2002 Mazda Tribute DX V6 from North America

Summary:

Nice looking vehicle.

Faults:

New transmission. New wheel rim. New wheel bearing. New tire.

General Comments:

Manufacturer will not replace vehicle. No payment has been made on it yet. That's what warranty is for!! Noticeable vibration and thumping noise on front passenger side. Enjoy driving vehicle, but would never by a Mazda again. Headaches shouldn't be part of spending thousands of dollars on a new vehicle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 6th December, 2002

6th Jan 2004, 23:40

The Tribute uses the same transmission used by the Mazda 626 from 1994 - 2000 (?). This is the same one that is built by Ford with Ford quality, i.e., it will fail prematurely. Beware!

2nd Feb 2005, 15:14

My Mazda Tribute is the WORST vehicle I have ever owned! It has been to the dealer's mechanics four times in the past three months for the same problem... it wouldn't start! I have come to two, no three conclusions about my experience:

1) the Mazda Tribute is a crappy car

2) the Mazda mechanics are under educated

3) I will never buy another Mazda so long as I live!

2002 Mazda Tribute DX V6 from North America

Summary:

Test drive before you buy

Faults:

Noisy transmission from day 1.

General Comments:

It is the typical buyer beware advice.

Unfortunately I bought and paid cash for the vehicle before test driving it, the differntial howl was noticeable in the first 300 feet of driving it.

Mazda refuses to address this issue and says to live with it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th September, 2002

24th Oct 2002, 17:06

Why would anyone buy a vehicle without a test drive? I can't say that I feel sorry for this, apparently not very smart, Mazda owner.

4th Dec 2002, 15:48

I bought a 2003 and really like it. Mine doesn't make a lot of noise at all. Traded in a Lexus ES-300, and it's not a Lexus by any means. But I did a lot of research on the Net before selecting the Mazda Tribute, test drove it so I knew what I was purchasing, and am happy with my decision.

10th Jul 2003, 11:00

My 2001 Mazda Tribute LX model is a very sturdy driving, quiet running, quick paced SUV. It handles very well in driving around corners and is very sturdy in rain and snow. I highly recommend the Tribute LX. Also, the Mazda staff are a very nice group of people to work with.

28th Aug 2004, 21:17

I hope the survey person meant to say they bought this individual car without driving it. Not they did not drive a Tribute previously.

Driving a Demo Car sometimes does not prevent you from taking home a lemon.

Most times the car arrives fresh from the factory as ordered by you and is registered and insured in your name. I am sure what to do if the car failed the pickup drive test. You have already committed the money.