2006 Mazda B-Series Truck Review
2006 Mazda B-Series Truck Review
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Used B-Series Truck for sale
Appraise This CarMazda B-Series Truck model years
Mazda B-Series Truck types
- Cab Plus 4
- Regular Cab
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver, tough underpinnings.
Cons
- Dated platform results in a choppy ride and a cramped interior, no crew-cab model, limited lineup doesn't match many consumers' needs.
What’s new
The Mazda B-Series is unchanged for 2006.
Edmunds says
Unless the Mazda name holds a special place in your heart, there's no reason to consider the 2006 Mazda B-Series Truck when there are several equally capable and infinitely more modern competitors available for the same price.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Mazda B-Series Truck B2300 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$177/mo for B-Series Truck B2300
B-Series Truck B2300
vs
$233/mo
Avg. Compact Truck
Vehicle overview
Mazda's history with small pickups goes back several decades. Back in the 1970s, the Japanese automaker produced the Ford Courier, which was nothing more than a rebadged version of Mazda's own design. It was successful mostly due to the strong Ford brand name. In the early 1980s, Mazda decided to redesign its small pickup. The company christened its newest creation the B-Series.
This time around, Ford decided to engineer its own small truck, banking on its brand name to draw in the customers and thus the Ranger was born. Ford was right, and the Ranger became far more popular, as the B-Series market share withered. In a reversal of previous fortunes, Mazda was forced to rely on Ford to provide a basis for the B-Series, and it was recast as a modified Ford Ranger for the 1994 model year. Under the skin and inside the cab, the Ranger and the B-Series were identical; minor styling changes were the only differences that made the Mazda truck unique.
A 1998 freshening resulted in a more dynamic design for the Mazda B-Series, with flared fenders and unique trim inside and out. While some of its styling cues distinguish it from its stronger-selling Ford cousin, the Mazda truck lacks the configurations and feature content available to the Ranger. However, it should be noted that Mazda offers a better warranty and often offers deep discounts to clear the B-Series from dealer lots. Unfortunately, the 2006 Mazda B-Series has remained basically unchanged for over a decade, and it has been significantly outpaced by the competition in recent years.
Performance & mpg
Three engines are available on the Mazda B-Series. Two-wheel-drive models can be had with a 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine rated for 143 horsepower and 154 pound-feet of torque, or a 3.0-liter V6 with 150 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. Four-wheel-drive models come standard with a 4.0-liter V6 with 207 hp and 238 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual is standard on all models, except the SE extended cabin which comes with a five-speed automatic. The automatic is optional on all trim levels. Tow ratings are under 3,000 pounds with the four-cylinder and the 3.0-liter V6, while the 4.0-liter V6 has a decent 5,580-pound trailer rating.
Safety
Antilock brakes are standard on all models. In government crash tests, the Mazda B-Series earned four stars out of five for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal- and side-impact crashes. The IIHS gave this compact pickup a rating of "Acceptable" (the second highest of four) after conducting its frontal-offset impact tests.
Driving
Despite its low horsepower rating, the 4.0-liter V6 offers respectable acceleration for this class, and the five-speed automatic does a fine job of managing the power. The B-Series feels underpowered with either the four-cylinder or the 3.0L V6. All models are easy to maneuver thanks to the truck's small size, but the basic platform and underpinnings are outdated, resulting in a rough, harsh ride. The 2006 Mazda B-Series is a good performer off-road, but the lack of an optional off-road package means you'll have to go to the aftermarket to outfit it properly for trail duty.
Interior
The B-Series cabin has a dated feel, and unlike Ford's Ranger, the Mazda truck can't be optioned with leather upholstery or a premium sound system. There isn't much legroom, and the seats are still low and flat, so don't expect long-range comfort. Extended-cab models have twin jump seats in the rear; the side-facing rear seats on this model are by no means comfortable for adults, but they can be used by extra passengers in a pinch.
