2004 Mazda B-Series Truck Review
Fuel Economy
15 - 23 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Unless the Mazda name holds a special place in your heart, there's no reason to consider this ancient compact pickup when there are several equally capable and infinitely more modern competitors available for the same price.
Pros
Torquey 4.0-liter V6 engine, versatile size, tough underpinnings.
Cons
Dated platform, no crew cab model, limited lineup doesn't match many consumers' needs, uncomfortable seats.
What's New for 2004
The interior gets a slight refresh in the form of a new steering wheel and airbag design, new cloth upholstery and a redesigned center stack.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Reliable but thirsty
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mazda B-Series Truck 4dr Cab Plus 4 B4000 Dual Sport Rwd SB (4.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I bought the 4.0 litre V6 with auto transmission because it could tow 6500 lbs, 3000 lbs more than the 5 speed manual. I tow a 3500 lb RV, sometimes with a 15 ft boat in tandem. This puts me at maximum combined payload & towing capacity but the truck is up to the task, if I take it easy: about 60 mph on the flats, up to 75 mph downhill. Towing in a headwind, the tranny constantly downshifts but turning the overdrive off helps keep it in 5th gear. A manual tranny would have been better, or more power. Mileage is not the best: about 19 mpg highway, much less in the city. I drive like an old guy, easy on the gas, coasting not braking, and at the speed limit. The truck is great otherwise.
Favorite Features
Opening rear doors, torquey 4.0 litre. Smaller size for parking that full size pickup.
Suggested Improvements
Full 6ft box, not 5 ft 8 inches, to allow full sheets of drywall to be loaded with the tailgate closed. Better fuel economy. A stronger manual transmission. Cruise control available in 2 wd model, without having to buy the full 4 wheel drive to get cruise.
Solid, Fun Drive
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mazda B-Series Truck 2dr Cab Plus B2300 SE Rwd SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
Review
This is a great little truck. I bought it used with 60K miles and it still feels very tight with no squeaks or rattles. The 5 speed and clutch are smooth with good spacing between the gears. ABS brakes are excellent. The 4 cylinder is more than adequate for normal driving and gets decent mileage. While far from plush, the interior is very livable. Seating is firm with good support and is comfortable on long trips. Controls, A/C and ventilation are excellent and there's plenty of leg room for six footers. A practical truck that's also lots of fun to drive.
Favorite Features
Excellent brakes, build quality, very comfortable (even after a 15 hour drive) seats, exterior styling.
Suggested Improvements
Access to rear of cab is tough, especially for bulky items.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Gas saving hauler!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 4 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mazda B-Series Truck 2dr Regular Cab B2300 Rwd SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I really can't complain, it always starts in the coldest weather. It gets over 30 mpg on the highway. It gets a lot of looks. I think it is better looking than the Ford Ranger that it is based on. It has an awesome A/C system. It does sit up almost as high as some other marques 4x4s.
Favorite Features
I like the carbon fiber center dash surround and the 4 wheel ABS.
Suggested Improvements
Make a four cylinder turbo diesel with a six speed manual transmission and 4 wheel drive. I would pay the premium for the diesel engine and six speed running gear.
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
LEMON
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 4 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mazda B-Series Truck 2dr Regular Cab B2300 Rwd SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
Review
The vehicle has left me stranded over and over. It is on its third fuel pump; the service dept has been appalling. The cab makes it difficult to back up because poor visibility. I would not recommend this product to anyone. As a consumer I am dissatisfied with the lack of concern Mazda corp. has shown. Can you say Lemon!
Favorite Features
None
Suggested Improvements
Cab design needs to be better as far as visibility when going in reverse. Mazda should also take responsibility for the product they sell. Also the roadside assistance is horrid - I waited over 5 hours for a tow truck. It's a No customer service corporation. Lemon!
0 out 1 people found this review helpful
Great!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mazda B-Series Truck 2dr Regular Cab B2300 Rwd SB (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
Review
This little truck will get you from A to B with no problems. That is what I bought it for...that's what it does. It was pre-owned but sure looks and feels like new!
Favorite Features
Gas mileage, power is great for a 2.3 liter.
Suggested Improvements
More storage compartments in the cab (in the doors, arm rest, etc.).
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