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Used 1998 Mazda B-Series Pickup Consumer Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
30 reviews

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Pros
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4.5 out of 5 stars

Best PU I ever owned

aczjr, 05/16/2008
1998 Mazda B-Series Pickup B4000 SE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
15 of 16 people found this review helpful

I have owned and driven this truck hard for 8 years. It has been a reliable, hard working tool and transportation for me. I can't remember how I got along before I bought this truck. I gave it regular oil changes (every 3000)and maintenance and it never had a major breakdown. Recently it did need an intake manifold seal, but that's about it. Not bad for 192K miles. And it has great styling. Real sharp looking. Not bad on gas for a PU and a useful space behind the front seats, but almost useless for passangers over 10 years old. Great truck, great value.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Madza built by Ford

Haggis, 07/15/2004
1998 Mazda B-Series Pickup B3000 SE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

I have previously owned Toyotas and Mazdas made in Japan and their quality is far superior to this Mazda B3000 made by Ford. I have had consistent problems with the dome light staying on, the fuel pump failed at 32,000 mi and the front and rear breaks had to be rebuilt before 40,000 mi. The gas mileage leaves much to be desired. This cannot compare to my Toyota 4Runner that lasted for 12 years and better than 250,000 miles with very little maintenance.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

dreamy, dependable truck

The Pro, 04/10/2009
1998 Mazda B-Series Pickup B2500 SE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I have had this truk a very long time, I own three vehicles and this is the one auto that is still moving with finesse!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

My 1998 Mazda B4000

Becky Rogers, 05/22/2006
1998 Mazda B-Series Pickup B4000 SE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

My husband bought this truck for me for my birthday in August of 1998. We have driven it for over 125,000 miles with very few problems - a broken heater and cruise control are the only things that we have had go wrong. We once took it Christmas tree hunting - all the other vehicles got stuck in the snow, but not my little Mazda! I love this truck and hate to part with it, but I need more room. :(

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3.25 out of 5 stars

bad brakes

dr.dimento, 08/31/2004
1998 Mazda B-Series Pickup B3000 SE 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I cant keep brakes in this truck.Three sets of rotors,and the passenger rear drum keeps disintegrating.Close to a fire the last time.There is driveline snatch,a delayed cluncking in the drivetrain,that is scary to people that borrow it.It allways starts,it is great on the highway,allmost unstoppable,in snow,useless in ice or sand.No mechanic,private or dealer, has been able to diagnose the drive train problem One even said the brake problem and rear axle "play" were related.I have a brutal commute,all gas and brakes 11 miles each way through downtown Boston.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

1999 Mazda B2500SX

Heathjg, 05/20/2003
1998 Mazda B-Series Pickup B2500 SX 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Experience with this truck has been exceptional. The little 4 cylinder engine provides adequate power for road driving, light hauling, and towing a 16' Bass Boat etc. Seats and suspension provide comfortable ride for extended trips. Minor electrical problem with inside dome light staying on for extended time when turned off. Other than that, an elxcellent truck.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Old Faithful

Patersg, 09/14/2009
1998 Mazda B-Series Pickup B3000 SX 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful

Had the 3.0L V6 regular cab for several years now, 225000k, still going strong. This is a real basic, no frills vehicle, nothing spectacular in performance. However, has never NOT started, has only let me down once when alternator finally went at 210000 mark...no biggie. Sure, I've had lots of little repairs, but all were done quickly. This truck has done lots of harsh-duty driving, so repairs are no surprise. She's showing no signs of trouble, will last forever. Recommended if you need something basic and steady, not hard on gas.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

12 years and still ticking!

Lucy, 07/28/2010
1998 Mazda B-Series Pickup B4000 SE 2dr Extended Cab SB (4.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
8 of 12 people found this review helpful

We bought this PU new. It has been one of the most reliable vehicles we've ever owned. We have used it and abused it for 12+ years, it's still running and still looks great, with only routine maintenance. Just recently began having air conditioner issues and oil and transmission leaks. I'll have it repaired and keep driving it! The odometer stopped working four years ago, at that time it read 180k, so I'm sure we're well over the 200k mark. This little truck was so worth the money we spent on it!

