Forum Discussion

2112's avatar
2112
Explorer II
Feb 11, 2015

2003 Mazda Tribute?

I totaled my 1997 Ranger so now I'm in the hunt for a replacement grocery-getter beater.

While looking at a 2007 Mazda B3000 I came across a loaded 2003 Tribute ES. Nice little SUV. I know this is an RV forum so I'll make the connection by saying it is capable of towing a whopping 2000lbs and may be a suitable toad.

Can anybody tell me the good, bad or ugly on a 2003 Mazda Tribute before I drop $4K on it? I have read reviews. I gather they are prone to alternator failures and have had their share of safety recalls in the past.

Is it a toad candidate? My Ranger, with the manual 5 speed was and I have dreams of someday owning an A.

Thanks for your input.
Dave
Tow Vehicles

4 Replies

  • rjstractor's avatar
    rjstractor
    Nomad
    Feb 13, 2015
    V6 or 4 cylinder? IIRC the only auto towable 4 down is the hybrid version, which I know yours is not. The 4 cylinder 5 speed manual I beleive is towable but all the V6s are autos and not towable.
  • Fordlover's avatar
    Fordlover
    Explorer
    Feb 12, 2015
    2112 wrote:
    I totaled my 1997 Ranger so now I'm in the hunt for a replacement grocery-getter beater.

    While looking at a 2007 Mazda B3000 I came across a loaded 2003 Tribute ES. Nice little SUV. I know this is an RV forum so I'll make the connection by saying it is capable of towing a whopping 2000lbs and may be a suitable toad.

    Can anybody tell me the good, bad or ugly on a 2003 Mazda Tribute before I drop $4K on it? I have read reviews. I gather they are prone to alternator failures and have had their share of safety recalls in the past.

    Is it a toad candidate? My Ranger, with the manual 5 speed was and I have dreams of someday owning an A.

    Thanks for your input.
    Dave


    My grandmother has a 2003 Escape XLT 4x4 V6 that has been perfectly reliable. Works great for her in northern colorado winters as well.
  • rexlion's avatar
    rexlion
    Explorer
    Feb 12, 2015
    Escapes/Tributes of that style are pretty solid vehicles, from what I've read.
  • ib516's avatar
    ib516
    Explorer II
    Feb 11, 2015
    They are a rebadged Ford Escape. You'd get more info searching the web for info on those if you haven't already. The only thing Mazda about them is the grill.

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