2004 Mazda Truck Dual Sport Cab Plus 4

The Dual Sport boasts a 4.0-liter SOHC V-6 netting 207 horsepower and 238 lb.-ft.

Chassis setup on two-wheel-drive Mazda Truck models is fully conventional, pairing upper and lower control arms with coils up front and a solid axle on leaf springs in the rear. In this instance, the match-up works well, delivering a decently smooth and relatively compliant, well-controlled ride. We also liked the overall positive feel of the Dual Sport's power rack-and-pinion steering setup. Standard stoppers are vented discs/drums with anti-lock. They halted our test truck in very respectable 131 feet.


As a finishing touch, the Mazda Truck comes with mass quantities of sound deadener for the entire cabin area. On a more visible level, quality-grade upholstery fabrics are found throughout the passenger compartment. In addition to a standard tachometer, the Dual Sport Cab Plus 4 also adds a host of other comfort and convenience touches, headed by power windows and locks plus an AM/FM/CD sound system.


Mazda has made significant enhancements to its compact-pickup line. The powertrain punch combined with across-the-board refinements will definitely uplift the spirits of new Mazda Truck owners when they sit down to fill out this year's consumer-survey report cards. (www.mazdausa.com)