Mazda B-Series Truck Review

2008 Mazda B-Series Truck B2300 Regular Cab Shown

Many truck models have gained larger and larger dimensions over the years, but the Mazda B-Series has bucked this trend by remaining a true compact pickup for its entire run. Produced from a Ford/Mazda collaboration that's been in effect since '94, the B-Series (comprised of popular models like the B3000 and B4000) was essentially a Ford Ranger wearing different clothes. This shared-pickup relationship dates back to the early 1970s when Ford offered the compact Courier pickup, which was essentially a Mazda wearing Ford badges. For most of the '80s and into the early '90s, both companies made their own trucks, but they were reunited in the mid-'90s. This time, Ford provided the running gear and the body styling was more distinctive to each brand.

Thanks to its compact dimensions, the Mazda B-Series truck is highly maneuverable and still offers a fair amount of pickup functionality. Other B-Series perks include frugal fuel mileage (on four-cylinder models) and the ability to fit into parking spots that bigger trucks would have to pass up. The B-Series had its heyday in the late-'90s to early 2000s. During these years, its nimbleness (on and off-road), trio of engine choices and large variety of trim configurations made it a tempting choice; also helping matters was the fact that the B-Series lineup included a four-door extended-cab version. The B-Series was so appealing during these years that its fraternal twin, the Ranger, scored Edmunds' Editors' Most WantedSM awards for 2000 and 2001.

Unfortunately, while its rivals have grown in size and have begun to offer more passenger capacity and stronger performance, the Mazda B-Series truck has stood frozen in time. Those competitors now offer the latest luxury and safety features such as navigation systems, side airbags and stability control.

As a choice for a new pickup, Mazda's truck is outclassed. The upside for used compact pickup shoppers is that Mazda's rugged, no-frills workhorse is easier to handle, easier to park and easier on gas than its bigger rivals. If this kind of functionality is important to you, a well-maintained Mazda B-Series (or the similar Ranger) could very well be a great pick.

Current Mazda B-Series

The latest generation of the Mazda B-Series pickup was introduced for the 2001 model year. Although initially competitive, the truck was seriously outdated in just a few years, losing out in terms of power, features and passenger capacity when compared to its rivals.

Body styles consist of regular cab and extended cab; unlike its competitors, the B-Series doesn't offer a crew cab configuration. The model names, as tradition dictates, correspond to engine choices, meaning a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine (143 horsepower, 154 pound-feet of torque) in the B2300, a 3.0-liter V6 (148 hp, 180 lb-ft) in the B3000 and a 4.0-liter V6 (207 hp, 238 lb-ft) in the B4000. Transmission choices consist of a five-speed manual and five-speed automatic. Initially, all except the B2300 (two-wheel drive only) could be had in either two-wheel or four-wheel-drive versions, but for 2003 onward, only the B4000 could have 4WD.

Trim levels have varied throughout the years. Most common are the base SX, rugged Dual Sport (a 2WD truck with a raised suspension and big tires that give it a measure of off-road capability and a tough look) and the SE (which comes with chrome body accents, alloy wheels, air-conditioning, full power features and a CD player). There was also the flashy Troy Lee edition (named after a guy who designs colorful motocross helmets), which represented an answer to a question nobody asked. Perhaps it was the brainchild of the same marketing genius who changed the B-Series truck's name to simply Mazda "Truck" for 2002, though thankfully that blunder was short-lived as well. For 2008, the Mazda B-Series family lost the B3000 (and its Dual Sport variant) trim level.

Anybody considering a used B-Series truck will want to concentrate on the current generation. Not only are these trucks likely to be in better condition with lower mileage, but the 2.3-liter and 4.0-liter engines had substantially more power than their precursors and antilock brakes were standard across the board.

Shoppers looking for a basic, light-duty pickup might consider a B2300 with the manual gearbox, as consumer feedback has indicated fuel economy in the 23-30-mpg range. Those who plan on towing are advised to consider the Mazda B4000, whose maximum towing capacity stands at approximately 5,600 pounds.

Past Mazda B-Series Models

As was the case with its successor, this generation of the Mazda B-Series (which ran from 1994-2000) shared its platform with the Ford Ranger. Initially, these B-Series trucks came in base, midgrade SE and luxury-level LE trims in standard or extended cab body styles. There was a choice of three engines: a 2.3-liter four (98 hp), a 3.0-liter V6 (140 hp) and a 4.0-liter V6 (160 hp). Transmissions consisted of either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. The V6 versions offered a choice of 2WD or 4WD.

The next year saw the debut of a standard driver's airbag and ABS for all B4000s and 2WD B3000s, while '96 saw the addition of a passenger bag in the upper trims. A five-speed automatic debuted for the B4000 in '97. A revamp took place for '98 that included freshened styling, a stronger, 2.5-liter four and a revised front suspension for better ride and handling dynamics.

The Cab Plus 4 debuted for '99 (essentially an extended cab with a pair of reverse-opening rear doors) as did the flashy Troy Lee edition. The final year of this run brought a juggling of trim levels and equipment, but nothing substantial otherwise. At the time, we noted in reviews that the Mazda offered a good selection of configurations and attractive styling. Downsides included the limited functionality of the truck's rear seats and the lack of horsepower from even the top V6 engine.

Previous to '94, the B-Series was all Mazda. A 2.2-liter four-cylinder B2200 and 2.6-liter V6 B2600i were offered in standard and extended cabs. A five-speed manual was standard and a four-speed automatic optional, while only the B2600i could be had with four-wheel drive. Although these were decent trucks, the chance of finding one of these workhorses in good condition is slim, as they're well into their retirement years.

SELECT A SPECIFIC MAZDA B-SERIES TRUCK MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.