1994-1997 Mazda B-Series: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1994-1997 Mazda B-Series and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Antilock brakes
- Acceleration (4.0-liter V6)
- Build quality
- Payload capacity
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Acceleration (4-cylinder)
- Passenger room (reg. cab)
Vehicle Highlights
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.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | 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 Score: | 40 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1994-1997 Mazda B-Series. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1994-1997 Mazda B-Series.
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.
Our road test for the 1994-1997 Mazda B-Series includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1994-1997 Mazda B-Series and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1994-1997 Mazda B-Series is right for you.
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.
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | 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 Score: | 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.
Our reliability study for this generation Mazda B-Series includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mazda B-Series .
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 |
Our price chart for this generation Mazda B-Series details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1997 | |||
| B2300 2WD | $2,000-3,000 | $1,400-2,100 | $300-500 |
| B4000 2WD | $3,300-4,000 | $2,600-3,200 | $800-1,000 |
| B4000 4WD | $3,600-4,300 | $2,900-3,400 | $1,000-1,200 |
| 1996 | |||
| B2300 2WD | $1,700-2,700 | $1,100-1,800 | $300-400 |
| B2300 4WD | $2,500-3,100 | $1,800-2,300 | $500-700 |
| B3000 2WD | $2,500-3,200 | $1,800-2,300 | $500-700 |
| B3000 4WD | $3,400-4,100 | $2,700-3,200 | $900-1,100 |
| B4000 2WD | $2,800-3,500 | $2,100-2,600 | $600-800 |
| B4000 4WD | $3,100-4,000 | $2,400-3,100 | $700-1,000 |
| 1995 | |||
| B2300 2WD | $1,400-2,400 | $900-1,500 | $200-300 |
| B2300 4WD | $2,000-2,700 | $1,400-1,900 | $300-500 |
| B3000 2WD | $1,700-2,400 | $1,100-1,600 | $300-400 |
| B3000 4WD | $2,500-3,200 | $1,800-2,300 | $500-700 |
| B4000 2WD | $2,200-2,800 | $1,600-2,000 | $400-500 |
| B4000 4WD | $2,600-3,400 | $1,900-2,500 | $500-700 |
| 1994 | |||
| B2300 | $1,100-1,800 | $700-1,100 | $100-200 |
| B3000 2WD | $1,400-2,100 | $900-1,300 | $200-300 |
| B3000 4WD | $1,700-2,400 | $1,100-1,600 | $300-400 |
| B4000 2WD | $1,600-2,300 | $1,100-1,500 | $200-300 |
| B4000 4WD | $2,300-3,000 | $1,700-2,200 | $400-600 |
|
|
|||
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.
Specs for this generation Mazda B-Series include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
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 | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
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. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mazda B-Series include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
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%. Sideimpact 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%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1994-1997 Mazda B-Series directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
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.
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