Used 2003 Mazda Tribute Consumer Reviews
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new es-v6 merlot/w beige interior
bmartyntx, 08/26/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
we purchased this vehicle because we wanted a small suv that can hold 5 people comfortably i am 6-3 and i looked at all the suv's out there pilot,crv,toyota full line,nissan,gmc,chevy,etc. and out of all of them i looked at i needed something that would fit and i found the ford escape does that but the tribute is actually a ford escape but with a nicer more rounded look and i feel has a better package w/ standard anti-lock brakes and is actually a little less than escape. also the warranty is better and also has roadside assist. w free loaner car. coupled with 0% financing it was very hard to find anything else even close.
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.
2003 Mazda Tribute for sale near you
3 of 14 listings
- ES-V6 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,995199 mi away
- LX-V6 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,900226 mi away
- LX-V6 4dr SUVMSRP: $2,995368 mi away
See all 14 listings
Great Car for the Money
radney, 03/27/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I test drove many compact SUV's and I decided to by the Mazda. I love my car. It is fun to drive, and it has a lot of room inside. Overall, my car was worth buying.
Perfect Family Vehicle
Bigkay, 08/26/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I truly enjoy my new Tribute. It is very comfortable and so much fun to drive. I have 2 children and feel completely safe having them in the car with me. I thought I would miss my 1998 MPV when I traded it in, but I love this vehicle, I highly recommend to anyone looking for a reliable SUV.
Tribute
lissa, 02/25/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really love my Mazda Tribute, it drives well and has lots of room inside. The wind noise is pretty bad on the interstate.
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
Tribute 2003
saria, 04/14/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Handles very smooth, does not drive or feel like a SUV/truck. So far, gas mileage is very good.
Great little suv
UPSman63, 09/06/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Really have enjoyed this Mazda Tribute..bought in Oct.2001...very peppy engine,stylish,handles like a sports car,seats 4 comfortably,plenty of room for luggage in back and on roof rack..only complaint is I wish it could carry more people..at least sit 6 instead of 5 but that is the only complaint I have..not had any trouble with this vehicle at all! A+++++!
My New ZOOM ZOOM MOBILE
Jus4tday, 10/29/2002
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall, I love the Tribute. I have really enjoyed driving it and sitting up high with the 16 alloys wheels. It's my first SUV and I love it! ZOOM ZOOM!
Enjoying This SUV
Lespoir, 09/06/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I traded in my 2001 Honda Accord (whick was a wonderful car) for the Tribute as I needed the capacity of a SUV. So far all is good with this vehicle. The only exception is the gas mileage. I get barely 18 miles to the gallon. By the way you did not list 6Cyl 4Wheel Drive when driver wants to put vehicle into 4 wheel drive, otherwise it is front wheel drive.
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.
Very Good for Family
Mark, 07/30/2007
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We have had very good success with our Tribute. The 6 cylinder engine has sufficient power and acceleration. We previously owned a RAV4 and this vehicle is roomier, handles better and has more power, without sacrificing too much fuel economy.
Very Good Vehicle
LCA, 09/06/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have over 15,000 Miles on this vehicle to date no problems only fun
super purchase
howell, 05/03/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
purchase about six weeks ago. handles and rides great not too harsh not too soft. easy to get in and out of. solid features for the money.
Zoom! Zoom!
Shawnee, 09/14/2002
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Terrific vehicle for the value. Reliable, comfortable, easy to get in and out of. Can fold down back seats with easy. Good visibility. Would purchase another one in a heart beat! We have had 2 other Mazda products, can't beat um.
I am shocked..
Orangect, 05/16/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am a large guy. I was shocked at how much room I had in this vehicle. Nothing on the market comes close. More room than a Durango. The engine is strong, smooth, and quiet. I love this vehicle. I have nothing bad to say about it at all.
A Satisfied Owner
MikkiB, 09/06/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Owning this vehicle has been a really good experience. It has a great turning radius and it drives like a car not a truck.
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.
Not bad at all
abechap, 11/10/2002
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought after test driving a couple of other SUVs. I Went to Mazda by accident, they let me take one home for the weekend. That was it. My wife loved it when she saw it. Great car for that price. It's FUN to drive.
