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Used 2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A) Consumer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
41 reviews

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Tribute Will Tow

Illinibravada, 10/11/2004
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.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Problems.....

Disgusted Owner, 11/20/2005
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.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

Overall a Great SUV

bb29, 02/21/2003
Mazda Tribute ES-V6 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great vehicle with many options at a good price.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

almost 3 years

trohn33, 12/24/2005
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.

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2.75 out of 5 stars

beware of jim ellis mazda dealers

exasperated, 12/12/2002
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.

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