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 1 through 10 of 200.00

• 

  Fun - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Lee in Canada - December 9 - 2:00 am

  We needed a replacement for our minivan. This had the good visibility and enough power to pull a tent trailer. Were thinking about the MPV but its interior was boring. Miss the room of a minivan.

• 

  transmission trouble 3 times - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Eileen Kelley - October 24 - 8:03 am

  I love this car but at 22,000 miles the transmission leaked; dealership put in a new transmission. Almost a year to the day the 2nd transmission with only 14,000 miles now has to be replaced again. The dealership is very rude and has an "oh well this happens" attitude. Very frustrating because whats to stop it from happening again next year? Mazda customer service is not much better. Accused me of not taking care of the car. Now the front wheel bearings are to be replaced. Havent had much satisfaction from anyone. Am going to try Attorney Generals office next.

• 

  Enjoying This SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Lespoir - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 2001 Honda Accord (whick was a wonderful car) for the Tribute as I needed the capacity of a SUV. So far all is good with this vehicle. The only exception is the gas mileage. I get barely 18 miles to the gallon. By the way you did not list 6Cyl 4Wheel Drive when driver wants to put vehicle into 4 wheel drive, otherwise it is front wheel drive.

• 

  Fun to Drive - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Doug Stimpy - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I waited almost 6 months to get this. I have one of the first ones. Zoom Zoom is accurate and fun to drive. Had transmission problem. Dealer was very quick and curtious, I am impressed.

• 

  We liked it sooo much, that - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Sha - August 29 - 2:00 am

  We bought a new Tribute in Sept 2003 and liked it so much that I traded in my Mazda Miata for our second Tribute. They are great multi purpose vehicles that arent perfect, but do a nice all around job, both on the highway and city type driving.Hi what do you expect for 25K? We are very pleased with these vehicles at this point and would recommend one to friends.

• 

  IN balance, best ever - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Oldfrat - August 8 - 12:40 am

  Ive owned and driven a lot of vehicles in the past 40 years including a 63 Corvair, 2 67 Corvettes, big Plymouths, Mercurys and Cadillacs, and a Dodge Ram truck. My 2003 Tribute is clearly the best ever on an overall basis. The other ones did some things a lot better than the Tribute, but none did everything to the same good level. It has the most driver leg room of any car Ive owned. I have used the temporary 4WD to go through some really hairy places. Put the rear seats down and it can carry a surprising amount of stuff. And it is surprisingly kind of fun to drive in most situations.

• 

  2003 Mazda Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By nox - March 17 - 10:00 am

  Great smaller SUV. Unbelievably quiet and comfortable. It Could use more power but 95% of the time is more than adequate. It is equipped with an over overdrive that allows it to tow without much effort. Does have a bit of a truck ride probably because of the short wheel base (I was driving a Cadillac Seville before). Compact exterior dimensions make it fir in the garage with room to spare.

• 

  better than my 01 - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Bucky C - September 21 - 10:00 am

  this is my second.Went in for service (sway bar links)and while it was being fixed ended up with a new one. Had a DX V8 4x4 now have the loaded ES 4x4.leather moonroof the works. two years made a nice improvement,plus a better warrantee,was looking into an Explorer but was too pricy.Thought Id give the Tribute one more try.The 01 had 22,000 miles when traded.

• 

  Not bad at all - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By abechap - July 14 - 2:00 am

  We bought after test driving a couple of other SUVs. I Went to Mazda by accident, they let me take one home for the weekend. That was it. My wife loved it when she saw it. Great car for that price. Its FUN to drive.

• 

  Xlnt SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By xvan053 - December 8 - 2:00 am

  The perfect SUV for those who want a good car-like ride with AWD and who dont need to climb mountains.