2003 Mazda Truck reviews and buying
guide.
2003
Mazda Truck resources:
2003 Mazda Truck B2300, B3000 and B4000
Mazda first started selling trucks in the U.S. in 1971
so it has a long history of performance and reliability
to maintain and this year's model does not contradict
that history. Ford began manufacturing the Mazda-badged
B-Series compact pickup truck line for the North American
market in Edison.
The B-Series offered a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine,
a 3.0-liter V6 and 4.0-liter V6, which gave the three
model choices: the B2300, B3000 and B4000. The current
generation B-Series truck features a two-door regular
cab and a 4-door Cab Plus 4, which has rear-hinged rear
doors that don't open independently of the front.
Under the Hood
The new 2003 Mazda Truck B2300 is powered by the 2.3-liter
DOHC 4-cylinder with 143 hp at 5250rpm and 154lb-ft
of torque at 3750rpm. It comes with a 5-speed manual
transmission that has pretty good specs for fuel economy
at 24/29 mpg (city/hwy).
The new 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 not surprisingly, with all that extra power, the
fuel economy is reduced. 19/22 (manual trans.) and 17/22
(automatic trans.) are the figures for the B3000.
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 16 and 22 mpg depending on the transmission
type and whether you are driving in the city or on the
highway.
Dual-front airbags and antilock brakes are standard
safety enhancement features on all Mazda Trucks, regardless
of model or trim level.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
The basic Truck is the B2300 SX. This has the essential
interior features that the SE trim level adds on to.
B3000 and B4000 models are not available with SX trim.
SX basics include power steering, vinyl upholstery
on a split bench seat, AM/FM radio, digital clock, tachometer,
variable-intermittent wipers and a durable workmanlike
black vinyl floor covering. Exterior values include
a sliding rear window, painted front bumper and rear
step bumper in addition to the 4-wire trailer harness
and a full-size spare 225/70R15 tire.
SE trim includes upgrades to cloth upholstery, air
conditioning, a rear jump seat (Cab Plus, Cab Plus 4)
and an audio system upgrade to an AM/FM/CD player.
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