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3.75 out of 5 stars

I asked for a Mazda and I got a Ford

DBRYANT, 01/17/2003
1998 Mazda B-Series Pickup B3000 SE 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

This truck after 90000 miles would rate about an average from me.After about 50000 miles I had to get my steering rack replaced,Which was covered by my extended warranty.The dome light switches in the doors would not turn off,which I went back twice for repair. And off and on I did have slight problems with my clutch. Until now which the entire assembly needs replacement(not covered by my warranty).So I can tell you that this truck is not the same quality of the same MFG. that I had bought in 1992.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Solid truck

Jim Springer, 07/26/2005
1998 Mazda B-Series Pickup B4000 SE 2dr Extended Cab SB (4.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Great small truck. AC replaced under warranty the only problem in 113,000 miles. Brakes last 50K, factory shocks replaced at 60K. Cups tires on front but current Michelin's have 60K and should last another 15K. Brakes are weak, probably a result of the 31x10 tires. Still gets 16mpg in city and 20 on highway, same as when new. I have been very satisfied with this vehicle.

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3.25 out of 5 stars

Not Bad

Genob, 03/15/2003
1998 Mazda B-Series Pickup B3000 SE 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I bought this truck new in 98.Its the extended can V-6. I found out very early that i had to put premium grade fuel in this truck, or it would knock and ping terribly. Thats a bit of a bummer, because i bought a smaller truck to save $ on gas. I need to have the fuel intake changed out $700.00, and not covered in warranty. Overall i cant be too disappointed in this truck. The accelaration needs to be improved. A 4 cyl. Toyota or Nissan blows my doors off.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Amazing

swcejk2002, 09/03/2005
1998 Mazda B-Series Pickup B2500 SE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Amazing small truck. I put A LOT of miles on this baby. Drove it up from the deep South to New England, then drove it all over New England. I pulled a trailer many a times (the thing thinks it's a 6 cylinder). I NEVER had a problem with it. It seemed to be ALIVE and always wanted to run. Until recently, but after 160,000 one would expect the steering rack and clutch to go. But the engine is spotless and runs GREAT!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

B4000-2WD-Ext Cab

nxner, 10/10/2006
1998 Mazda B-Series Pickup B4000 SE 2dr Extended Cab SB (4.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Bought this truck new. Serviced every 3000 miles. Three kids used it as first car. No major problems...brakes, ac compressor, 1 seat release handle, oxygen sensor (@102k miles!) only items replaced, plus normal maintenance. Pulls a large pop-up pretty well; a small one like it isn't there (4.0L / V- 6). My third Mazda truck... figure it's good for at least another 25,000 miles at least. This one is actually a Ford Ranger but $3,000 lower cost and better warranty.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great Truck

Great Truck, 05/05/2008
1998 Mazda B-Series Pickup B4000 SE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I have had my 98 mazda B4000 4x4 for about two years now and it has never let me down. The truck has just turned 140000 and have only needed to replace brakes. I off road all the time and the truck has only got stuck once. It is all stock other than a set of 31/10.5/15 mud tires. This truck handles great off road and the 4.0 has more than enough power to climb hills and get me through thick mud. Very happy with the truck's performance and would definitely recommend this truck to anyone.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Great value, okay truck

beanpole, 11/17/2007
1998 Mazda B-Series Pickup B3000 SE 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Though an excellent value used (high depreciation), there are better choices available. Truck was bought used with 60k mi, has 129k today. It is a good looking truck, with good utility for a compact. However, despite some improvements for the '98 model, the chassis/underpinnings date back to the '83 Ford Ranger. This is a very crude truck. It rides smooth only on fresh asphault. Otherwise, the truck shudders, flexes, jiggles and jolts on even the smallest bumps. The clutch grabs very late, but since the 3.0 150 hp V6 is weak, I wouldn't want the automatic. Handling is okay, but the steering and brakes are numb/totally lifeless. High dash makes this truck unfriendly for shorter folks.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

I love to drive it

R. Turner, 04/10/2005
1998 Mazda B-Series Pickup B4000 SE 2dr Extended Cab SB (4.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Mazda made a very nice pickup. It's a truck that I would buy again. I've only had it for 4 months, but I love driving it.

