and curtious, I am impressed.
beware of jim ellis mazda dealers
exasperated, 12/12/2002
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
While the tribute is overall a good car, I have had numerous negative experiences with Mazda in the week since I purchased my car. First, the dealer has been inept - offering me a percentage rate, signing the contract, and then calling me after I've already taken possession of the car and trying to re-negotiate my contract. Second, the day after I brought my car home it began malfunctioning, and the dealer has yet to correct the problems. Third, there is no automatic door unlock on the passenger door - pain for passengers and drivers alike. Overall, pretty good car but sketchy dealers - beware. If it seems like a good deal, read the fine print.
2003 Mazda Tribute for sale near you
3 of 15 listings
- LX-V6 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,900110 mi away
- LX-V6 4dr SUVMSRP: $2,995156 mi away
- ES-V6 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,995197 mi away
See all 15 listings
great atTRIBUTEs
axlr8, 09/23/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is our very first SUV and we are very happy with it. The power and handling is comparable to many sports cars and you get a higher driving position that gives you a panoramic view with little or no blind spots. Room is ample for both passengers and cargo. In my opinion, it is also the most beautiful small SUV in the market. And we like the fact that the road is not saturated with them.
Best small SUV available
Kingofposen, 09/25/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We love our Light Tundra ES-V6. Heated Leather, moonroof. Great styling, and handling. Couldn't be happier with our decision to buy a Tribute.
I love it
judyrom1, 10/04/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my first SUV, so I'm not used to the gas mileage, though i'm not as surprised as everyone seems to be at the lack of it. I have the fully loaded dark titanium 4wd. I absolutely love this thing! I have over 5,000 miles and haven't had a problem yet. It's better looking than any of the others in its class and drives fantastic. If I had the money i'd buy another for my 17 year old daughter. No complaints.
great car
Linds, 07/25/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is extremely fun to drive, its easy to park, no bad blind spots, and is very comfortable for front and back seat passengers.
GREAT LITTLE SUV
joey72447, 10/12/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It was a toss up between the Tribute and the Escape. The Tribute looked better and appeared to be roomier. There were too many confusing models with the Escape and I believe the Escape price was higher for the same options. I chose the Tribute hands down.
tribute to me!!!
weiszer, 12/12/2002
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the 1st time i ever saw the tribute i knew i had to have it. it was the cutes thing i had ever seen! my in-laws had just bought my sister-in-law a brand new jeep g.c. all they could talk about was how great it was. i would try to tell them about the tribute, they never heard about it! i went on the internet and e-mailed pics. to my mother-in-law. she also thought it was the cutest. i found silver star mazda on the internet, russ found what i was looking for, and now all my relatives can say is your little suv is soooo cute! a tribute to me!
Great Car So Far
Jholls, 10/17/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I traded my 01 gas hog Dodge Durango (which I absolutely loved) in on my 03 Tribute. So far I am very pleased. I get 20 mpg driving back and forth to work and 25 mpg on the highway. I miss my big V8 but not the $35 it cost to drive each week. I looked at the Honda CRV and Jeep Liberty but Honda wouldn't budge on the price and wanted $$$$$ for options that were standard on the Tribute (luggage rack, fog lights) and the Jeep didn't get any better milage than my Durango and was uncomfortable. So far I am very happy.
The perfect small SUV 4 a sporty family
Kabulax, 10/22/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Nice, good price and excellent driving. In the other hand.... there are some features, like cold package, unretractable windows and not illuminated cruise control are not good for the whole concept
Great Vehicle
Chancesr, 10/22/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car. Handles well. Excellent in the snow. Fun to drive. Very Dependable. Would highly recomend this car.
I LOVE My Tribute
Huufprint, 07/25/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Having ridden in, owned and used a number of SUV's in my life, the Tribute is definitely the king of the heap when it comes to a smaller SUV. Easy to drive & park; plenty of get-up-and-go for the highway. My only complaint is mileage and range... NOT ENOUGH OF EITHER.
