Roomy and comfortable, peppy V6 engine, great value for the money, drives more like a car than a truck.
Cons
Loud engines, poor fuel economy and range with V6.
What’s new
DX, LX and ES trims carryover, but the V6 is newly limited to LX and ES. If you want to see what's new on the 2003 Tribute, you'll need to look inside. This year, the dashboard is two-tone, and the insert trim is either brushed aluminum (DX and LX) or fake black wood (ES). ES models are equipped with upgraded leather and a cold package that includes heated seats and exterior mirrors. New options include an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and a DVD entertainment system. Four new colors round out the changes.
Edmunds says
Despite the entrance of revised and redesigned competitors to the marketplace, Mazda's Tribute remains a favorite due to its competent blend of style, space and fun-to-drive nature.
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
I bought my Mazda Tribute new in December 2002. I live at 6,000 ft elevation on a mountain. For the first 9 years of owning my Tribute, I commuted 100 miles a day, mountain road all the way. My Tribute had no trouble pulling the grade going up the mountain. It performs great in the snow with snow tires. It is a very stable vehicle. I now have 306,000 miles on my Tribute!! The only … major repairs I have done is a new alternator at 175,000 miles, at 280,000 the radiator blew. When having the radiator replaced I had the coil packs and spark plugs replaced since they were still original!!! Other than those repairs it was just the normal stuff .. batteries, brakes and oil changes.
Great little SUV - even after 120K!
4.13 out of 5 stars
wbzcourt, 10/20/2011
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
I am sad to say that I recently totaled my tribute and am now shopping for a new one. I bought my 03 used with 25k miles on it. I was super impressed with its reliability in the 6 years I owned it. Bought new tires once. Major tuneup before a trip at 100k. Other than that - just oil changes. Ran perfectly.
It did have some wind noise which was slightly annoying, but certainly tolerable. … Other than that, no complaints. It was the perfect size for our family of four..not too big, not too small. Pretty good mpg. And super fun to drive..very peppy lil guy! I'll miss my trib!
IN balance, best ever
4 out of 5 stars
Oldfrat, 03/18/2010
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
I've owned and driven a lot of vehicles in the past 40 years including a 63 Corvair, 2 67 Corvettes, big Plymouths, Mercurys and Cadillacs, and a Dodge Ram truck. My 2003 Tribute is clearly the best ever on an overall basis. The other ones did some things a lot better than the Tribute, but none did everything to the same good level. It has the most driver leg room of any car I've … owned. I have used the temporary 4WD to go through some really hairy places. Put the rear seats down and it can carry a surprising amount of stuff. And it is surprisingly kind of fun to drive in most situations.
Truly the best vehicle I've ever owned!
2 out of 5 stars
Gayle Davis, 12/29/2015
2003 Mazda Tribute LX-V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
Truly the best vehicle I've ever owned! If they still made the tribute I would buy one immediately. We have had no problems with this car. We bought it new in 2003. The only problem with it now is that has developed a very slight oil leak; we lose very little oil and never have to replenish it between oil changes every six months.
The only reason we are buying a new car is that the … safety features of newer cars are important to have.
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