2006 Mazda B-Series Truck models
Available as either a two-door regular cab or a four-door extended cab, the Mazda B-Series is further broken down into three basic trim levels, base, Dual Sport and SE. Base models are available as either a 2WD regular cab or an extended cab with either two- or four-wheel drive. Standard equipment includes a tachometer, sliding rear window, AM/FM stereo and 15-inch steel wheels (16-inch on 4WD models). Dual Sport models can be had in either body style but are 2WD only. A standard raised suspension gives all Dual Sports the look of a 4WD truck without the added expense. The top-line SE trim level is offered on the 4WD extended cab only and features alloy wheels, air conditioning, a CD player, cruise control and power windows, mirrors and locks. Many of these features are available as options on the less expensive models.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Mazda B-Series Truck.
5 star(40%)
4 star(42%)
3 star(10%)
2 star(5%)
1 star(3%)
40 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.38 out of 5 stars
Having the right tools for the job
mazdamaniac, 03/03/2012
2005 Mazda B-Series Truck 2dr Regular Cab B2300 Rwd SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
I cant help but notice a lot of complaints over the mazda b2300 trucks. i have owned mine for 6 years now. i have never had parts fall off randomly in this time. i drove my truck off the lot with 10 miles on the odometer i have tried burying it in 3 ft of mud. i towed a ford f150 out of the mud that day(stock b2300 is a limited slip 2 wd vehicle)i have driven the oregon dunes, and river … roads.only got stuck twice ever.I have put the truck in a drift coarse made of dirt/ gravel. drag raced it, pulled boats, trailers, wood hauls and more. if your truck is falling apart you might consider a rig more specialized to your driving needs but i cant imagine my P.U. failing in reasonable circumstance.
3.88 out of 5 stars
my first new truck
jones, 04/07/2005
2005 Mazda B-Series Truck 4dr Extended Cab B4000 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
I can't speak for everyone, but I love this truck. It's my first new truck, and for what I use it for, I'm very happy with my choice. The 4.0L engine hasn't let me down yet, and no one can argue with the price. I know that there are more modern choices out there, but pick-ups are for working, not for Sunday driving. I see lots of people out there with these $35,000 dollar trucks, but ask … them to move some lumber or furniture, and all they are worried about scratching the bed or the liner! I would recomend this truck to anyone who is a weekend warrior, young, or a small business owner (like myself). You can't argue with the reliability.
5 out of 5 stars
Your basic truck
Marshall Hill, 01/15/2005
2004 Mazda B-Series Truck 2dr Regular Cab B2300 Rwd SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
The only options I purchased were automatic transmission and air. Everything else was standard right down to the rubber floor mats. This truck suits me perfectly. Reliable, good gas mileage and good looks for a work truck.
3.5 out of 5 stars
Nice, compact, durable,good warrantee.
GGolds5, 12/12/2004
2005 Mazda B-Series Truck 4dr Extended Cab B4000 SE 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
I bought this truck after selling my 02
Land Rover Discovery. A lot more
reliable then Land Rover and a lot more
utility being a pick-up. This truck
handles better then my S-10 ZR2, Ford
F-150, and Toyota Tundra.I needed a
truck that would fit in the garage of
my new house. Old house actually which
is why garage is small.Mazda has 4/50
warrentee.Ranger 3/36.It has nicer …
looking trim as well. The truck is
reliable, has a good size bed, and is
FAST with the top 4.0 6 engine and 5
sp.Auto.Could be better on gas though,
15-17mpg is no bargain for a small
truck. Main attraction for me was I
didnt want another big, hard to park,
harder to handle beast. Overall nice
vehicle.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2006 Mazda B-Series Truck, so we've included reviews for other years of the B-Series Truck since its last redesign.
2006 B-Series Truck Highlights
Cab Plus 4
B3000
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $18,890 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $230/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 2,460 lbs. |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5PassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalPoor
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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