1994-1997 Mazda B-Series Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Mazda B-Series. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Mazda B-Series.

1994-1997 Mazda B-Series Review

Ford restyled its compact Ranger pickup truck for 1993. A year later, Mazda began to sell a variant of the Ranger as the B-Series. Matching the Ranger in basic dimensions, the B-Series had its own hood, grille, front fenders, rear quarter panels, and taillamps. B-Series trucks came in two cab styles and three wheelbases: regular-cab short bed, regular-cab long bed, and extended-cab. Three engines were available: a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder for the B2300 series, a 3.0-liter V6 for the B3000, and 4.0-liter V6 for the B4000. Rear antilock brakes and five-speed manual were standard; 4-speed automatic optional. All models could have either 2- or part-time 4-wheel drive.

Year to Year Changes

1995 Mazda B-Series: Both the B-Series and the Ranger gained a new dashboard for 1995, along with a driver-side airbag. Four-wheel antilock brakes became available (standard with 4-wheel drive and with the 4.0-liter engine).

1996 Mazda B-Series: An optional passenger airbag came for '96, complete with a disabling switch.

1997 Mazda B-Series: A 5-speed automatic transmission became available with the 4.0-liter engine. The 3.0-liter V6 was dropped, as was the regular-cab model with a 7-foot cargo bed. B-Series and companion Ranger would get restyled for '98 with an optional 4-door extended cab model.

1994-1997 Mazda B-Series Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (4.0-liter V6)	Acceleration (4-cylinder)

Antilock brakes	Fuel economy

Payload capacity	Passenger room (reg. cab)

Build quality

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

The 4.0-liter engine is indeed the best choice, though most buyers will be satisfied with 3.0-liter V6, especially when equipped with manual shift. Using only a little more fuel than the 3.0-liter engine, the 4.0-liter V6 delivers good low-speed punch, though it can get coarse and noisy. A 4-cylinder engine provides acceptable power with the 5-speed manual gearbox, but is sluggish when driving an automatic transmission. It's an unwise choice for towing or hauling heavy payloads. All models ride rather nicely, and road manners are good. You won't be assaulted by undue tire, engine, or wind noise, either. Off-road setups make for a stiff ride on 4x4s, but suspensions on other models absorb most big bumps without jarring the occupants. Interiors are well-designed, though the rear jump seats are usable only by small children. Ranger and B-Series were the only compact pickups to offer a passenger-side airbag, added for 1996 as an option.

Value for the Money
Choosing between a Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series is mainly a matter of styling details and price. Both the B-Series and its Ranger counterpart rank among the best in their class, but look also at the Chevrolet S10 or GMC Sonoma.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Mazda B4000	Rating

Performance	5

Fuel Economy	3

Ride Quality	3

Steering/Handling/Braking	3

Quietness	3

Controls/Materials	5

Interior Room	6

Room/Comfort (rear)	2

Cargo Capacity	2

Value within Class	8

Total:	40

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1994-1997 Mazda B-Series Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Check-engine light: Lack of heat and/or check-engine light may be traced to sand, or other debris stuck in the thermostat. (1994-97)

Engine misfire: Rough idle or stalling after a cold start when using reformulated gasoline is corrected with a revised engine control computer. (1994)

Engine stalling: Carbon builds up on the EGR valve seat causing stalling. (1994-96)

Hard starting: Due to a sticking idle-air control valve, the engine may not want to start or cranks for a long time then stalls. (1995-96)

Suspension noise: A chattering noise coming from the rear during tight turns and after highway driving is due to a lack of friction modifier or overshimming of the clutch packs in the limited-slip differential. (1994-96)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$330

Alternator	$290

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$660

Brakes	$270

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$440

Exhaust System	$265

Radiator	$190

Shocks and/or Struts	$200

Timing Chain or Belt	$400

Universal Joints	$630

NHTSA Recall History

1994 V6: Flexible hose in front fuel line is susceptible to cracking.

1994 in Southern California: Studs that attach master cylinder to power brake booster can develop stress cracking after extended period.

1994 w/manual shift: Parking brake might not hold.

1994-1997 Mazda B-Series Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1994
B2300	$1,200-1,900	$700-1,200	$100-200
B3000 2WD	$1,500-2,200	$1,000-1,400	$200-300
B3000 4WD	$1,800-2,500	$1,200-1,700	$300-400
B4000 2WD	$1,700-2,500	$1,100-1,700	$300-400
B4000 4WD	$2,400-3,200	$1,700-2,300	$500-600

1995
B2300 2WD	$1,500-2,500	$1,000-1,600	$200-300
B2300 4WD	$2,100-2,800	$1,500-2,000	$400-500
B3000 2WD	$1,800-2,500	$1,200-1,700	$300-400
B3000 4WD	$2,600-3,300	$1,900-2,400	$500-700
B4000 2WD	$2,300-3,000	$1,700-2,200	$400-600
B4000 4WD	$2,700-3,400	$2,000-2,600	$600-700

1996
B2300 2WD	$1,800-2,900	$1,200-2,000	$300-400
B2300 4WD	$2,600-3,300	$1,900-2,400	$500-700
B3000 2WD	$2,800-3,500	$2,100-2,600	$600-800
B3000 4WD	$3,500-4,200	$2,800-3,400	$900-1,100
B4000 2WD	$3,100-3,800	$2,400-3,000	$700-900
B4000 4WD	$3,500-4,600	$2,800-3,700	$900-1,200

1997
B2300 2WD	$2,000-3,300	$1,400-2,300	$300-600
B4000 2WD	$3,500-4,200	$2,800-3,400	$900-1,100
B4000 4WD	$3,900-5,000	$3,200-4,100	$1,200-1,600

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1994-1997 Mazda B-Series Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	ext. cab	reg. cab long bed	reg. cab short bed

Wheelbase, in.	125.2	113.9	107.9

Overall Length, in.	202.7	197.5	184.5

Overall Width, in.	69.4	69.4	69.4

Overall Height, in.	64.1	64.0	64.0

Curb Weight, lbs.	3197	2955	2927

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	--	--	--

Standard Payload, lbs.	1550	1650	1650

Fuel Capacity, gals.	20.5	17.0	17.0

Seating Capacity	5	3	3

Front Head Room, in.	39.4	39.1	39.1

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.4	42.4	42.4

Rear Head Room, in.	35.6	--	--

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	41.2	--	--

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Mazda B-Series and Ford Ranger compact pickups each came with a choice of three engines: 2.3-liter 4-cylinder, 3.0-liter V6 (until 1997), or 4.0-liter V6. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard; 4-speed automatic optional. A 5-speed automatic transmission became available for 1997.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohc I4	2.3 / 140	98-112	130-135	5-speed manual: 22/27 4-speed automatic: 20/25	5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: --

ohv V6	3.0 / 182	140-147	160-162	5-speed manual: 19/25 4-speed automatic: 18/24	5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: --

ohv V6	4.0 / 245	160	220-225	5-speed manual: 18/23 4-speed automatic: 17/23 5-speed automatic: 16/22	5-speed manual: 17.8 4-speed automatic: 16.5 5-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1997 B-Series

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: USA

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

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Also in the 1994-1997 Mazda B-Series Review:

Mazda B-Series

Mazda B-Series Road Test

Mazda B-Series Reliability

Mazda B-Series Prices

Mazda B-Series Specs & Safety

Mazda B-Series Photos

Mazda B-Series Full Review