Overview & Reviews

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.

• Roomy and comfortable, peppy V6 engine, great value for the money, drives more like a car than a truck.

• Loud engines, poor fuel economy and range with V6.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 200.00

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  My second Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By BC - May 24 - 2:13 pm

  This was my second Tribute having turned in my 2001 Dx for the more luxury ES.Does most things well excpt,sucks gas,13to18mpg,and Continental tires suck big time.Biggest piece of garbage for tires,after 5000 miles they feel square and makes lots of road noise

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  great atTRIBUTEs - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By axlr8 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  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.

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  Common Sense SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By cincybucks - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Living in snow country, I wanted a 4WD vehicle that was safe for my family to drive, comfortable for me to drive (6ft.plus), but didnt require a gas tank I needed a home quity loan to fill regularly and still make it 5-6 hours to grandmas house. This is it. While specs dont indicate the facts, it sure seems larger than a Honda CRV which I also considered. Neighbors comments are - "...it sure looks like a regular SUV", meaning big.

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  Mazda does well again. - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Jimmy - January 30 - 5:20 am

  Mazda Tribute has done a great job on its compact car based performance SUV. Its certainly a SUV with a sports car soul. The 201-HP 3.0L V6 is powerful for exhilaration but not as much for towing. Measured 0-60MPH time was 7.48 seconds. The 4WD system works very well on snow, ice, and muddy dirt. The FWD system does show some very torquey steering, at least with the 6-cyl. The seats are sort of uncomfy, but only on long trips. Highway ride and performance is excellent. Handles bumps so-so. 7-speaker stereo works great. AC/heat works well. Reliability after 48k miles has been excellent except for some minor audio display twitches. Buy this car for a used car, and opt for the 6-cyl DOHC engine.

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  Pretty good, but many small headaches - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By No Name - October 3 - 1:00 pm

  Bought my 2003 Tribute FWD LX new and have been pretty pleased overall. 90k miles, still has original tires with plenty of tread. However, have replaced wheel bearings (~$450), brakes and rotors, throttle cable sticks and steering wheel squeaks, even after several attempts to have fixed under warranty. Now, power steering fluid leaks, alternator is going bad (seems to be common problem), and rust is forming on the tailgate (water collects on the window frame). However, gets decent MPG (20 city/ 25 hwy) and drives great, handles snow and ice well with FWD. Comfortable seats and fits my 6ft frame with no problems. Ok overall, but wouldnt buy again compared to others.

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  Too much gas - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Lovett - September 26 - 10:00 am

  A fun car to drive. Gas milage is a problem. Comfortable to drive. Has good get up

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  My New ZOOM ZOOM MOBILE - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Jus4tday - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Overall, I love the Tribute. I have really enjoyed driving it and sitting up high with the 16 alloys wheels. Its my first SUV and I love it! ZOOM ZOOM!

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  a bit disappointed - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By elizabeth ochoa - July 31 - 10:40 am

  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.

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  Its a good car for the money I paid for - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By voodoo - July 19 - 2:00 am

  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.

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  Luv my Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Thomask - May 27 - 10:00 am

  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!