2003 Mazda Truck Dual Sport and 4WD
reviews and buying guide.
2003
Mazda Truck Dual Sport and 4WD resources:
2003 Mazda Truck Dual Sport and 4WD
Mazda B-Series compact pickup trucks offer a choice
between the two-wheel drive B2300, B3000 and B4000 and
the off-road Dual Sport models. These Dual Sport versions
are available with either the 3.0-liter V6 (B3000) or
4.0-liter V6 (B4000); they have a variety of cab and
drive configurations, ranging from a 2-door 2WD regular
cab to the beefy 4-door, 4WD Cab Plus 4 model that comes
with rear-hinged rear doors and jump seats.
These are businesslike off-road vehicles with, at the
dual sport level, all the interior luxuries of an SE
trim level Mazda Truck plus a valuable assortment of
specific-function mechanical enhancements like skid
plates and a Class III trailer hitch. The 2002 name
change to the Truck was accompanied by style refinements
such as monochromatic front bumper cap and door handles
as well as front-seat fold-down armrest with exposed
cupholder and electronic-shift type technology. These
remain in 2003.
Under the Hood
The B3000 has a 3.0-liter V6 SOHV engine with 154-horsepower
at 5200rpm and 180lb-ft of torque at 3900rpm. It comes
with either a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission
and the fuel economy specifications are 19/22 (manual
trans.) and 17/22 (automatic trans.).
The final engine choice is a 207 hp 4.0-liter overhead
cam V6. It has max power at 5250rpm and max torque,
238lb-ft, at 3000. This powerhouse also offers 4-speed
automatic and 5-speed manual and it ranges, mileage-wise,
between 15 and 22 mpg depending on the transmission
type and whether you are driving in the city or on the
highway.
Off-road mechanics include the skid plates mentioned
above, raised suspension, limited slip differential,
two-speed transfer case and Class III trailer hitch
receiver, depending on whether you have the B3000. Dual-front
airbags and antilock brakes are standard safety enhancement
features on all Mazda Trucks, regardless of model or
trim level. 235/75R15 all-terrain white-letter tires
with full spare are standard on the Dual Sport models
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
The Dual Sport Mazda Truck enjoys all these off-road
features plus it has the benefits of all the luxuries
of the top Mazda Truck trim level, the SE. Basics include
power steering, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent
wipers and carpeted floor.
Cloth upholstery, air conditioning, a rear jump seat
(Cab Plus, Cab Plus 4) and an audio system upgrade to
an AM/FM/CD player round out the standard amenities
while add-ons include a variety of major-packages as
well as stand-alone add-ons like cruise control for
the inside or a bed-liner or tonneau cover for the outside.
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