Favorite Vehicle Ever
Lakelover, 10/16/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my favorite of all the vehicles we have ever owned. It is fun to drive, comfortable, has lots of spunk, great headlights and visibility, good gas mileage, tows well, carries a lot, and is great-looking. What more can you ask?
Too much gas
Lovett, 10/22/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A fun car to drive. Gas milage is a problem. Comfortable to drive. Has good get up
Love this SUV!
ReggieL, 09/27/2002
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I researched long and hard before buying my Tribute. I test drove the new Honda CRV, the Ford Escape, the Saturn VUE and the Hyundai Santa Fe. Without a doubt, the Tribute was the most fun to drive and felt more solid than any of the others. I would strongly suggest that anyone shopping in this SUV segment test drive the Tribute. You won't be disappointed.
My experience with Madza
RJV1284, 12/19/2002
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My SUV is more than I expected. Its confort conforms to my needs with the family. I would buy another. Your pricing was very good.
MY REVIEW
SKYLARSMOM, 07/25/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
FABULOUS CAR/TRUCK/SUV. NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD LIKE ANY CAR/TRUCK/SUV BETTER THAN MY ACCORD, BUT THIS IS THE TOPS!
Mazda Tribute
CComerford, 10/22/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my 3rd Mazda in the last 13 years. I simply love their automobiles. The are well made and at a good value.
Sweet 16
Kara, 10/23/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
For my 16th birthday my father bought me an 02 Mazda brand new. I've had good experience with this car but some bad including water leak above driver side door, they fixed this and it came back cause they caused another leak. I had to get all the interior padding carpet replaced cause the car was soaked. Also my radio nob fell off like the 2nd week i had it when i was turning it. Other thent that i love it just not yalls dealership i get it fixed at.
not by choice, but over the miles you go
maria12, 07/25/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
like title says this was not by my choice -- i personally liked another products style a lot better but... when "he's" buying cant really complain lol -- this is as stated fun to drive in city and looks nice but is it durable enough with all the leather and luxurys of top of line to stand the tough terrain that i would like to do on weekend getaways????? that is get it home and washed and waxed and detailed before he finds out i was stuck in the mud puddle on top of a mountain? lol time will tell i'll let you know lol but yes i like it and get complimented on it a lot -- some even think its a mercedes lol (what will they think of next??? lol )
A Tribute? After 6 months of ownership,
Tribute, 11/01/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The overall design is a class look, smooth ride and smooth responsive handling.The Tribute has less of a truck look then its brother the Escape. The Escape seems to have a more rigid supension and is a little more responsive in the steering, which taunts you to play a little harder with the Escape then the Tribute. No problems so far in the first six months of ownership with the Tribute except for a sore elbow from the cheap looking hard plastic interior door panels which need to be upgraded, along with the minor annoyance of wind noise, which is not a problem if you wish to have you music on all the time and loud.
Great for family
Maryann, 01/04/2006
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Roomy, and yet small. Great for a family vehicle.
Scott's Tribute
Scott.R, 08/05/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is such a fun suv to drive!! It is so sporty and it looks cool. I really enjoy all the features. the horsepower is great. My kids really enjoy the dvd system. This suv is a real pleasure.
Mazda Tribute ES
WBL68, 01/17/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A fun machine to drive. Very smooth and speedy performance. Smooth shifting auto transmission. Comfortable seating. Excellent visibility and control knob placements, interior space unimpeded by a floor console shifter.
Mazda Tribute
kathi reardon, 03/28/2006
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Make rear fold down seats differently, can't find ignition key space, too dark.
My Red Mazda
bytespiece, 08/05/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I recently purchased my Mazda Tribute and I just love it. This is the first time I have purchased an SUV and I'm glad I did. It handles great and I have no fear of driving it (media hype had me a little leery of purchasing an SUV). And, it drives so much better than my last car. I can't comment too much on the gas mileage as I haven't had it long enough, but the short time I have had it the gas mileage has been about 22 mpg in the city. Can you tell I really love my Mazda!
