2003 Mazda Tribute: Road Test
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2003 Mazda Tribute ▼
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- MSRP: $18,455 -$24,630
- Invoice: $17,248 -$23,008
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Our road test for the 2003 Mazda Tribute includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Mazda Tribute from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Mazda Tribute, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Mazda Tribute help you decide if a 2003 Mazda Tribute is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| ES AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 3.7 |
Few compact SUVs have as much power as the V6 Tribute/Escape. Acceleration is satisfying at all speeds and the automatic transmission shifts smoothly. We have not tested a 4-cyl model.
FUEL ECONOMY
| ES AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4.8 |
Extended-use-test AWD V6 Tribute averaged 19.5 mpg over its 24,308-mi. test, including several long highway trips. Other test AWD V6 Escapes and Tributes averaged 18-19.2 mpg. We haven't had an opportunity to measure economy with the 4 cyl.
RIDE QUALITY
| ES AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4.1 |
Very taut over bumps, but without float or wallow at highway speeds.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| ES AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4 |
Steering is notably direct, and directional stability is impressive even in gusty crosswinds. In typical SUV fashion, body leans and nose plows in fast, sharp turns, but Tribute is otherwise balanced and confident in changes of direction.
QUIETNESS
| ES AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 3.5 |
Not car-quiet, and you may need to raise voices at 65 mph. Wind roar is noticed, and tires whine on coarse surfaces.
CONTROLS
| ES AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.2 |
Climate and audio systems are high on the dashboard, within easy reach, and with large, simple controls. But there's no independent control for air recirculation or air conditioning.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| ES AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.3 |
Seats firm and supportive. Taller riders may want more head room in sunroof-equipped models, but it's otherwise generous. Those with long legs will have to move the passenger seat well back, but overall, the cabin feels spacious and airy.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| ES AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4.1 |
Roomier and more comfortable than any other compact SUV. Seat is tall and well-shaped. Tribute's leg and toe room exceed that of many larger SUVs, and a nearly flat floor helps center-position comfort. Step-in is taller than most in class, but doorways are wide.
CARGO ROOM
| ES AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.7 |
Not the largest among compact SUVs, but plenty roomy. Rear seatbacks fold flat once the headrests are removed and the seat bottoms tilted forward. Standard separate-opening rear glass is an added convenience.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| ES AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 10 | 5.7 |
Tribute aims for a more-conservative and slightly more-upscale audience than its Escape sibling. But both are solid, spacious, and rewarding to drive. Each costs in the mid-$20,000 range fully equipped, making them high-value alternatives to some truck-based SUVs that may be larger on the outside, but don't have significantly more interior space and use more gas.
Total Score
| ES AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 56 | 47.1 |
Total Score: 56
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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