Used 1997 Mazda B-Series Pickup Consumer Reviews
Used B-Series Pickup for sale
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 B-Series Pickup, so we've included reviews for other years of the B-Series Pickup since its last redesign.
Excelent first truck
Vapor, 04/28/2002
1996 Mazda B-Series Pickup B2300 SE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
Every kid or parent should consider this truck for his or her first vehicle. First off it is one of the most well built pieces of machinery I have seen on the road, truly built to last. With 112hp and 135ft-lbs torque it has excellent acceleration if you know how to drive it well. I have toped out speed around 105mph and I think it still had just a bit more power left in her. She will probably do 110 which is plenty fast for any truck. I have never had to replace a part on this truck and I merely do basic maintenance. Regular oil changes, fluid checks, tune-ups, spark plugs, filters, cables, etcetera, etcetera. Anyone interested in a small pickup I recommend u look at this one first.
My little truck
paulst2419, 07/19/2012
1997 Mazda B-Series Pickup B2300 SE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
Bought this truck in 2008 without knowing how many miles on it. Odometer was broken at 98k and the owner said he didn't even know. Looked up a carfax history report to learn it had 98k miles 4 years before we bought it. Estimations say that the truck now has about 200k miles on it. All we've done is drive it and do preventative maintenance and the truck runs good. I plan to run it until it doesn't run anymore and get a newer B3000. The truck does lack power but it is still the best investment I ever made. Bought it to keep miles off my nice car and it has done just that. With new Hankook tires it seems to float down the road. Not much of a "truck" but great value nonetheless.
1997 Mazda B-Series Pickup for sale near you
Showing 3 of 4 listings
- BASEMSRP: $3,500424 mi away
- B4000 SE Extended CabMSRP: $3,000880 mi away
- BASEMSRP: $7,998904 mi away
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Not fancy, but functional
Tom B., 06/06/2008
1997 Mazda B-Series Pickup B2300 SE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
The B2300 is not the biggest, baddest truck out there. But for light hauling, home renovations, or city deliveries it is easy to maneuver and easy to park. Gas mileage is okay. Unfortunately, my wife is so fond of driving it to the garden store and the big-box outlet mall, I never see my truck anymore.
Timing belt breaks, engine is no good
chris, 04/05/2009
1996 Mazda B-Series Pickup B2300 SE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
40 of 49 people found this review helpful
I was beyond shocked to find out that my engine was no good after my timing belt broke. My 1996 Mazda B2300 SE extended cab pickup broke the timing belt at engine idle. The mechanic informed me that the 2.3 liter engines in these pickups are considered to be interference engines, which means when the timing belt breaks, the pistons will destroy the and bend the valves in the engine, making the engine useless.
Over 270,000 miles & still going strong
Dan, 06/19/2008
1995 Mazda B-Series Pickup B2300 SE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I have been very happy with my truck. I have had to only replace the clutch and the water pump, but with 273,000 miles on it that is to be expected.
Nice
pretty nice, 06/14/2008
1996 Mazda B-Series Pickup B4000 SE 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I like the truck. It's powerful and stylish. There is one thing you all should know that in both rear fenders rust so I took it and had it fixed at an auto body shop. But over all every thing is comfortable and reliable.
THE BEST TRUCK EVER!
simplystina, 07/26/2006
1996 Mazda B-Series Pickup B2300 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I LOVE my little truck, I have NEVER had any problems with it! It is the BEST investment I put into ever. The most money I have put into it was the price for it. No problems what so ever. Going on 116,000 miles and still ticking. Gas is great, speed is great...I would DEFINITELY buy a second one for my fiancée if I could.
My Truck
PeaSoup, 12/25/2002
1997 Mazda B-Series Pickup B4000 SE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Good truck all around (95% Ford Ranger), Too many plastic parts that do break and are not cheap.
Mazda B2300 Review
Clay723, 04/30/2002
1995 Mazda B-Series Pickup B2300 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I've had this truck for 3 years. It had belonged to my son who needed a larger vehicle. He put 97,000 miles on it in 4 years. I've put 10,000 on it in 3 years. The only thing I dislike about it is the loss of power when I when the AC is engaged and the constant thump you get when the AC clutch engages. In my opinion, this is its only fault. It has been and continues to be an excellent vehicle.