Great Value
akepley, 04/08/2004
2003 Mazda Tribute DX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Never owned a mazda before and have been extremely happy. no issues, maintentance problems, drives smooth, nice interior, equip and knobs very functional. I cheaped out and got the 4 cyl-5spd and the 4 cyl is a bit weak, but fuel econ is great for SUV as i get 25-27 regularly. Very smooth, solid, car like drive. I bought due to the incentives and picked it over the Honda CRX and Honda Pilot. Chose Mazda over Ford due to styling and better warranty.
So far, so good
Elmo60, 10/24/2002
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've driven Mazdas for years. They tend to be the same quality as other "Japanese" makes and typically much cheaper. I had debated an SUV for some time but just didn't want to pay 35-40K for a truck. I drove the Tribute and got hooked. I absolutely love the thing. I have a ton of room, It's fun to drive, peppy, etc. I read the reviews of other owners and feel bad for them. I expect it will happen to me as well and might lower my current very high opinion of my Tribute. But,til then, zoom-zoom.
The 1st was so good I bought a 2nd one
stormy, 04/15/2004
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my 2nd Tribute. My first was a 2001 and I had no problems with it. The only reason I decided to change out for a new one was when the 2001 tribute was about 8 mths old we were hit from behind and flipped onto the drivers side. 9k damage repaired (mostly cosmetic) it now had squeaks. The new one a 2003 does have several things that they changed that were for the better. Moveable headrests, lumbar on the drivers seat, reconfigured where the defrost button was, and changed the radio slightly. I had no issues with the Tribute the way it was, but these are good changes.
I would buy another!
krysnik, 08/06/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I drove several SUV's before deciding on the Tribute. I chose it over the Escape because of the exterior styling was more pleasing to the eye. This is the only car I have ever had that I would buy another one of. Trust me I am a very picky person!
Control Switches
W. Head, 03/08/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Seventh new vehicle owned and rate it second only to my 1993 Ranger. Only complaint is complexity of controls for windshield wiper, all lights, radio and clock. My dealership failed to explain these items in spite of them being on the Mazda check off list.
Nice Compact SUV, drives great
MZCMDR, 01/30/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very nice ride and suspenion. 4WD is nice. Great visibilty. I like it but there are a few annoying issues that need Human Engineering refinements.
Fun and power
Atong, 08/06/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I accually bought my Tribute in 2001. Except for some manufacturing defects (ford) it has been a great SUV. I put alot of miles on it every year and so far it it takes me anywhere I need to go and is fun getting me there.
We liked it sooo much, that
Sha, 11/07/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought a new Tribute in Sept 2003 and liked it so much that I traded in my Mazda Miata for our second Tribute. They are great multi purpose vehicles that aren't perfect, but do a nice all around job, both on the highway and city type driving.Hi what do you expect for 25K? We are very pleased with these vehicles at this point and would recommend one to friends.
My story
02 whttrib, 01/07/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle has been the worst new vehicle I have ever purchased. Many, many problems. It is very fun to drive and the V6 is a great performer, but it all comes at a very expensive cost of satisfaction, dealer trips, questionable cranking, stalling, and overall reliability. It feels extremely cheap.
Perfect Vehicle
Tom of LI, 07/28/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
With a 30 mile (each way) commute on Long Island NY (Traffic Capital of the Northeast) This perfectly sized SUV handles great, power driver's seat has enough adjustmentss to please anyone, rides comfortably, and with the premium audio package is a pleasure to drive. With the AWD I'll be ready for winter. The only other car I considered was the Subaru Forester, but the Tribute's 201 HP V6 and taller ride height made my decision easy.
good vehicle
siebers, 11/08/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the construction in and out is fragile. Sheet metal and interior plastic easily marred or bruised
2nd one is better
jaybud31, 04/07/2005
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought one in april 2003 brand new 400 miles on it (from transporting) was in the shop m-fri for i think...the first 3 weeks, I got it back on weekends, they couldnt figure out the problem with the engine/cooling lights coming on constantly. I requested after the 4 week, I get to "swap" for a different one, as i had a 1200 mile road trip planned, that was why i bought a new vehicle, so I picked another new one with 15 miles on it in May 2003 paid more, but the 2nd one has been great! no regrets. I love it.