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2.88 out of 5 stars

Electrical Storm

jllo, 03/18/2006
1998 Mazda B-Series Pickup B3000 SE 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

First pickup I've owned which I refer to as my toy truck. Fuel pump had to be replaced then techs twisted neck behind cap; unable to pump any gas in. It was 2 years before techs were able to diagnose electrical problem. Installed 2 new different batteries as truck would be dead if it sat for 2 days. Replacement of running light relay switch, ABS module plus the door switch. Still have electrical ghosts that haunt the truck. Sluggish for a 6 cylinder drives more like a 4 cylinder.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Tough little truck

friendofbillw, 03/26/2002
1998 Mazda B-Series Pickup B4000 SE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful

Very satisfied with this tuff little truck. Bought a slightly used, stripped down 4X4 B4000 44,000 miles ago. (A/T but no power locks/windows or cruise control). Love being up high with the big offroad tires, and not worrying about such things as curbs and snowdrifts. The 4-wheel drive works great. The ride is firm but the big tires absorb most road defects. The engine is quiet, unless really pushed, and the transmission shifts are even seamless at times. Acceleration is a bit sluggish, but I could probably pull a house on wheels with all this torque. The Mazda's are also more attractive then the Fords from the front end styling to the slightly flared rear side panels.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

B4000 clutch problems

george s. bosworth, 07/26/2002
1998 Mazda B-Series Pickup B4000 SE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Overall vehicle I would rate as good. I have had alot of clutch problems. Warrantee covered changes at 12,500 and 32,000 miles but refused to extend and cover at 48,000 miles. Am I the only one that has had clutch problems with the '98 B4000 ? I do know the sister vehicle, the Ford Ranger did have some clutch problems.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Solid Small Truck

tnb, 08/13/2002
1998 Mazda B-Series Pickup B4000 SE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Its just a solid small truck.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

No problems after 53k

Ynotraft, 01/27/2003
1998 Mazda B-Series Pickup B4000 SE 2dr Extended Cab SB (4.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

After year of buying Japanese cars I was leary of an American-made truck. But Mazda/Ford offered the 4 door option, and I really wanted the extra doors. I have very pleasently surprised with the quality and ease of use, and lack of problems with this truck after 53,000 miles!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Mazda

Congreves, 04/24/2003
1998 Mazda B-Series Pickup B4000 SE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This truck has been extremely reliable. It is very clean and has low mileage. It looks like new with barely a mark on it. Only 65,000 miles. Has all the bells and whistles!

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5 out of 5 stars

My first pickup.

jose Linares, 01/25/2017
1998 Mazda B-Series Pickup B2500 SE 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Excellent unit overall.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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1 out of 5 stars

I wouldnt waist my time on this

ruby, 10/22/2015
1998 Mazda B-Series Pickup B2500 SE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 15 people found this review helpful

Its a part it out kinda thing

Safety
1 out of 5 stars
Technology
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
1 out of 5 stars
Interior
1 out of 5 stars
Comfort
1 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Have owned for 16 YEARS, 194k miles 5 ⭐️ ‘s

Michael inWESTERN NY, 11/09/2017
1998 Mazda B-Series Pickup B2500 SE 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this truck in May of 2001 with 25K on it in the state of Arizona. I drove it for few years out west. June of 2003 I drove back to my hone state of NY. The winter months have taken a toll on rear wheel wells but over all truck is in great shape. I have replace normal parts over the years. At about 167k I had to replace timing chain that broke going down the road. Everyone and there brother told me I shouldn’t attempt to fix. I found a friend to do the job after many mechanics refused too. And once it was put back together it ran as it did the day I bought it. Its currently still on the original clutch. Many years ago I bought life time warranty parts on shocks, starter, alternator used shocks 4 times, starter once, alternator once. Have to say I’ve gotten my money out of this truck 10 fold.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Mazda B-Series Pickup (generic Ford Ranger)