Mazda truck
Suzanne Feehan , 08/19/2004
1995 Mazda B-Series Pickup B2300 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This has been a very reliable vehicle which I brought as an alternate vehicle for the winter to access my steep driveway in the winter. I once had a vistor who had a Nissan four wheel drive pickup that was comparable....and she got stuck....I was able to drive my mazda past her truck and then tow her to the top of my drive in 8 inches of snow on top of ice....
alot for the $$$
blitz, 04/17/2002
1996 Mazda B-Series Pickup B4000 LE 2dr Extended Cab SB (4.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck used about 2 yrs ago to tow my 17ft boat (2500 lbs). I had my doubts as to if it would have the power I needed. This truck has proven it's worth. Not only does it tow good but it actually drives better with the load. The truck is very tight and agressive to drive and the jump seats in the back are great for the kids. Knock on wood I have had no probs with it. The jump seats are definantly for kids only but they are fine for my 10 and 6 yr olds to make a trip to the lake. I do get a howling noise that nobody seems to be able to find. I'm not too concerned because I think it's a exhaust prob not drive train.
Nice Truck
Sushi, 02/06/2003
1997 Mazda B-Series Pickup B4000 SE 2dr Extended Cab SB (4.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
Truck is good. It has tons of low end grunt, but the top end suffers unless you go aftermarket parts. There have been a lot more appearing lately. You can go to rangerpowersports.com if you want more power and info about features. I do think the interior plastic is cheap though, but everything else is durable and utilitarian. It is the best handling truck I have ever driven.
Good truck
mazda b2300, 01/16/2010
1996 Mazda B-Series Pickup B2300 2dr Regular Cab LB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
still drives like I just purchased it. Gets up t[o 29 mpg. Love my truck Rides like new also. New let me down starts every time. Always there. Rides like new.
b 2300 ,good little truck
nate, 03/04/2005
1997 Mazda B-Series Pickup B2300 SE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
This truck has been great so far. I love the gas mileage and nice looks. The inside is much roomier than would be expected. The truck lacks a little power, but that's to be expected. If you're looking for power you shouldn't have gone with a four cylinder in the first place.
More Reliable & cheaper to Operate
mittasch, 03/02/2002
1995 Mazda B-Series Pickup B4000 LE 2dr Extended Cab SB (4.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I currently have 159,000 miles drives like it did the first day I had it. Gas Mileage about 18 flat. Only flaws false reading on oil and temp, sometimes wipers come on. Built solid. Have had no problems mechanically
Mazda B4000 1995 4.0L
robert, 03/18/2007
1995 Mazda B-Series Pickup B4000 SE 2dr Extended Cab SB (4.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Very reliable, gas mileage 18-19 mpg, Had some electrical issues in interior.
Great little pickup
Ron E Dee, 01/27/2021
updated 01/28/2022
1995 Mazda B-Series Pickup B2300 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck from the first owners son. He had drove it while in the military that brought him through 3 states around the country. It had 114k on the clock, and I've put another 60k since. The only trouble the previous owner had was a worn clutch, and the usual maintenance. Same here, w/ a timing belt at 160k. I can't complain much, except about the usual complaints for this model year for the B series Mazda and Ford Rangers. Mysterious electrical problems, that can drive you a little crazy! And underpowered 2.3l engine. But the pluses outnumber the annoyances. If you get her right? Buy it. You won't regret owning this baby.
- Safety
- Technology
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- Reliability
- Value
Mazda B4000 LE Super Cab
Jeff Ross, 04/12/2002
1996 Mazda B-Series Pickup B4000 LE 2dr Extended Cab SB (4.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Incredible capacity for such a samll truck. I carry 1500 lbs in the bed and it will still do 107 MPH. Good Handling. Great gas mileage of about 21 MPG. Very agile sterring, comfortable seating.I enjoy it more than my $45000 Ford Excursion that I traded in for it.
B4000 LE
gg, 10/21/2002
1996 Mazda B-Series Pickup B4000 LE 2dr Extended Cab SB (4.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck with 17,000 miles on it, and it now has 96,000. Other than normal maintenance, I haven't had to make ANY repairs to this truck. Very well built and very reliable. This is my 2nd Mazda B-Series truck - first one was a B2300, this one a B4000. Very impressed by both. My only 2 complaints- I would like to see better gas mileage (4.0L V6), and recently there is a slight transmission slip between 2nd and 3rd gear on the auto transmission.
Everything You Could Ask
Paladino, 02/11/2004
1996 Mazda B-Series Pickup B4000 LE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Though I have only owned my B4000 for a few months, I love it! I did my research based upon these types of reviews and then went shopping to find a used truck. It took a while but when I found my B4000 LE I jumped on it. It performs just as others have claimed. Basically, works as advertised and then surprises you with a little more.
