2001 Mazda B-Series Consumer Reviews

Worst Performance ever for truck

Written by: William Bartusek on 02/20/2004

Vehicle

2001 Mazda B-Series 2dr Cab Plus B3000 DS 2WD SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Often cannot go more than 35-45 mph city, 55 mph highway driving. Against 15-20 mph wind on interstate, max speed is 65-72 mph. Dynomometer test shows 27% power/torque (109.7 hp, 135 ft-lb torque--35% greater drive train inefficiency than competive trucks. Fuel consumption is 12-17 mpg, averaging 14-15 in winter and 15-16 in summer. Mazda notified me that fuel consumption sticker values were determined by mathematical algoritms and had no empirical evidence to support the fuel consumption claims. Mazda claims that the vehicle "performs according to specifications", which is the only answer that I ever get from them.

Favorite Features

Tie-downs in bed are hard to reach with a bed cover. Sway is excessive over bumps. Interior and other component features are pretty typical of other manufacturers' equivalent trucks.

Suggested Improvements

Ford/Mazda Automatic Over-drive transmission is the most inefficient on the market. The drive-train computer does not appear to have effective algoriths based upon the dynomometer test or the engine is just simply under- powered for this vehicle with such an inefficient drive train.

5 out 9 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Great Truck

Written by: jas1229 on 11/18/2003

Vehicle

2001 Mazda B-Series 2dr Cab Plus B3000 SE 2WD SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I really like this truck I think its a great truck, It has a great V6 in it.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

1 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Enjoy the ride!

Written by: Defer on 10/24/2003

Vehicle

2001 Mazda B-Series 4dr Cab Plus 4 B4000 SE 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Little bouncy on the ride. Little thirsty with the gas. Steady driver and a warm vehicle in the winter. Reliable performance at all times.

Favorite Features

Great audio system. All controls well laid out.

Suggested Improvements

Pick up the fuel economy

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

My B3000

Written by: Johnha on 10/20/2003

Vehicle

2001 Mazda B-Series 2dr Cab Plus B3000 DS 2WD SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

This vehicle has been quite good to me. Comfortable and quiet, the 3.0 Liter V6 seems bulletproof. Everything still works as new after 2+ years and 34000 miles. I like this truck.

Favorite Features

The four speaker CD system is quite good. The cab is well laid out.

Suggested Improvements

My only desire would be for a bit roomier rear in the extended cab.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Good all around pickup

Written by: Bob Mazdaman on 09/16/2003

Vehicle

2001 Mazda B-Series 2dr Regular Cab B3000 SE 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

After shopping around, found this vehicle to be the best for the money by far. Was only lacking skid plates and limited slip rear. Added a few details and everyone admires its appearance!V6 lacks in the mileage, but they all do once away fromthe 4 bangers. Overall good truck. 76K now and going for 200K+ miles.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

limited slip rear option and skid plates (B4000 only)

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Glenn

Written by: glenn05 on 03/03/2003

Vehicle

2001 Mazda B-Series 2dr Regular Cab B3000 SE 2WD SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I like the truck, but it has had some reliability issues. At 30,000 miles a windshield washer fluid hose busted, and my main seal was leaking. After I got it back a couple sensors failed and caused my check engine light to come on, and my maifold was leaking. When I took it back in the dealership replaced the sensors, manifold and they found that my main seal was still leaking and they had to replace it again. Because of all these things my truck was in the shop about 4 times in 2 months. I also do not like the brakes on this truck. I had a few occasions were when I needed to stop, I'd slam on the brakes and there would be very little braking action.

Favorite Features

The style of the truck. I like the dual sport design and features. I also enjoy the ergonomics of the interior.

Suggested Improvements

Reliability of parts, better gas mileage, a little more horsepower and torque for towing.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Pretty truck, great price, average mpg.

Written by: Bryan Jones on 10/21/2002

Vehicle

2001 Mazda B-Series 2dr Cab Plus B3000 SE 2WD SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

A good-looking, tough truck at a better price and warranty than a Ranger(same truck). 3.0 needs better mpgs. Engine has periodic rough idle and engine pings easily (many posts in forums regarding these so they are common and can be fixed). Rides stiff but handles very well. Good brakes. Check interior/exterior build quality and paint before buying VERY CAREFULLY- mine had trash and runs that needed to be fixed (never as good as factory paint). Chrome around windows causes wind noise for looks only (to be dif than Ranger).

Favorite Features

Auto-dimming rear view mirror with compass- love it! standard four wheel abs. Stiff suspension leans very little in the corners. Vulcan 3.0s have excellent rep for reliability. Like the semi-flareside exterior style.

Suggested Improvements

Refine the Vulcan 3.0 to be smoother and get better gas mileage. Bring back the SE ex-cab(not everybody wants a dual sport). I would like a bigger reg cab, so I can fit my 6ft 5 body in (the only reason I got an ex cab). Improve assembly of interior and paint.

Report inappropriate post

Damn good truck

Written by: Happy Zoomer! on 07/07/2002

Vehicle

2001 Mazda B-Series 2dr Cab Plus B3000 DS 2WD SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

The truck is tall! I like being up just a little bit in a pickup that is sold as 'small.' I find the truck is a smooth ride with the michelins that replaced the FS that were on it when I bought it.The transmission is smooth, and the power is enough for me (I traded in a 95 Isuzu Pup) I haven't done any off road stuff and proably wont since that isn't my life style.

Favorite Features

Extended cab. two coffee holders within reach. comfortable seats. good visability, pretty quiet ride.

Suggested Improvements

Better millage.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Pleasantly Surprises

Written by: Doug Atkins on 05/19/2002

Vehicle

2001 Mazda B-Series 2dr Cab Plus B3000 SE 2WD SB (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I purchased this truck brand new last summer. Have not driven many of my other cars since then. I drive it everywhere. The ride is typical for a small compact truck but improves dramatically with a load. Also, the tonneau cover adds about 3 mpg to your gas mileage which is a really disappointing 17 mpg with the V6. No complaints other than that.

Favorite Features

It came with everything. Didn't need to add a thing like you do with every other truck.

Suggested Improvements

Make the extended cab about 1 foot bigger. The jump seats are virtually useless for anyone other than a small child. Also, they need to fold completely away.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post