2008 Mazda B-Series Truck Review
2008 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
- Regular Cab
- Cab Plus 4
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Compact dimensions provide nimble handling, solid performance from V6 engine.
Cons
- Dated platform results in a choppy ride and a cramped interior, no crew cab model, subpar handling and braking, lacks modern-day safety and convenience features.
What’s new
The 2008 Mazda B-Series compact pickup loses the B3000 (and its Dual Sport variant) trim level. Otherwise, this aging workhorse sees no changes.
Edmunds says
Unless the dealer makes an offer you can't refuse, we advise you to pass over the outdated 2008 Mazda B-Series. More modern compact pickups are available for around the same list price.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2008 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$188/mo for B-Series Truck B2300
B-Series Truck B2300
vs
$240/mo
Avg. Compact Truck
Vehicle overview
Some things improve with age -- wine, for instance, or a baseball glove. Even Elton John's hair. But some don't, and you need not look any further for an example than the Mazda B-Series. This compact pickup truck rolls into 2008 little changed from a decade ago. Although it's not a bad truck -- it's nimble and pretty tough -- the B-Series is clearly outgunned by much newer rivals in virtually every area important to today's compact/midsize pickup audience.
As with its Ford Ranger platform mate, the Mazda B-Series is a true compact pickup, while others that were formally in that group have grown considerably and are now midsize rigs. The B-Series' smaller dimensions are an asset when tackling narrow trails off-road, dicing with city traffic or parking in crowded lots. And although the chassis is old, it's rugged, making this truck ideal for folks who need a no-frills workhorse, or for outdoor enthusiasts who want to indulge in their activities without spending a lot on a truck.
But compared to competitors such as the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier or Dodge Dakota, the B-Series comes up short in passenger- and load-carrying capacities, modern conveniences and safety features. While those models offer a crew cab body style, the B-Series does not. The other trucks also offer much more powerful engines and more safety features (such as stability control and side airbags) than the Mazda.
For those whose compact pickup requirements are minimal -- meaning they have no need for a roomy cabin, a nav system or brawny towing capacity -- the 2008 Mazda B-Series should suffice. But we'd be willing to bet that everyone else would find its far superior rivals much more appealing.
Performance & mpg
Two engines are available. The B2300 comes with a 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine rated at 143 horsepower and 154 pound-feet of torque. The B4000 comes with a 4.0-liter V6 that makes 207 hp and 238 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual is standard on both models except the B4000 SE, which comes with a five-speed automatic. The automatic is optional on all trim levels.
Tow ratings stand at a paltry 2,260 pounds for the B2300 and a more respectable 5,580 pounds for the B4000.
Safety
Antilock brakes are standard on all models, but virtually all other modern safety features, such as stability control and side curtain airbags, are not available. Still, in government crash tests, the 2008 Mazda B-Series did well, earning five stars (out of five) for the driver and four stars for the front passenger in frontal-impact crashes. In that agency's side-impact tests, the B-Series scored five stars (standard cab) and four stars (extended cab). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave this compact pickup truck a rating of "Acceptable" (the second highest of four) after conducting its frontal-offset impact tests.
Driving
Despite its relatively low horsepower rating, the 4.0-liter V6 offers respectable acceleration for this class, and the five-speed automatic does a fine job of making the most of the available power. The B2300 feels underpowered. All models are easy to maneuver thanks to the truck's small size, but the basic platform and underpinnings are old-tech, resulting in a harsh ride over broken pavement. The 2008 Mazda B4000 is a solid performer off-road, but the lack of an optional off-road package means hard-core trail busters will have to explore the aftermarket to outfit it properly.
Interior
As expected, the cabin has a dated feel, and unlike its competitors, the Mazda B-Series doesn't offer leather upholstery or a premium sound system. There isn't much legroom and the seats are low and flat, so don't expect long-range comfort. Extended-cab models have a pair of jump seats in the rear. Those side-facing rear seats are by no means comfortable for adults, but they can be used by extra passengers in a pinch.
2008 Mazda B-Series Truck models
The 2008 Mazda B-Series compact truck comes in two body styles: regular cab and extended cab (which features a pair of smaller doors to access the rear compartment). No crew cab style is offered.
There are two trim levels: base B2300, base B4000 and B4000 SE. The numbers indicate engine displacement (e.g., 2300 means 2.3 liters). The B2300 comes only as a two-wheel-drive regular cab, while the B4000 comes only as a four-wheel-drive extended cab. Standard equipment includes a sliding rear window, AM/FM stereo, air-conditioning (on B4000) and 15-inch steel wheels (16-inch on B4000).
The B4000 SE features foglights, skid plates, a limited-slip differential, 16-inch alloy wheels, upgraded upholstery, cruise control and a bedliner. Many of these features are available as options on the less expensive models.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2008 Mazda B-Series Truck.
5 star(45%)
4 star(40%)
3 star(9%)
2 star(4%)
1 star(2%)
47 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.
4.75 out of 5 stars
My Little Truck
Monty Mills, 08/22/2008
2007 Mazda B-Series Truck B4000 SE 4dr Cab Plus 4 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Say what you want about the bigger boys but my Mazda B-Series 4x4 is all I'll ever need in a truck. And its basic styling, outdated or not, looks better than any of them. Okay, it doesn't ride like a Cadillac but it's a heck of a lot more comfortable than any compact 'jelly bean on wheels' that I've driven. Fuel economy isn't what I'd like it to be but that's the price you pay for a 4x4. … This is my third B-Series in a row and after test driving the others, I see no reason why there won't be a fourth. My only fear is that Mazda will read some of those "expert reviews" and turn their truck into an ugly, overpriced Canyon, Dakota or Tacoma etc.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2008 Mazda B-Series Truck, so we've included reviews for other years of the B-Series Truck since its last redesign.
2008 B-Series Truck Highlights
Regular Cab
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $15,535 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $188/month |
Seating | 3 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 2,260 lbs. |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the B-Series Truck include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 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 – OriginalNot Tested
- 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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