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2003 Mazda Tribute Owner Ratings & Reviews

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4.0
Overall
2 Reviews

2003 Mazda Tribute - Mazda Tribute is a great truck for moms

Rory
Paulsboro, New Jersey
Overall
5.0
Value
4.0
Performance
4.0
Style
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Fuel Economy
5.0
Reliability
5.0
This really is the best truck that I have ever owned. If Mazda had continued the Tribute model, I would purchase another one in a heartbeat. I purchased my Mazda Tribute used, and other than a factory recall (which was fixed for free) I have had no mechanical issues with the truck whatsoever. I feel completely safe, no matter what the weather or road conditions are. Being a parent, safety and reliability are always my number one concern when purchasing a vehicle. My daughter's car seat fit easily and securely in the middle of the back seat, with plenty of room on either side for passengers with ample legroom. When I purchased my Mazda, I was working in an industry where I would be required to be there whether there was an inch of snow or 3 feet of snow, and my Mazda never let me do... (more)
Story
When my daughter was an infant and had colic,to give my wife a break, I would bundle the baby up in her car seat in my Mazda, and we'd go for a nice long drive, sometimes to the beach,sometimes to the river, or sometimes just around our neighborhood. She would be lulled to sleep within 5 min, there were a lot of nights spent driving around Southern, NJ with my daughter sleeping in the backseat.
Pros
The most positive thing I can say about my Mazda is that it is affordable without compromising anything. The Mazda Tribute is a solid, well built, smooth shifting, and 110% reliable truck.
Cons
The only negative thing about the Tribute is changing the headlight bulbs. To change the bulbs, you have to position your hand/wrist at a bit of an awkward angle to pop off the rubber gasket to remove and replace the lightbulb. It's a small, maybe once a year, inconvenience for such a reliable truck.

2003 Mazda Tribute - Cheap is not always cheap

Shawn
Cincinnati, Ohio
Overall
3.0
Value
2.0
Performance
3.0
Style
4.0
Comfort
2.0
Fuel Economy
2.0
Reliability
2.0
Well, when I decided to buy a new vehicle, I knew I wanted a small suv/crossover. I had great experience with the Mazda brand; my first car was a Mazda. So, when I saw a Mazda Tribute for sale in my price range, I knew it was worth taking a look at. I think in general Mazda makes great-looking cars. The size was perfect for my family size (family of three). All in all, I think this vehicle is an okay local commuter car; it will get you and your family where you need to go, with plenty of storage space. However, you will have to keep in mind the gas mileage is not all the good for long hauls nor are the seating comfort ability.
Story
I was very impressed one year how my Mazda Tribute handled the road during a winter storm a few years ago. There are several steep hills where I live, and many cars were not able to make it up the hills however. My little SUV made it up the hills without an issue.
Pros
One positive thing I can say about this SUB is it's reliable in the winter on icy roads with the four-wheel drive feature. In addition, there is plenty of storage space especially for a small SUV. And, like I mentioned previously, I think the body on the Mazda Tribute is still attractive, although it is a fifteen-year-old car.
Cons
The cons are the 2003 Mazda Tribute is a gas guzzler, and the seats are not comfortable for long trips. Another negative aspect is the interior is out dated compare to other car brands made the same year (Honda, Toyota). Mechanical work can get expensive because it is difficult to reach certain parts under the hood, for example, the spark-plugs and the alternator.

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