Faults:

I replaced the timing belt at about 180,000. It started cracking and I didn't want it to break on me.

I replaced the water pump, since I was already there changing the timing belt.

General Comments:

I have done nothing to this truck besides the normal oil and filter every single 3000 miles (Castrol 10-30) and Motor Craft oil filter, spark plugs, wires, air filter, brakes, changing antifreeze, belts, and a few batteries and tires.

Very reliable.

There's at least one dent and scratch in every fender of the truck. People look at it like it's a POC... But I know it's paid for itself a number of times. And I know how many miles are on it.

Faults:

Absolutely NOTHING mechanical... I did have to replace the driver side seat belt buckle.

General Comments:

Tougher than nails... dependable... just won't quit!

Faults:

Check engine light kept coming on. The dealer did not know what to do. Finally I put more miles on the truck and the check engine light did not come on any more.

The gas mileage is awesome. About 29 miles per gallon on the highway.

Love my truck. Now it still runs like new. Just put new tires on it and new brakes. Like new.

Love my 1996 Mazda B2300 truck.

General Comments:

Still handles like new.

Faults:

The headliner is wearing poorly.

I've just had to replace the clutch.

General Comments:

I love my truck, and even though I'm looking for a new car, I don't intend to give it up. It's too useful.

I do have to add ballast into the back for the odd ice day, but, other than that, the handling is fine.

This has been the best and cheapest car I've ever had.

Faults:

My Mazda finally died for the first time the other day. I think it is the alternator, but I am still in the process of figuring that out.

Very little power.

General Comments:

Until recently, I have never had a problem with my Mazda, other than routine maintenance issues. I have put over 100k miles on it and plan to hopefully put another 100k on it.

It has been a real workhorse. What it lacks in power, it certainly makes up for with reliability.

Faults:

The expensive spark plugs wear out too fast.

The rear end is too light on gravel roads.

Changing dashboard lights is nearly impossible and hugely expensive.

General Comments:

I love my truck and have done so for almost 200,000 miles. 'Replaced the original clutch at 206,000 miles. Since I do a lot of driving (can't you tell?) I've averaged 24-24.5 miles per gallon. It does a little better with the middle grade gasoline.

The only major drawback is the feeling of lack of control on gravel roads. Without having 300 pounds of sand in the back, you get little to no traction in snow or mud. If this truck had front-wheel drive, all of this would be non-existent.

With gas approaching $3 a gallon, one wonders why they stopped making the extended cab in the B2300 model. One would think Ford/Mazda would be thinking more miles to the gallon instead of less with the B3000 and B4000 models.

Trying to find a replacement B2300 with an extended cab has been very difficult. Nobody is giving them up!

Faults:

Nothing

General Comments:

Very reliable, no power, cab is small, but cheap. It is worth it if you poor like me.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with the truck.

General Comments:

The truck has no power assisted steering. Great for building up your arms.

The cabin is a little cramped, but that's what you get when you pay peanuts.