2002 Mazda Tribute

Best small SUV!

By hdmom (IN) on Saturday, April 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 70,000

Pros: "Great riding, lots of room in back."

Cons: "Cupholders are small, not very good position."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The 4 wheel drive kicks in only when needed and works great. Plenty of room in the back and the seats fold down to hold bigger items. It is very comfy and good for longer drives. You don't see too many out there so you feel unique driving it. When I am ready to trade this in(which won't be for a VERY long time) I plan on getting the same thing, just a newer model. I <3 my Mazda!"

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LOVE LOVE LOVE this car!

By Pegkc (MO) on Thursday, January 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 140,000

Pros: "just a great car!"

Cons: "I wished the ignition switch had a light"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought this car in 2003 and it was my favorite car ever. The style, color (glacier silver), everything! It has140,000 miles on it and we have never had problems with it. I gave it to my teenager and wished Mazda still made these as I would have bought another one. I ended up getting a Toyota Camry after test driving numerous SUVs and not liking any of them. It is a nice car, but not as nice as my Tribute. Perfect for Midwest snow and ice."

9 people out of 10 found this review helpful

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If you can find one, Buy it!

By DenverJohn (NE) on Friday, December 28, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 76,000

Pros: "Lot's of hauling capacity"

Cons: "Fair gas mileage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Our 2003 Mazda Tribute continues to please us every day. It's reliable and it holds a tremendous amount of stuff -- from a soccer team coach's gear and equipment to pretty good sizes of pieces of furniture. other than very routine maintenance, we've only replaced the alternator and the brakes @ 70,000 miles (which we think is about right). Gas mileage is on a par with larger SUVs but it's not bad for a 6-cylinder."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Bought new pre-release based on car reports

By keykeyq (TX) on Thursday, November 08, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 104,000

Pros: "Dependable, excellent handling"

Cons: "gear shift on column suv no longer available"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I LOVE my Tribute. If only I could find a "twin" in a newer model but alas, they are not being made any longer. I love the body style because I don't need Blind Spot sensors since when I look into my side mirrors, my perhipheral vision can usually see another vehicle. The only thing I would have changed ever about my car is that the first model year (mine) came with the gear shift on the column."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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One of the best vehicles I have ever owned

By correpat (MO) on Monday, October 22, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 129,000

Pros: "Value, durability, comfort, handling, towing"

Cons: "4x4 reduces gas mileage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Love this vehicle...small SUV, powerful with 4x4 so I can tow my 16 foot sailboat and gear, but easy to drive around town. Rear window opens separately from rear hatch - something most manufacturers have done away with or forgotten completely. Seats are made for tall drivers, unlike the RAV4, and, with after-market Michelins, it handles better than many of the same-class SUVs, no matter the price or the year. I bought Tribbie brand new in Ohio, moved to New Jersey, and at age 8, my daughter used Tribbie for four years in Texas. This vehicle runs and handles well in heavy rain, snow, and high heat - Mazda needs to return to it's Tribute roots! If you find one of these used, buy it! Great used car for teens or for towing behind a motor home."

3 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Great vehicle! Inexpensive for an SUV!

By Nikki (MO) on Saturday, October 13, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 85,000

Pros: "Only about $23,000 new; unlike other SUVs!"

Cons: "Leaking crank shaft seals."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"It has the size that makes it great for travel and any use, but not so big that it feels like a tank! Feels safe. Don't have to climb up into it; just turn and sit. VERY inexpensive for an SUV; good gas mileage; I had been used to small cars, but this one was not a huge transition. vERY comfortable. Too bad they are not making the Tribute any more! I shall expect at least 200,000 miles out of this one! Downside, only one thing: at only 70,000 miles, leaking crank shaft seals, both ends. Very small leakage, but shouldn't be like that. I have a 1997 Geo Prizm LSI w/ 175,000 miles that has NEVER had a major problem! Same with other small cars I have previously owned."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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