4 Star Reviews for 2003 Mazda Tribute

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.53/5 Average
200 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

Pros:
  • 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.

User Reviews:

Showing 31 through 40 of 200.00
  • My experience with Madza - 2003 Mazda Tribute
    By -

    My SUV is more than I expected. Its confort conforms to my needs with the family. I would buy another. Your pricing was very good.

  • Fun and power - 2003 Mazda Tribute
    By -

    I accually bought my Tribute in 2001. Except for some manufacturing defects (ford) it has been a great SUV. I put alot of miles on it every year and so far it it takes me anywhere I need to go and is fun getting me there.

  • Zoom! Zoom! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
    By -

    Ive had my Tribby for a few months now. Its been great. I dont get the complaints about the shifter or road noise. Mine is fine. I love the feature that allows you to roll up the windows after youve turned off the engine. Gas milange has been 20 mpg, insurance cost low, great room and driving. Get one. When I bought mine, the Tribby was the better deal over its sister the Ford Escape (better financing/rebate and warranty).

  • Gettin use to it... - 2003 Mazda Tribute
    By -

    I like my tribute, which i bought 11/02...i think! Im mostly getting over the mpg shock. okay, i may be a little lead-footed, but i was hoping for better than 20 mpg, mostly highway driving (was spoiled by my previous Mazda GLC and Protege). As for sporty and fun...it is. I hate the placement of the gear shift on the column (it makes it difficult to reach radio controls...do i go over or under the gear stick???) Im still getting use to the blind spot on passenger rear side, and have hit my herbie curbie twice to prove it. Overall, i like it, but like a good pair of shoes, gotta break it in.

  • 2003 Mazda Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
    By -

    Having been the owner of suburbans, this was a little bit of a change. Besides the size and the power differences, I never thought I would like the smaller SUV, however driving it has been fun and relaxing. No fighting the traffic changing lanes. Rides smooth. I would recommend the Tribute.

  • Great SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
    By -

    Have owned this vehicle for the past 5 years and love it. After 110,000 miles, it just got its 3rd set of tires (originals lasted 64,000 mi) and only other maintenance was oil changes. It snows here practically daily from Dec-Apr and my Tribute gets through all of it with no problem. Have another, larger SUV in the household, but take the Tribute when it snows. Gas mileage is just ok, but I can get 24 mpg on the highway if I watch my speed.

  • Decent SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
    By -

    Good power, fun to drive. Problems are that the disc brakes and rotors wore out at abt 30,000 miles. Mazda agreed to pay for it this time as they should have lasted longer. Recently I have a great deal of road noise due to tires wearing in a strange way. They are not worn out, but still have to be replaced. This vehicle is driven mainly on the freeway and should not have these types of problems at this mileage. Also, there is a whistling that occurs on the drivers side at around 70mph. Not a good thing when you spend most of your time on the freeways.

  • lots of room for improvement - 2003 Mazda Tribute
    By -

    In about 2 monhts, i found that it makes too much noise, when iam above 60 mph. I had to increate the sound level so high to drown out the wind noise. leather quality is not good. Anything on the leather slides left right, back and forth. The A/c controls are a lil weird. Since I cannot put the full a/c blow between face and legs.. it only works on the top ( face) and not anywhere else. Too much body roll on sharp turns, much more than a subaru.. ( tested both on same turns).

  • Good Value - 2003 Mazda Tribute
    By -

    Most of the features of the higher- priced competition. Short wheelbase makes for easy parking/lane changes in traffic. Mileage not bad for the class. Better warranty than the twin Ford Escape and better looking! Good rebate on mine and good dealer service. Drivers seat adjustable for all drivers comfort.

  • GOOD FUN AND RELIABLE - 2003 Mazda Tribute
    By -

    Wasnt sure at first, but have grown to like this vehicle. Good pep, sporty style, and easy on the eye. Only downfalls, are the interior collects way to much lint and dirt, and the gas pedal is too hard or sticky. But overall it is a good vehicle and am pleased. Little noisy, but better tires helps that.

Mazda Tribute Reviews By Year:
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