Mazda Tribute

Name: 2003 Mazda Tribute
Brand: Mazda

EPA MPG: NA

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: NA

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 8 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 8 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 8 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 8 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

Although we classified as a small SUVs, the Mazda Tribute's relatively spacious interior stretches the definition of small. Co-developed with the Ford Escape, these are contemporary vehicles, offering a strong V6 and good handling. The Tribute's suspension is tuned for crisper handling, although its gain in agility is offset by an uncomfortably stiff ride.

2003 SUVs Reliability

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100

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Mazda Tribute

vs. Similar Cars

Honda CR-V

Honda Element

Subaru Forester

Toyota RAV4

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Marginal

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Marginal

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Marginal

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

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2003 Compact SUVs Ratings

2003 Mazda Tribute

$3,150 - $3,475

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Ford Escape

$3,000 - $3,250

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Honda CR-V

$4,475 - $4,800

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Honda Element

$4,025 - $5,100

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Jeep Liberty

$3,100 - $3,425

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Mitsubishi Outlander

$3,000 - $3,400

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Nissan Xterra

$3,350 - $4,550

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Pontiac Aztek

$2,800 - $3,075

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Saturn Vue

$2,775 - $3,150

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Subaru Forester

$3,500 - $4,225

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Toyota RAV4

$4,425 - $4,900

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Compact SUVs Ratings

Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

4WD, Front

2-liter 4 (148 hp)
3-liter V6 (200 hp)

5-speed manual
4-speed automatic

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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Model History

2008-2011

2008 Redesign Year

Electronic stability control became standard for 2008, rectifying the tip-up problem noted in the 2005 ' 2007 models. The Tribute's sensible size, roomy interior and good visibility remain intact. However, though it was improved with the 2008 freshening, the interior is still somewhat subpar. Fit and finish issues include uneven gaps and exposed screws. Model year 2011 was the last for the Tribute.

2001-2007

2001 Redesign Year

Co-developed by Ford and Mazda, first-generation models had sound handling and braking, impressive cabin space, and adequate acceleration with the optional 3.0-liter V6. Downsides include a stiff ride and noisy interior. Other engine choices included a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and a Hybrid that arrived in 2005 to return 26 mpg in our tests. Major virtues include commodious cabin space and quick acceleration (in V6 models). However, these are offset by a stiff ride, a noisy interior and flimsy plastic trim. A tip-up in the government rollover test and a Poor in the IIHS side-crash test without side and curtain airbags are concerns.