The top-of-the-line truck engine for Mazda Truck (formerly known as the B-Series) is a 4.0-liter 6-cylinder. That’s the powerplant in the 4x4 pick-up. It’s a hearty engine – rated at 207 horsepower with 238 pounds-feet of peak torque – that accelerates smoothly and promptly. The cab-plus truck with four doors (opening of a rear door requires corresponding front door to be open) is a well-rounded powerhouse. With its standard limited slip differential, the truck is an ample presence for towing with a nearly 5,900 pound-capacity as well as for hauling via a 1,260-pound payload.

Mazda Truck packs on the standard fare, including tow hooks, skid plates, fender flares, air conditioning, sliding rear window, 16-inch three spoke alloy wheels, raised suspension, tachometer, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, five-speed manual transmission, and fog lights. An in-dash ashtray and driver’s vanity mirror are new standards appointments for the 2003 model year. Even though the 4x4 provides seating for four, plan on two adults and two kids as the fold-down rear seats aren’t spacious enough for anyone beyond 5 foot tall. After a more than 400-mile test drive, Mazda Truck easily earns an above average grade. The vehicle garners mileage per gallon estimates of 15 city/19 highway. MSRP is $22,900.