Silly Putty, 09/24/2020
1998 Mazda B-Series Pickup B3000 SE 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have been driving the 1998 Mazda B3000 SE 2DR Ext Cab 4x4 since 2008 when I purchased the truck used at auction for a good price because the 4 Wheel Drive did not work. I have put over 100,000 miles on the vehicle and still haven't repaired the 4 wheel drive. The truck now (as of September, 2020) has ~225,000 miles on it. Fortunately, I somewhat of a DIYer and could do minor repairs myself. But all I've had to do with this truck over the past 12 years is routine maintenance, changed the oil, flushed the cooling system, replaced belts, filters and hoses, brakes, as well as, replacing a few of the standard parts that you would expect to replace on a vehicle approaching a quarter of a million miles, such as the alternator, starter, water pump, thermostat, idler pulley. The power of the 3.0 v6 is somewhat lacking (that's why I never even bothered to fix the 4 wheel drive) and I'm sure there is much more power with the 4.0 v6 which Ford begin using in the Mazda trucks the next year. The point is this has been one of the most reliable vehicles I've ever owned. Pros: -Reliable when maintained properly -Nice looking truck body style for a 22 year old truck -Able to achieve high mileage free of any major mechanical problems -Suspension has held up and still rides relatively smooth for the age of the truck -Easy to work on -If major mechanical problems do happen, engine parts are easy to find -I know people who have the same or a very close year model with well over 300,000 miles Cons: -3.0 v6 lacks horsepower -4 wheel drive is notorious for breaking due to the poor vacuum hub engagement design -Supporting information such as service and repair manuals are difficult to locate because Mazda refers you to Ford for information and Ford doesn't provide the same support as with their name brand vehicles -Although most mechanical engine parts are easy to find for repairs, interior and some specialized parts are beginning to be harder to locate due to the vehicle being 22 years old and parts being discontinued by OEM

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5 out of 5 stars

Mazda B-4000

Danny, 11/25/2021
1998 Mazda B-Series Pickup B4000 SE 2dr Extended Cab SB (4.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

It's now almost twenty three years since I bought my B-4000 and I thoroughly enjoy it. I'm having a problem now that I want to tow as the ratings are not as good as the newer midsize trucks. The truck has been amazing with taking me where I wanted to go. It's rear wheel drive with the towing package, 5 speed manual tranny. I have had many good memories of times on the back trails in southern Utah and any other place I wanted to get in deep back country. Don't know where I'm headed to now with the towing problem but I can tell you I do not want to sell my B-4000. When I first owned their was trouble with the slave cylinder squeaking and was fixed under warranty and have had no problems with that. good thing as the slave cylinder is inside the bell housing. I've had problems over the years, but that is to be expected. 143,000 miles and just put new tires on it. Thanks for reading

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5 out of 5 stars

Mazda 1998B 3000 regular cab 4 x 4

Jay , 04/24/2022
1998 Mazda B-Series Pickup B3000 SE 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Just purchased a very very solid 1998 Mazda B 3000 4 x 4 no rust anywhere!!! I paid $4500 for this truck because it was in such good shape with 114,000 miles I had to put $2200 into a brake lines oil pan, tuneup, it’s the labor that gets you. Other than that very stylish very clean, green with clear cap. After all the money I put into it I was told that’s all it needed. That was an understatement, did not expect all this work but as the vehicle is 24 years old I can expect and understand why it needed all this work, no regrets!!

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Purchased a 1998 Mazda B 3002 door regular cab thr

Jay Kaminsky , 07/25/2022
1998 Mazda B-Series Pickup B3000 SX 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased a 1998 Mazda B 3000 regular cab two-door four-wheel-drive with 114,000 miles had to put $2800 into it, new oil pan brake lines quite a bit of work air-conditioning still worked perfectly after so many years this truck handles and drives perfectly.

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5 out of 5 stars

Safe from speeding tickets

Munro, 07/13/2018
updated 07/14/2021
1998 Mazda B-Series Pickup B4000 SE 2dr Extended Cab SB (4.0L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

it’s a truck. A good, reliable truck. What more could you want!

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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