Used 2004 Mazda Tribute Consumer Reviews
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Mazda Tribute Going Strong 160,000 mi.
These are such well built, reliable SUVs. Our 2004 with 160,000 mi. has never broken down or failed to deliver power towing our 18" SeaRay boat back and forth between FL & WI. No problems ever in the motor, drive train, electronics, operational parts like doors, lights, AC, heat, seat controls, etc. We'll drive it on until we need to buy a new Mazda.
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I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Tribute
I bought my tribute over a year ago- with over 100k miles on it- a lot, I know, by I'm a poor college student! This was well worth the investment. I do all normal maintenance regularly And have had no major problems. It's really roomy, reliable, and safe! I love the 4WD in the winter! I am amazed at how smooth it drives. I do not have a garage to store it in unfortunately, but there have still been no issues- in the winter I. Let it warm up and it does great. The back storage is great, it seems like I'm always packing up. I would definitely recommend this car!
- ES-V6 4dr SUVMSRP: $6,495172 mi away
- ES-V6 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,350264 mi away
- ES-V6 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,795401 mi away
nice ride
you should have all the cat. converters checked for clogges,ie rear 1 it will blow a hole in egr valve. costing about 285.00 , i had mine removed and replaced with pipe . resolved issues. cts will clogged from unburned gas causing motor to shut down. this pipe trick does the job. all happened at 121k. also keep gas filter changed. its on frame, easy to do.
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First SUV
I purchased my 2004 Mazada Tribute used with 85.000 miles in early Oct. 2012. I decided to down size from my last vehicle which was a Crysler Town and Country mini van. I did alot of research and the Tribute kept coming out on top. This is a great little SUV. It is fun to drive, peepy, and gets mileage as advertised. It has no rattles and controls are easy to reach. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles that my mini van did but I am enjoying it completely. I love my Tribute and plan to drive it for many years.
(Sometimes) Ol Reliable
This car was my first purchase. We bought it from a family friend who had it as an extra and didn't use it much. The owner before it put 113,000 miles on it. As soon as we got it all the eletronics went out- radio, clock, lights, etc. $700 all the dealership. Over the past 2 1/2 years we have sunk over $2,000 in repairs. We actually got it out of the shop again today. Thankfully, repairs for this car tend to be on the lower end and it's easy to find parts. Despite everything I'm in love with this car. It's just the right size, I love driving it, and the gas mileage doesn't seem as horrible to me because I take short trips.
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I love my Tribute
I purchased this in September 2014, with about 96k miles on it. It has a few scrapes and a cracked rear bumper so I got it at a decent price. Evidently the one previous owner took excellent care of it (all scheduled maintenance performed), and it has run fine until this very rainy morning. Flashing engine light, weak acceleration, burning smell and chuggy movement led me straight to the repair shop. 3 out of 6 ignition coils and the spark plugs were just about spent causing it to misfire. Not a cheap repair due the intake manifold needing to be removed which is a pretty big deal. Plugs were due to be replaced anyway. All else looks good and now it's good to go for many more miles.
Good for the money
Purchased mine as a used vehicle from our credit union as a lease return. Agree this is an SUV, not a car, so ride is acceptable. Started out with a Suburban, then a Durango, now the Mazda. The short wheelbase is a little rougher, but overall a solid vehicle. The mileage could be better, but after driving two notorious gas guzzlers, I'm happy. The engine is plenty powerful with good pick-up, unlike the Dodge I owned, that seemed to go from 0-60 in about an hour! Handling this year's rough Northern Michigan winter like a charm, even out of 4WD. After a couple of hours, the seats get a little hard, additional cushioning would help.
Would NEVER own again!!! Coil & Engine Problems
I owned the 2004 Mazda Tribute ES V6 Fully Loaded. I was the second owner. I loved the look of the car and the leather interior with the heated seats. The first few months were fine but then it started to rain and the check engine light would come on and then go off when it stopped raining. I went on forums and found this was a big problem with this model due to the misfires in the coils with the engine. I must've replaced around 5 coils while owning it. Also had to have the exhaust replaced. Then the transmission dipstick completely disintegrated and caused all kinds of tranny problems. Then the final straw was the Torque Converter had to be replaced and no way I was doing that. After around $2500 in repairs I unloaded this lemon of a vehicle. Reason I won't give it one star is because the exterior and interior were great but the engine was AWFUL. Too bad because I really enjoyed this car when it worked! But in the end BUYER BEWARE these engine coils with the moisture are a recurring problem. Research it for yourself.