THE ZOOMSTER HAS SPOKEN
ZOOMSTER, 02/06/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
THIS IS A REAL SPORTS UV!!! AND WHEN I SAY SPORTS I MEAN ITS A REAL MAZDA. EVERY THING THAT I HAVE EVER DRIVEN THAT MAZDA BUILDS HAS SUPERIOR HANDLING OVER THE COMPETITION. THIS ONE IS NO EXEPTION. THIS IS THE FUNNEST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED. IT EVEN HAS A SPORTS TUNED EXHAUST FROM THE FACTORY. MOST PEOPLE THINK IT IS ENGINE NOISE BUT TO ANY ONE WHO OWNS A MAZDA ITS MUSIC TO THIER EARS. MOST OF THE 200 H.P. KICKS IN @ HIGHER RPMS BUT DONT THINK IT IS ONE BIT GUTLESS. ZOOM-ZOOM
So far so good
JoeSLV, 07/20/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have under 1K miles on it but so far I have been very impressed. After switching from a Jeep GCL V8, I was concerned about the loss of power. This car has enough power for me. The column shifter isn't a big problem at all. And I have read complaints about it being noisy at high speeds. I haven't encountered that at all. The car handles pretty well and have no problem passing. After a couple thousand miles, I will give another review, but so far, so good!
Just okay....
ShelleyA, 06/02/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 2001 Tribute in September of 2000. I now have 61,000 miles. It has been in the dealership several times for various problems such as the transmission (had to be replaced and they used a rebuilt), sunroof, sensors, fuel smell when you first start the vehicle. (Dealer said it is normal) The interior has never been quite right near the top of the back window. It always seems to sag.This was the first year model for the vehicle so maybe the 2002 & 2003 models improved some. Overall I am not sorry that I purchased the vehicle but am certain that I would not own another one. You definitely get what you pay for.
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.
Transmission problems within 4 months
Goforit29, 12/06/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really loved my car when I bought it. It was fun to drive and had lots of features for the $$. However, it has only been 4.5 months since I purchased it new (had 60 miles on it) and the transmission has failed. Since this just happened two days ago, all I can say is the dealership still isn't really sure what is wrong with the vehicle and why it malfunctioned. It is just really upsetting to purchase something and have immediate problems with it.
Great SUV for the price!
Tom111111, 05/31/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After much research I thought the Tribute was the best car and best deal in this SUV class. The factory incentives weren't so bad, I opted for the $2,000 factory cash! Lots of front leg room for us 6"3 people. Parking is always a breeze. I live in New York City and am always amazed at how much extra space I have once in my parking space. This car handles like a dream and has lots of pep! Very comfortable ride on long trips!
You Get What You Pay For
Riason, 01/11/2004
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Loaded except for Moon Roof. COuld not justify $15000 more for luxury SUV I really wanted but you know what they say about hindsight. Looks and handles great and no mechanical problems but long trips are unbearable due to road noise, no cruising range (300 miles max), and occasional luggage rack vibration. IF you seldom drive more than 100 miles each trip then you cannot beat this for a mini SUV. Great for younger crowd. For longer trips or boomers, look elsewhere.
why wouldn't you buy one
juicymay2, 01/12/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this is the greatest car i ever owned. out of all the suv's around this is the most exciting one (well to me anyway). it is sooooooo comfortable and so easy to drive you feel as if you have the most luxurioussuv in the world. if you dont have one,go get one..............NOW
This is one to buy!
klonrush, 08/01/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After researching economical SUV's, we bought a Tribute. The kids love the DVD the wife likes the performance and I enjoy to total feel.
EXPECTED BETTER
JEMII, 01/13/2004
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES BEFORE THE PROBLEM COULD BE FIXED. WE HAVE NOT HAD A PROBLEM GETTING THE VEHICLE STARTED SINCE THEN. WE WILL NOW HAVE TO TAKE IT BACK A SECOND TIME FOR A DOOR LOCK PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP WILL HAVE TO ORDER THE PART TO DO REPAIR. THE GAS MILEAGE HAS BEEN LOWER THAN POSTED ON THE WINDOW STICKER.
Best Bargain in the Industry! Top Notch!
markregel, 06/09/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute DX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was in the market for a car, not a SUV. Saw an ad for a Tribute for 15K so decided to have a look, was very impressed. It seemed huge inside compared to the cars I was looking at (P.T. Cruiser, Mazda P5 and M6). What impressed me the most was the build quality, refinement and amount of features for $15K. Why buy a Lexus when you can get this kind of build quality on a $15K car. And for that it has all the nice options, like alloy wheels, pwr windows and keyless entry. You would be hard pressed to get a fully loaded Neon for this price!
2003 Tribute
Loriann23, 07/23/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My experience has so far been excellent. The tribute is fun to drive, and handled well in the Winter on slick roads even with only front wheel drive.
MAZDA TRIBUTE, FUN TO DRIVE
TRIBUTE OWNER, 06/22/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
JUST BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE . MY WIFE AND I CANT WAIT TO TAKE IT ON VACATION IN A COUPLE WEEKS. ITS A LOT OF FUN TO DRIVE. WE HAD A HONDA CRV AND IT WAS SMALLER THAN THE TRIBUTE, WE LIKE THE EXTRA SPACE WE HAVE AND THE EXTRA HORSEPOWER. IT RUNS EXCEPTIONALLY WELL AND HANDLES REAL GOOD.
