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 61 through 70 of 200.00

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  Great car - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Tribute1 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Love it so far. Has the room and presence of a bigger SUV, but the driving performance of a sports car. Only 2 problems so far: 1.Steering pulled a little to the right, but the dealer readjusted it and it is better. 2. Impossible to keep the black dashboard looking clean.

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  Loaded & Love It! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By ptbuckingham - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased my first SUV after much research! Compared to the Ford Escape, the Tribute has many more interior features, and looks much sleeker & sportier. The "cold pkg" & "luxury pkg" are a GREAT VALUE! To get heated seats with the Ford Escape, you have to purchase the "limited" model which is very expensive. Mazda Tribute also has a better warranty 3yr/50 bumper to bumper compared to Escapess 3 yr/36. I paid just 2% over dealer invoice for a 2003! No body roll & rides like a dream!

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  My story - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By 02 whttrib - May 2 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been the worst new vehicle I have ever purchased. Many, many problems. It is very fun to drive and the V6 is a great performer, but it all comes at a very expensive cost of satisfaction, dealer trips, questionable cranking, stalling, and overall reliability. It feels extremely cheap.

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  Save Your Money - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Rozy - April 11 - 3:50 pm

  Buyer beware... save your money. This was the first car I bought new and was in love with it until the second day I had it and it wouldnt start. The car went back to the dealrship 5 times for this problem and they had no idea what was wrong, just started to change wires to play guess and check. My car shut down on the highway because the alternator went at 30,000 miles. Then my transmission went at 50,000 (no longer under warranty). Mazda wont do anything to rectify the piece of junk they sold me! They are not helpful and said these problems were my fault. 2 days old and broken... not my fault. This car is a heap of junk for all the problems it caused.

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  Nice car/suv - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By jbertha - March 15 - 2:00 am

  very peppy, handles like a car, corners nicely, easy entry/exit, smooth ride, great in snow very stable

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  1 year of research brought me to MAZDA - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By K. Abbruzzese - March 15 - 2:00 am

  being single and buying a car!!!WOW I was not looking forward to that experience, but was treated well at Mazda City. LOVE my Tribute. I researched on the internet for over a year, test drove a dozen cars over my spring break - for the money this Tribute is a joy to own.

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  A Few Problems - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Drex - March 10 - 9:56 am

  So far Ive had to change the alternator. Replacement was done at the dealer (ouch) so I was given an OEM alternator with a whopping 1 yr/12,000 mile warranty. Nice going there. The shifter gets in the way too much. I notice if you put the SUV in park, it still has a tendency to roll a bit after you take your foot off the brake. Even after fixing the recalled accelerator cable, the SUV still has a tendency to lurch forward when taking your foot off the accelerator. Rear liftgate hatch has broken and wont lock. Cost of repair is over $300. High highway noise, not so good gas mileage, not pleased with Mazda overall.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Rocketmancpa - February 25 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our Tribute about five months ago I am impressed. We drove it on a 7 hour trip recently and found it to be the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned. The power, roominess, comfort, and reliability is awesome.

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  Just okay.... - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By ShelleyA - December 14 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2001 Tribute in September of 2000. I now have 61,000 miles. It has been in the dealership several times for various problems such as the transmission (had to be replaced and they used a rebuilt), sunroof, sensors, fuel smell when you first start the vehicle. (Dealer said it is normal) The interior has never been quite right near the top of the back window. It always seems to sag.This was the first year model for the vehicle so maybe the 2002 & 2003 models improved some. Overall I am not sorry that I purchased the vehicle but am certain that I would not own another one. You definitely get what you pay for.

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  Mazda Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Mazda buyer - December 8 - 10:00 am

  This is and excellent car and even though it looks small, it is big on the inside.