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WOW
Bought my Tribute used with 140000 on odo. 1 owner and they took such good care of it, WOW what a fun drive!!! Moved up from a GeoTracker. Love the rear cargo room and the leather seats, and the stereo! Previous owner had no major repair or complaints in the years of ownership, was buying a new Tribute. 140,000 miles folks and not a oil leak on the v6! I hope to drive this light SUV to 350,000 or more. Only complaint I have is the small gas tank.
Practical little big transporter and workhorse
Bought it on a whim 13 years ago used with 9k on it. Basic I4 with manual stick. Now at 150k, it's still going. Pro: sitting position and head room for all. Trunk room and its classic boxy shape, fits more bigger stuff than you think and more conveniently too. Without the bigger SUV's bulk, loading and unloading even from the roof top are that bad. I loaded queen BED SET on top and big long office desk with it, among other things. Neutral: Handling ok for a boxy tall little SUV. Stick helps a lot on highway merge. But for this little I4 engine, there's only so much juice you can squeeze out of. Sitting position is fine, pretty good open view all around. I feel claustrophobic in some of the "modern" wedge shaped cars and SUVs. Con: 22 or so mpg, not a gas saver for sure. Pretty loud at any speed. Interior styling and conveniece? Na, this is a cheap little transporter, what do you expect? The build quality is ok but with small/medium problems over the years. This thing wears tires hard. Various parts wore out and failed have to be replaced, including the original stick shifter, oil pump, this and that. But over all the engine and trans are still holding on, with problems and hick ups at this age, but still going. Over all, it's a extremely practical people and stuff hauler. Get the stick shift if you can still find one. It's very useful in every day living. I'd call it Mazda Town Car. I heard the engine and trans are actually from Ford? If that's the case, thumbs up to Ford for the reliable little engine and trans!
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Still Scratching My Head
Have had the Tribute for 1 1/2 years and 18,000 miles. I am still kicking myself for overlooking obvious things that annoy me now. Bad gas Mileage compared to EPA figure, Poor control for sliding sunroof, no passenger-side lock control, front seats sit to high and can't be lowered, hard to use cruise control at night, have had it in the shop 3 times to fix a rattle in tailgate that is only getting worse, the gear shift doesn't read on the dash 50% of the time, the way the engine downshifts going up just a slight incline causing MPG to suffer, cheap plastic interior door panels with no padding, soft brake pads leave dust on front wheels. Its my fault for purchasing the vehicle.
Solid Vehicle
I bought this vehicle new and have 112K miles on it. Overall, this vehicle has been solid, reliable and fun to drive. Other then routine maintenance, I have put very little money into repairs. It's great on long trips and in the city. Very versatile, comfortable and peppy! The only beef I have is the mileage. I average about 21 mpg combined. It seems like I'm always at the gas station! I had no intention of keeping this vehicle for so long, but I have no good reason to get rid of it!
I LOVE IT
I love this vehicle and we have put lots of mileage on it, lots of room and very comfortable, handles very nicely on highway with little noise. We drive all over on ATV trails in the bush, on the highway and around town and are extremely happy with out Mazda Tribute. When I decide to trade in I am almost certain to get another Tribute. My only complaint with it is the gas mileage considering the size of this SUV.
Fantastic driving experience
I have been driving over 56 years and my Mazda Tribute has been the most enjoyable drive ever! In three years of driving the only mechanical problem required replacement of the transmission which was dealt with very well by the dealer. It still has a new car smell and each time I get in it I feel as excited as when it was new. The finish is still like new and shines as if just waxed. Soon I will be ready for an upgrade to a more current model.
Disappointed with mileage and performance
Purchased used with 106K on the clock, now has 113K. We were attracted to the exterior styling and interior features of the 2004 Mazda Tribute. It gives a very stable and comfortable ride. I hate the poor air conditioning controls. When you select the A/C, you cannot select which vents (high or low) the air comes out of, unlike the Toyotas and Hondas that I am accustomed to. The V6 engine pulls fairly well at low speeds, but seems to have a difficult time maintaining 70 mph on some highway inclines. I expected better than 22 mpg from a modern Japanese vehicle of this size. Would not buy another one.
adequate vehicle
Overall, not a bad vehicle. Never owned a Mazda and after this may go back later on. NOT very comfortable on lower back for cross country trips. Own 5 speed 4 cylinder engine. Performs ok for size. Shifting can be difficult especially for reverse. Upsides - roomy cargo area, better than average front leg room. Handles well at speed. If you buy a Tribute, go for a v6 engine. Not bad gas mileage for an SUV, averaging about 20/23.