Back in Black
JerseyJoe, 07/24/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great Ride, looks good and a lot of room. I'm happy. Still have my other Mazda ('94 626 ES). This ride has much better quality than earlier Mazdas I have had.
Luv my Tribute
Thomask, 06/27/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Was looking at either the PT Cruiser or the Mazda Tribute. After test-driving each, I fell in love with the Tribute. I like sitting up high and love the maneuverability of this small SUV. It is a great vehicle but has a little awkwardness in the placement of some key elements, such as gearshift and ignition switch. Even so, I would purchase another one in a minute!
Mazdafied
jack leni, 07/23/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Having driven this Tribute since 9/01, I can honestly say I have enjoyed every minute. The vehicle handles well and response is quick and trustworthy. At higher speeds(70 mph) the car is noisey from the wind factor. Fuel mileage is great, 19mpg city and 22mpg highway. I would like to see a more dressy interior to complement the over all vehicle. I definitely would purchase another Mazda again.
A great SUV
Ed and Margaret, 01/23/2004
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had looked for a vehicle for two years and narrowed my search to 4 vehicles, ultimately selecting the Mazda Tribute. We test drove all the cars but I liked the pickup of this vehicle, due to the V6 engine, the way the car handled, the spare was underneath the car and not attached to the backdoor, and I liked the layout of the interior. The car is fun to drive and is very smooth on the highway. Although it's an SUV and visually looks larger than some cars it's small in dimension making it easy to park and fit into the garage with ease. We have been on two long trips with this car and it was a pleasure both times. The gas mileage was very good for a V6 at 23/26.
mazda tribute
erinana, 08/05/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
its a cool chick car
Problems.....
Disgusted Owner, 11/20/2005
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my Tribute, but it has been in the dealership 4 times for the same issue. Frequently the car does not want to start. The fuel pump was replaced twice. On the 3rd attempt, technical support was contacted and told to replace the IAC valve. It started up like a champ for a few days, then the problem occurred again. It also idles higher than normal since the IAC was replaced. On the 4th repair attempt, the engineers were contacted and the claim there is nothing wrong. According to research I've done on line, other people are experiencing similar issues, down to the fact that Mazda "claims" there is nothing wrong with the car.
The Tribute
kurthumbug, 09/05/2002
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I absolutely love my new Tribute. The only down fall about it is the wind noise. It could be reduced. I love the car so much though, that it doesn't bother me. I looked around at almost every kind of SUV, and this was the best one I drove. I would highly recommend one, to everyone.
zoom-zoom = fun
trwitte, 10/16/2002
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought this vehicle after much research on Edmunds & other sites. Originally purchased to transport our large Rhodesian Ridgeback. However, WE LOVE OUR TRIBUTE! It's fun to drive, turns corners without feeling top- heavy. Test-drove Escape, Honda, Nissan and chose the Mazda Tribute and have not been sorry.
Driving an SUV can be FUN
Tribute lover, 01/16/2003
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I drove 5 other SUV's and this stood out as the overall winner. Some other SUV's did certain things better - but this was the best package. Wind noise does intrude over 40 MPH, but with the radio on it drowns out the outside noise. This SUV really does handles great. My old car was an Acura Integra and I was worried I'd be bored in an SUV. This car is fun to drive and it is zippy. It has a smooth ride, and lots of cargo space. You have to test drive this car. I drove it last and bought one that day (after driving the other SUV's for 3 months!).
a bit disappointed
elizabeth ochoa, 12/08/2005
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
SUV is comfortable, stylish. Disappointed with the quality. 6-CD player has been changed 3 times, disappointed to find out I get refurbished CD replacement, not a new CD player, even under factory warranty. Steering wheel pin has been changed twice; starting to squeak again. Discs - front disc brakes have been replaced, braking is too low. Moon roof mechanism already replaced. Very disappointed with factory warranty, service and treatment. Not pleased with Mazda quality.
almost 3 years
trohn33, 12/24/2005
2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Having owned my Tribute for almost 3 years, it is disappointing to see the check engine light come on and stay on after it has been repaired. For the most part, the Tribute is an extremely enjoyable ride for me, the driver. The passenger seat lacks the same support, so at sudden braking, the passenger may feel as though they are sliding forward. As a lease vehicle, it is a nice choice. However to purchase? Get the extended warranty beyond the given 50,000 miles/4 years. The interior cabin is very roomy, but noisy. In order to hear the radio with some clarity, it has to be turned up quite a bit while driving. You don't realize how loud it is until you restart it. Fuel economy is bad.