2002 Mazda Truck: Road Test
Archived Review
2002 Mazda Truck ▼
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- MSRP: $12,840 -$22,630
- Invoice: $12,149 -$20,683
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Our road test for the 2002 Mazda Truck includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Mazda Truck from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Mazda Truck, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Mazda Truck help you decide if a 2002 Mazda Truck is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| B3000 Dual Sport 2WD reg. cab, auto. | B4000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 4 2WD, auto. | B4000 Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 4 | 4.2 |
V6s have fine power at all speeds, mesh nicely with 5-speed automatic. We've had no opportunity to test the 2.3 4-cyl but it's likely to feel underpowered when heavily loaded or going uphill.
FUEL ECONOMY
| B3000 Dual Sport 2WD reg. cab, auto. | B4000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 4 2WD, auto. | B4000 Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.2 |
Have had no opportunity to measure with 4.0 V6 or 2.3 4-cyl. Ford estimates 4.0 with automatic at 17 mpg city/22 highway, 2.3 with manual transmission at 24/28.
RIDE QUALITY
| B3000 Dual Sport 2WD reg. cab, auto. | B4000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 4 2WD, auto. | B4000 Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 4 | 3 | 3.6 |
Decent for trucks, regardless of engine or brand name. They jiggle some on rough roads, but absorb big bumps well.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| B3000 Dual Sport 2WD reg. cab, auto. | B4000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 4 2WD, auto. | B4000 Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.4 |
Stable in corners with moderate body lean, nicely weighted steering, and good directional stability.
QUIETNESS
| B3000 Dual Sport 2WD reg. cab, auto. | B4000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 4 2WD, auto. | B4000 Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 3 | 3.4 |
Not quite car-quiet as Dodge Dakota is, but has better isolation from engine, wind, and road noise than most compact trucks. V6s are smooth.
CONTROLS
| B3000 Dual Sport 2WD reg. cab, auto. | B4000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 4 2WD, auto. | B4000 Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.9 |
Convenient dashboard, solid overall assembly, and good-quality interior materials.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| B3000 Dual Sport 2WD reg. cab, auto. | B4000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 4 2WD, auto. | B4000 Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Good head and leg room, but three adults are a tight squeeze, and entry/exit borders on awkward in high-riding 4x4s and 2WD Dual Sport models.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| B3000 Dual Sport 2WD reg. cab, auto. | B4000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 4 2WD, auto. | B4000 Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 1 | 1.5 |
Extended-cab's rear half doors are a plus. With or without rear doors, rear-seat area best used for toddlers or cargo. Regular-cab has slightly more seat travel, seatback recline than rivals.
CARGO ROOM
| B3000 Dual Sport 2WD reg. cab, auto. | B4000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 4 2WD, auto. | B4000 Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | 3 | 2.7 |
Better-than-average behind-seat regular-cab space. Extended cabs carry lots of stuff. Dual rear doors are nice, but don't open independently of the fronts, making loading difficult in confined spaces.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| B3000 Dual Sport 2WD reg. cab, auto. | B4000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 4 2WD, auto. | B4000 Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 10 | 10 | 6.6 |
Dodge's larger Dakota offers V8s and 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement, but these Ford-built trucks have enough pluses to join Dakota on our Best Buy list. Rangers are more popular than the slow selling Mazda Truck, so Mazda dealers may offer deeper discounts.
Total Score
| B3000 Dual Sport 2WD reg. cab, auto. | B4000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 4 2WD, auto. | B4000 Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 46 | 43 | 39.5 |
Total Score: 41
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
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