So far so good
I have owned a Tribute for one year now with absolutely no issues. I'm very satisfied with the vehicle so far. Great pep, great stereo, comfortable and roomy, great in snow, good handling and road vision, excellent braking. Could use more illumination in cabin for things like the key ignition, cruise control on steering wheels and reading lamps would be preferred in front instead of having to reach behind. And of course the gear shifter is too long. But since the car is such a pleasure to drive and own, these small things are easily overlooked. Buy one now! I also considered and test drove the Highlander, Pilot, & Forester. Believe me this is the best choice of all of them.
BEST DEAL IN TOWN
I own a Tribute ES/V6. This car has EVERYTHING I could ask for in a car: 4WD, power windows, power seat adjustment, sun roof, heated sets, 6-cd/cassette/radio, heated seats and mirrors, leather interior, etc. For the same price, I could have gotten a bare-bones Highlander if I was lucky. It has at least the same, if not better, pickup and performance than my old Jeep Grand Cherokee. Also, even though the Tribute is smaller, it somehow seems roomier inside. It gets good mileage, has great pickup and handling. It is so quiet that sometimes when I am parked, I need to check if I started the car before I drive away! I would recommend this car to anyone!!!
I thought it was the best...
This is my second review.. i left my last one a little over a year ago.. I thought this car was great.. I have had so many problems.. the stereo has had to be replaced several times.. my passenger air bag cover keeps popping off, the sealing around the doors is coming off, and the wheels keep getting out of alignment (I mostly drive stricly highway). My Waco TX Mazda Dealership tell me that there are no problems with the CD player (it would never play any of my CD's!!), and then they said the airbag cover popping off was my problem.. after enough arguing with them they finally hesitated to fix it. But other than all of that, it has been fun to drive. Great car for out of town trips!!
Had Ford Escape
I had a Ford Escape for 55,000 miles. Just traded for Mazda and like it better. Classier look and feel. Quieter. Several little extras included. Cheaper price, higher rebate, longer warranty.
rides like a truck
steering went out at 9000 miles. Altogether performance isn't that great. The ride is very uncomfortable and when you lower the windows, you can hear loud buzzing noises.
my car
the best car in the world not better then chevy tahoe
Love my Tribute
This is my 2nd 2004 Tribute. The first one I traded for a Mazda 3 because of rising fuel costs back in 2005. I missed it so much that when I found another used 2004 within my price range, I bought it. It had 68,000 miles on it when I bought it and now has 95,000. The only thing that it's been in the shop for is recharging the AC. I love the way it rides and drives. I have a 20 mile commute to work and this past winter, when we had several bad snow storms, I didn't miss a day of work.
Quality Vehicle for a good price
This is a well built vehicle. I would buyanother one and tell friends to buy one. It looks better then the escape because of the matched color paint on the outer body. I do wish it would get just a little better gas mileage. over all I would get this SUV again in a heartbeat.
Tribute to my Tribute
Just turned 20,000 miles on my 2003 Tribute. Other than car washes, gas, oil changes, one wheel balancing, and insurance, I have spent no money on this vehicle. NO WARRANTEE repairs either. I would like better gas mileage, but I actually get 18.9 - 19.3 around town and 24.5 - 25.3 on strickly highway driving.
Fun to drive
Overall, I think this is a great little car. The one complaint I have is that it's much too noisy and the workmanship was lousy. Getting parts is always a big hassle and have to wait to get car fixed.
i love my tribute
This suv is by far the best in its class with all of the standard features, great looks, warranty and the great service from my Mazda dealer. It even drives better than the ford escape, and I thought that they were about the same.
Great "Small" SUV!!!
Recently purchased this vehicle for my wife, for highway travelling and to carry around my daughter's monstrosity known as her carseat. My wife is nearly 6' tall, I am 6'6" and my daughter is very long/tall for her age. In turn, our front seats are always to the rear and my daughters huge carseat faces rearward. Simply put, the Tribute was the only "small" SUV that would fit us all comfortably. It is a dream to drive and fun to boot. This is, by far, the best new car purchase I have ever completed. I have a feeling that there might be a second Tribute in the garage before too long!
Don't overlook this one
I was reluctant to test drive a 4 banger, but I was surprised. My wife has a 4 banger camary and the Tribute will easily out run it. Mileage is only slightly less than the Cam, but is improving as the engine breaks in. This truck is not a missile, but easily gets the job done.
Love the Tribute
I love my tribute so much, I can't wait for my lease to end so I can get a brand new.
Buying this car was a mistake
My car is not 1 year old yet. The doors open on their own. They will also lock you in, so that you have to crawl thru another door. It will accelerate itself while in cruise control. They doors are not sealed properly. The tires are going flat because the car was not balanced correctly and can not be fixed. I know of 2 other people with this problem, therefore I am not alone.
