Mazda Tribute ES-V6 2003...Opinions
 

I have an oportunity to get one from a cleint whom is going through a divorce for a pretty good $$$. Loaded and is completely paid for (a present for his soon to be X-wife).

I'm not a car buff by any means. What do the car buffs in TFP think of this car/SUV?

It's probably the best one in it's catagory. The V6 is what makes it better than the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Land Rover Freelander, ect. My old man works for Ford (the Escape is the same thing), and they don't get many problems.

As long as it's a deal you can't go wrong.

Mill is right, I work at Ford too, and Escapes don't have nearly as many problems as the other Ford models. And it's really surprising how quick it will get up and go. FWD, but not too big, I like them.

Thanks sooo much for the Ford "inside info". Time to crunch some numbers.

If you like the lil SUV's, Tributes get good marks.

Yeah...I live in a crowded downtown area so it's a comprimise with enough space to carry gear, take the g/f and the 2 labs out on a hike and not pull my hair out and ease the temptaion of running down a crowded sidewalk with a rusty machete, screaming, while looking for street parking.

<SMAKS FOREHEAD>

Try and fit the leather package into your budget, it makes a huge difference in the whole feel of the Escape/Tribute.

Pretty nice vehicle, we have an escape and it has had minimal problems.

Escape isn't too bad, and mazda is right when they claim their cars have a soul of a sportscar....

As for the smaller/mid size SUV's.... if you weren't getting a good deal on it, then id say Jeep Liberty. Pretty comfy inside (well.....considering its size/price), good ride, pretty nice quality (better than Ford imo), and has significantly better off road performance, which *I* would be interested in.

Thanks again all for the input. I'll keep yaz all posted on what's going on :D.

I think Tribute has the best value for the $$ you pay for it. I just bought one after test driving at least a dozen different models

just rented an escape for a week. almost wanted to buy it or its twin the tribute when i was done. some of those mini suvs are as big as the old regular size ones just 7 or 8 years ago... jeep/ford/toyota.

it has a lot of pop for a smaller truck.