Hunter Family
Greg Hunter SR., 08/05/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This SUV is down right fun to drive,Enjoy outstanding highway gas mileage,Handles very well in wet wheather,
great vehicle
bill, 08/04/2005
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I liked the price compared to the Toyota Highlander which I almost bought instead. After 43K, only had a recall on the accelerator cable -- other than that not one problem.
long term SUV
ALC, 01/26/2006
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my second Tribute and third SUV, no longer have the need for a 4x4 station wagon. Overall its been good (28,000miles), looking to trade it, seems to have a terrible trade in value, even towards a new Mazda sedan. Ford builds this zoom-zoom suv and they put on the worst tires, Continental Contra If I ever buy another car with Continental tires, I'm having them include new tires in the price. Gas mileage isn't great especially at $3.00 a gallon. With the 4x4 on, we're looking at 12 to 13mpg. You have to wonder, why did they stop making the EXCURSION?
Great but for the mileage
Nibby, 08/06/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Exceeded expectations in quality and value compared to other brands. Two disapointments. No power door lock switch on front passenger door and poor mileage for V6. 22 will never be achieved but still hoping for 17+ in town. Great 6CD changer and power to spare. Very good ride given relatively short wheel base. Two-way rear door/window opening very convenient. Great value for the $.
Great SUV
lespitz, 04/30/2005
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great little SUV for the money. The Ford 3.0 V6 performs great. We live in the mtns with tons of snow and the 4wd system performs great along with the 4 wheel ABS. Gets better gas mpg than the Subaru outback wagon we used to own and has more power.
7000 miles in One month
TD32, 07/28/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We took our Tirbute across the country this summer and were very pleased. The MPG suffered with roof cargo and hills, but the comfort and handling were great. We were even able to plug in a cooler in the back(nice feature).
Best car I have ever owned
Rocketmancpa, 11/28/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We purchased our Tribute about five months ago I am impressed. We drove it on a 7 hour trip recently and found it to be the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned. The power, roominess, comfort, and reliability is awesome.
Great all around SUV!!!
macro12, 12/03/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had this SUV almost 6 months...fun to drive...lots of power and a really smooth ride. Lots of room inside...had a 2000 GMC Jimmy before this..that felt small and had far less power...eventhough the Trib is a little smaller it feels 10 times larger then the Jimmy. Great car, great design, great gas mileage too..zoom, zoom, zoom!!!
It's a good car for the money I paid for
voodoo, 01/10/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
it (100 over invoice) but Mazda could make it better by fixing the damn wind noise (when going about 50 or faster) and the transmission hesitation problem which also happens around 50 mile/hr.
Fun to drive
Jeff13, 07/30/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Searched for lots of SUV's and came across the Tribute. Lots of reviews talk of milage so I wanted to give my opinion. On a trip pulling 18ft bass boat with air on the whole time and going up and down hills I got 14.5. Under normal city/highway driving I got 19.6. The gear shift being in the way is not a big deal to me as you can tilt the steering column to avoid it. Tribute looks great and is fun to drive! Have 1000 miles on vehicle and so far I love it.
Well worth it...
TMLA, 12/03/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this car in Jan 2003 after having a 2001 Kia Sportage for little over a year. This SUV is much better built and has so far taken me, in great comfort, to lots of new places...After much researching my boyfriend and I decided that this SUV has the right balance of features for the price as compared to the other cars in its class.
Review, Day 1
chimpsnest, 07/30/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
First day on the road with her and initial impressions are great. Very comfy and coming from a car POV I like being up higher - more visibility, etc. I haven't gone thru my first tank of gas yet but I know what to expect. So far, very happy - this thing is loaded. I'll have to follow up in a couple months.