GOT A LEMON
I bought a new 2004 Tribute LX on Thursday and had to be towed to the dealership the following Tuesday. With only 340 miles on it - it has to have a new transmission. The dealership had to call the engineers in California to find out what was wrong. I've now been without it for 8 days. The dealership is real nice and is furnishing me a rental car but oooooh I wish I had my 1999 Ford Taurus back! (duh! I traded IT in) There's no telling how long I will be without it. I'm sick!!!
Awesome!!!
Best vehicle I've ever owned! I traded in a Ford Escape. Ford will tell you it's the same vehicle...I beg to differ! The styling is better, as is the ride. Much less road noise with the Tribute. Great dealership as well.
mazda tribute es-rich
very please with car,fun to drive,great for all types of life.
THE BEST 4WD EVER !!!!!!
This vehicle handles great!! Fantastic power when getting onto interstates. I have a moonroof which is great for all that fresh air without messing up your hair. Comfortably seats 5 sdults with plenty of leg room. Lots of room for groceries and even the rear seats fold down for those extra large purchases. I love my Tribute!!! ZOOM-ZOOM !!
you need to get one
This is my favorite vehicle that i have owned so far - it beats the mountineer that I just turned in.The ride is smooth, pickup for a 6cyclinder is great.All the features for the price, heated seats,sun/moon roof,cd changer,awd select on switch,cargo area that you dont have to stoop over to load,leather seats,on and on, this vehicle is wonderful.
MAZDA TRIBUTE
NICE SUV THAT'S FUN TO DRIVE AND ROOMY, NICE TRUNK SPACE WHEN YOU FOLD DOWN BACK SEATS.
whaleybob's tribute
Solid ride, fun to drive, plenty of room. Would like a little better fuel mileage. We are really enjoying this car. Great value for the money.
doctor
i have driven it i really felt comfortable. very reliable,
I love my car
This is an overall good car. I am very pleased with the performance.
Tribute O.K.
Nice and peppy. Handles well. Interior design is a little cheap. Ignition is in a terrible place. Radio could be better or speakers. But the price was fair, and my wife enjoys driving it. I have'nt had a chance to try the four wheel drive yet. But I'm sure old man winter will change that.
Love It!
I'm retired and make two 500 mile trips monthly and do not suffer the back pain/stiffness that my former vehicle caused.
ZOOM-ZOOM
I own an ES-V6 model, and I would call this "The Sports Cars of SUVS." I think the Tribute out-classes the Ford Escape. The tribute has a more nicer interior than the Escape, as well as many more standard features. The Zoom- Zoom really shows. A peppy DOHC 24 valve 201 horsepower 3.0 liter V6 is fun to drive. The car is very comfortable and sporty. Great stereo on ES-V6 models. Handles more like a car than an SUV. Feels more capable and sportier than our $34,000 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. Great off-road capability. I would recommend this SUV over the Ford Escape, Isuzu Rodeo, Honda CRV, and Honda Pilot. I love the Mazda Tribute!
Love my Tribute!
Great vehicle. Acceleration is excellent. Ride and handling are wonderful. Roomy, plush (for the price) interior. Biggest shortcoming - seats could definitely be softer and give more thigh support. Nitpicks - shift lever is too long, ignition key location is a real hassle. Overall a very enjoyable vehicle! Would definitly recommend the Tribute! Not sure why everyone complains about the mileage on the V6 - the great acceleration doesn't come out of thin air, you have to burn more gas to create more horsepower!
check this out
The Tribute has been very comfortable and reliable. I have 2 dogs that ride in the back.....the plastic mat that came with it makes it very convenient for cleanup. I believe the review was wrong on the HPower....I think mine has 201, however, it goes fast enough....and quick enough for me.
Pleasant Experience
Mine is one of the first tributes to come off the line (10/00). Its three years old, has 60,000 miles, almost trouble free,and still drives and feels like new. It's fun to drive, and gives a very secure feeling at high speeds and in harsh x-winds.
Frustration with the Tribute
i have had this car for almost three years and have had numerous problems with it from the day we purchased it. It is the second Mazda I have owned, the first being a 626 and I am finding similar types of problems. I have had leaks from the body, have had to replace all four tires, the sun roof and electric seats do not work intermittently, the lastest problem - when the car is cold it sounds as if my power steering is not working. I have had the car in for countless services. It is frustrating as I enjoy the ride and the comfort of the car, but do not trust it.
love drevin the tribute
the tribute is well little big but it cut be longer yes is bigger inside but not longer i had honda crv the tribute is overall width is 71.9 the honda the knew is 70.2 thats good but honda crv is longer thant the tribute,which it will be nice that the tribute had both.thank you.
# 1 SUV ever
It is great to drive. We feel very safe so does everybody who drives with us. We just love it.
i love it my car
i love it. it is so fun todrive and it handles really well.