Great little pickup
Joey, 09/02/2005
1996 Mazda B-Series Pickup B2300 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Although occasionally coming across mechanical problems, it was nothing that ever couldn't be fixed with spending a minimal amount of money. Great drive.
Good Second Vehicle
Dog Driver, 12/03/2003
1997 Mazda B-Series Pickup B2300 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck as a commute vehicle and with a camper shell on it to carry my dogs around with me. It is a great vehicle for the money and I still think a good value after 2 1/2 years of ownership. The cab is well designed and can carry three adults in a pinch.
matt's review of RedB2300
McAve, 10/09/2004
1997 Mazda B-Series Pickup B2300 SE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Overall a good vehichle. Excellent on gas appealing from the outside(when its clean). Unusually slow which is dissappointing but like i said overall good performance.
That 4 cylinder with 8 plugs
Paul Reeves, 07/10/2016
updated 01/12/2018
1997 Mazda B-Series Pickup B2300 SE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
If you are going to purchase a B2300 or Ranger with the 4 cylinder, don't. Get the V6 instead. Same gas mileage, but the V6 is half the headache. Problems are: The 8 plugs. 5 are easy 3 are extremely difficult to say the least. The head runs hot and burns valves. NO power, takes a mile to get to 75 mph, with AC on 1&1/2 miles to get to 75 mph. Can not carry much load. It is not a good construction truck with the 4 banger. If you need a rebuilt head they are hard to find because they all have been burned up and can not be rebuilt. Update: With 240,000 miles, 1 engine rebuild, 4 rebuilt cylinder heads, Replaced Radio/CD player, new carpet, needs painting, Replaced heater core, and the A-C is not working. I still feel the same about Ford's 2.3 ltr. 4 cylinder(with 8 plugs) is crap. No acceleration, burns the valve seats, over heats, and you have to pull out the whole dash to repair/replace the heater core. New Update: Head gasket blew again. Took head off and there are 8 cracks that I can see. Another rebuilt head if I can find one.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Takes a licking and keeps on ticking
WD Brooks , 12/30/2021
1995 Mazda B-Series Pickup B4000 LE 2dr Extended Cab SB (4.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
It has a few quirks but this little truck has never left me stranded. It's got between 250 - 300k miles on it.(odometer quit at 177k ). It's been in a few minor front end bangs but drives and runs fantastic. Love it!!! Looking for another one. This little truck has been the BEST vehicle I have ever owned. Bought a brand spanking new S-10 in 1993 and it couldn't even make it to 100k before it started falling apart. Ranger drivers for life.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
a surpprisingly well built truck
shake_shak, 09/28/2002
1996 Mazda B-Series Pickup B2300 SE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had my truck 5 years now and it still runs and drives like new.The 2.3liter engine has adequite power and awesome gas mileage.Other than preventive and regular maintnence,I have had few problems.I would recomend this truck to anyone.
One great truck
Wildfire, 06/07/2003
1996 Mazda B-Series Pickup B2300 SE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This truck has been through a lot with me. So much in fact I can't bear the thought of giving her up. She has been a tough little machine with minimal maintnence concerns.
An efficient, good quality compact truck
Blk/Mazda Truck Guy, 01/09/2003
1997 Mazda B-Series Pickup B4000 SE 2dr Extended Cab SB (4.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my second Mazda extended cab truck. It does exactly what it was designed to do. It's very low- maintenance...the build quality is excellent for the money. Routine, periodic maintenance is all it requires. For these reasons alone, I would consider buying another one.
The B2300 wishes it could be a truck
I_cat, 01/04/2003
1995 Mazda B-Series Pickup B2300 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought this vehicle with only 10 miles on it and I am approaching 98000 so I know the full history of this truck. First of all, I have had numerous electrical problems (i.e. wipers come on whenever, brake light stays on, engine light stays on) due to the heater overheating the wiring. The power of this make/model is also less that desirable. It drives fine as long as you are on flat roads or going down hill. Up hill is a different story. I would not recommend this automobile to anyone.
Super truck
Diddley Squat, 10/11/2007
1997 Mazda B-Series Pickup B2300 SE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.3L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought mine new in 1997, 11 miles on the odometer including the 4 that were from my test drive. The truck has never needed a major repair. Brakes, routine maintenance, all of those things. But no mechanical problems, engine problems, transmission trouble even with 102,000 miles on it. The one repair it did have after moving from the east coast to Colorado was to replace a line to the fuel tank that was leaking. Other than that (and replacement twice of cracked windshields), the car has demanded only the factory-recommended maintenance. After eight years or so, however, the paint job started coming apart. My truck is black. The paint is speckled and chipped for no reason except age.