2003 Mazda Truck: Road Test
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2003 Mazda Truck ▼
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- MSRP: $13,930 -$23,150
- Invoice: $13,177 -$21,157
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Related to Mazda B-Series
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Our road test for the 2003 Mazda Truck includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Mazda Truck from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Mazda Truck, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Mazda Truck help you decide if a 2003 Mazda Truck is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| B3000 Dual Sport reg. cab, auto. | B4000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 4, auto. | B4000 Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 4 | 4.4 |
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 reg. cab, auto. | B4000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 4, auto. | B4000 Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Test Ford Ranger FX4 SuperCab with 4.0 V6 and automatic transmission averaged 14.4 mpg overall, and 17.9 in mostly freeway driving; comparable Mazda Truck models will be similar. Expect 2WD 4.0 V6s to average about the same, 3.0-liter models to do slightly better. The 4-cyl models should average in the low-to-mid 20s. Ford and Mazda recommended regular-grade fuel for all engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| B3000 Dual Sport reg. cab, auto. | B4000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 4, auto. | B4000 Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 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 reg. cab, auto. | B4000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 4, 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 reg. cab, auto. | B4000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 4, auto. | B4000 Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.3 |
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 reg. cab, auto. | B4000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 4, auto. | B4000 Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.7 |
Convenient dashboard, solid overall assembly, and good-quality interior materials.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| B3000 Dual Sport reg. cab, auto. | B4000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 4, 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 reg. cab, auto. | B4000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 4, auto. | B4000 Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 1 | 1.5 |
Cab Plus 4's rear half doors are beneficial. 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 reg. cab, auto. | B4000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 4, 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 reg. cab, auto. | B4000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 4, auto. | B4000 Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 9 | 10 | 6.5 |
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 reg. cab, auto. | B4000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 4, auto. | B4000 Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 41 | 41 | 39.1 |
Total Score: 39
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
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