2003 Mazda Truck Review
Fuel Economy
15 - 23 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Mazda's Truck is aging rapidly and a replacement doesn't seem to be appearing on the horizon. Though fundamentally sound today, redesigned competitors due within a year threaten to put this model on the back shelf.
Pros
Torquey engines, handsome styling, four-door extended cab model.
Cons
No crew cab model available, limited lineup makes it tough to tailor for your needs, flat and flaccid seats.
What's New for 2003
Two new extended cab models debut: a B2300 SE and a B3000 SE, and they include cosmetic changes like chrome bumpers and grille and alloy wheels. However, you can no longer order a four-wheel-drive B3000 Truck; 4WD is available on B4000 models only. Otherwise, only minor changes have been made to the rapidly aging Truck, such as the addition of A-pillar grab handles for the interior, thicker brake rotors for 4WD models, and the fact that the Power Package is no longer free when ordered with the Convenience Package.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Great Truck
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mazda Truck 2dr Regular Cab B3000 Dual Sport Rwd SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
First the cons; small for those over 6', fuel economy is lacking for a small v6, DS should come standard with a limited slip and tow package, should have 6spd manual (mileage and towing would benefit), horrible Goodyear Wrangler GT/S's that come on it, a more Mazda/less Ford interior would be nice, seats are too firm for long trips(pad fixes this) . Now PROS; RELIABILITY, RELIABILITY, RELIABILITY, did I mention it's been reliable? Only issue in 78,xxx + was a sensor @ 5k that was replaced under warranty with no qualms. Paint still looks new, front brakes lasted for 50k, clutch is still great, engine still peppy (although more power would be great). Great deal considering cost vs other ops.
Favorite Features
Reliability, ease of maint. (previous owners of Toyota/Hondas will appreciate), exterior durability, Just a great truck. Doesn't apologize for being a truck--no girly styling or compromise in functionality.
Suggested Improvements
Power, fuel economy, 6 spd manual, limited slip and tow standard, bit more leg room in standard cab.
My B2300 truck
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 4 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mazda Truck 2dr Regular Cab B2300 Rwd SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I have enjoyed the little truck. Great for running around town, yard work, trash, etc. Gets 27 MPG with 5 speed.
Favorite Features
Gas mileage.
Suggested Improvements
Needs a bit more leg room.
A Great Little Big Truck
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mazda Truck 4dr Cab Plus 4 B4000 SE 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
This vehicle has been a great vehicle. Not only does it have a sporty look but it has the power and versatility you would expect in such a vehicle. I have hauled mountains of wood pellets, sheet rock and other building materials. I have no need for a bigger truck. Don't be afraid to try the manual transmission. Put the money somewhere else.
Favorite Features
Surprisingly excellent sound system. Smooth quiet ride, Quick handling for a truck. I take it every where.
Suggested Improvements
Slightly larger windows to improve the review for drivers 6 feet and over.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
1st truck Wow
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mazda Truck 2dr Cab Plus B2300 SE Rwd SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I bought this truck new in AZ, no trouble with a/c, cold even at +117 degrees! It's a stick: could use more zip doing mountains, fine if you don't get stuck behind a slow truck and have to accelerate from 30 mph on 6000ft grade. Moved to Indiana, heater warms quickly, far less traction problems than full size van I drove. Not one mechanical problem, piled it high for move, over 2500 miles, very stable in winds, rain; good fuel economy with the extreme gas prices. Very nice turning ratio, good visibility overall.
Favorite Features
Front drivers seat wide and lumbar support, a/c-heat great, easy manual shift, smooth ride, great for furniture, big items, low to get in/load, high enough to see. Love radio/cd, great sound quality for standard model. Nothing in interior has fallen off. Very happy with my purchase.
Suggested Improvements
Passenger seat uncomfortable, seats need to come forward further for ease of use of rear interior cargo space. Really could use a snap-on standard bed cover-offer. Wish for moon-roof and ceiling storage for small items.
Year one experience
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mazda Truck 2dr Regular Cab B2300 Rwd SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Very fit for purpose. I stole it for $10,900. Use it for towing an aluminum fishing boat and to haul gear on long trips to my sailboat in Florida. 30 mpg at 75 mph(!) and I never get less than 25 mpg around town :). I'm 6' 2" and find it very comfortable and roomy. AC will blow you away, even in New Orleans heat. I was looking for a used beater to limit miles on my Vette but couldn't find a decent one for much less than the B2300 new. Yeah, it's light on power (anything is compared to my #1) but the fuel efficiency is welcome with gas @ $2+.
Favorite Features
AC. Roomy. Fuel efficiency. Nice gearing with the 5 speed; relaxed on the highway. Low end torque good for a 4 banger. Price, price, price...!
Suggested Improvements
Nothing significant
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2003 Mazda Truck
- 2002 Mazda Truck
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