2003 Mazda Tribute Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2008 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

Crash Test Rating

Source NHTSA

MPG (up to)

18 -22 City / 23 -25 HWY

Source FuelEconomy.gov

Horsepower

130 -200

Seats

Positive Owner Reviews

Charlie L

Great car, easy to drive.

I love my car. It is a very smooth drive compared to most cars I have driven, the control panel is clearly labelled and easy to use, and the comfort is stellar, I always feel cozy. I also enjoy how small it is, and how well it turns corners. Sometimes the light weight can be an issue in heavy winds, but ultimately it is still driveable.

tanya g

Still great gas mileage even though it is fifteen years old

I love my mazda tribute. Very few problems, basically just regular routine maintenance. It's fifteen years old and still gets great gas mileage, smooth ride and still going strong! Approaching 200,000 miles and going!

Britney P

I survived the 2018-2019 blizzard with this car!

I love my Mazda tribute. Really great car, it has made its way through the family. It drives smooth and gets around in the snow, only car I have had that I actually feel really comfortable driving in the snow and ice. At the push of a button you can turn on the 4 wheel drive.

Undine D

Love my car would get the same one again.

I got no problems with that vehicle its very comfortable love the smooth ride I take my dogs too. The only thing I don't like it's the windows in the back don't go all the way down but I can understand it's a kids safety thing, I like it has a glass opening on the trunk too very convenient.

Deanna k

Great visibility! There are no blind spots. Is big enough to make you feel safe and small enough to maneuver

I love the width and length my car. The newer cars coming out now are either bigger trucks or crossovers. I like how the third window is a full window.

Sara L

It is reliable and perfect for a college student.

Perfect size, runs great! No complaints at all. A little small for a family of 4, but we get by. I would recommend it.

Russel D

My Mazda Tribute is one of the best cars I have ever owned.

I fell in love with the ford escape but at the time they were to high priced then I was told about the mazda tribute it was everything I wanted 4 wheel drive am/fm cassette and cd player in the car the radio was actually a plus it has a 6 cd changer inside the radio it is cloth interior four door with hatch chrome wheels. With a full size spare tire and the price was about 2500 cheaper than the ford escape I don't think I could ever part with it I have had to put a new engine in it but it was well worth it.

Tamara L

This vehicle is perfect for families. Dependable and comfortable!

My Tribute is the perfect size, not too big, not too small. It's easy to fit the car seats in, and get the kids in and out. It's comfortable to ride in and to drive. This is my first vehicle with heated seats, and I love them so much! I really like that it's dependable. We haven't had to do any service on it so far beyond oil changes. I'd like a little better gas mileage.

Negative Owner Reviews

Leslie L

It is used and may have been wrecked.

Does not get very good gas mileage and would like a little smoother ride. Also, seems to use a lot of oil back window hinges break.

Diana W

It is a nice small SUV and great gas mileage. .

I like my vehicle because it is a small SUV. It is great on gas and I and I have plenty of room in it.

James Auen

Wish I hadn't bought it but it wasn't all bad

Bought my pearl white Mazda Tribute in 2014 from a shady used car lot in Omaha Nebraska. I was just looking for a good reliable vehicle and I had to stop and I noticed it was running very quite. Needed a new windshield and I gave Sam a check for 3750.00 well below the asking price. I had many issues with the coil packs until a mechanic was able to fix them in 2016 since then the door handle on the driver side rear has stopped working and the paint has been peeling off from the roof and now the backhatch and I have also replaced the hinges on the back hatch. The rear door seals are not good and too expensive to replace seat heater is nice and it has never been stuck in the snow. I do like the interior leather seats but the center council lid has cracked and has been taped with packing tape since 2016, heard that you can get a replacement cover for it. I have enjoyed this vehicle for the last 5 years and I am ready to sell it.

Jo H

It is reliable and a pretty easy car to drive. It gets the job done.

I like that it has 4 wheel drive. I live in Michigan so this really helps out in the winter. It has been a pretty reliable vehicle. I would get a similar car to this in the future.

Sandra H

2003 model has major issues.

Rusts, adhesive does not stay on fabric on door panels. Total lemon. I like the sporty look of it. I like that it is 4 wheel drive.

Rachel K

Great vehicle for the outdoors family.

Comfortable ride, yet rides like a truck. Can load lots of stuff with the back seats down. Comfortable seating. Powerful engine. Trustworthy in the winter. Decent sound quality. Lots of room for all passengers and plenty of drink holders to go around.

Deborah L

The car is attractive with nice interior finishes. The Mazda engine is reliable.

The car was reliable for the first 60k but the ac went out at 83k and the car has suffered oil leaks over the years. Problems with the seat belt light flashing and other code lights malfunctioning. The car was actually a Ford escape marketed as a Mazda with a Mazda engine. The car has been comfortable to drive for the most part and the interior finishes are pleasing and the exterior paint has held up well over the years,

Mazda Tribute Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

130 HP 24-24 MPG 5 Seats

200 HP 21-21 MPG 5 Seats

Photos may not match model

2003 Mazda Tribute Owner Reviews

4.22

50 Reviews

Write Review

5 stars

40%

4 stars

46%

3 stars

12%

2 stars

1 star

Nathan K on April 4, 2021

It handles and rides very well.

It is a great smaller SUV. It is Mazda's version of the Ford escape. I have the es V6 model and it has lot of get up and go and runs very well. It is comfortably equipped and rides very smooth.

Nita S on March 19, 2021

SUV medium in size and so easy to drive for a senior citizen.

Back door hinge replaced but with my disabled arm cannot easily pull down and close door. It only has a little over 70, 00- miles and good motor and tires and all is working. Leather seats and lights auto and door locks, as long as son keeps in working order no new card desire but keep this one.

View All Reviews (50)

Ranks #6 Compact SUV by Owners

The 2003 Mazda Tribute has an average owner rating of 4.23 out of 5 which ranks it #6 of 15 other Compact SUVs.

Tie

2003 Audi allroad

4.5

Tie

2003 Toyota Matrix

4.5

2003 Mazda Tribute

4.22

Ranks #4 Compact SUV by Fuel Economy

The 2003 Mazda Tribute has a combined MPG of 27 which ranks it #4 of 15 other Compact SUVs.

Tie

2003 Toyota RAV4

31 MPG

Tie

2003 Toyota Matrix

31 MPG

Tie

2003 Mazda Tribute

25 MPG

Is The 2003 Mazda Tribute A Good Car?

Yes it is a good car very dependable. Good gas mileage. Very roomy inside. Good model. Good color. 4 door

Edith B.

How Reliable Is The 2003 Mazda Tribute?

Very reliable car no problems at all. No issues with car very dependable car. Good mileage on highway

Tristan J.

Is The 2003 Mazda Tribute A Good Value?

1000 it was a very good value for the car. Got the car at a very good price used. Bought from a friend

Srinivas V.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the 2003 Mazda Tribute power steering fluid type?

Answer: The type of power steering fluid that should be used in the 2003 Mazda Tribute is MERCON V fluid. When You are putting the fluid in the vehicle You need to fill it to the maximum line on the reservoir. Power...

What's the 2003 mazda tribute oil type?

Answer: The 3.0-liter V6 engine in the 2003 Mazda Tribute takeS5.7 liters (6 quarts) of SAE 5W-20 motor oil. A few popular products with this viscosity include Castrol Edge, Kendall, Valvoline SynPower, Valvoline High...

See all Frequently Asked Questions

Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front