2000 Mazda B-Series: Road Test

Archived Review

2000 Mazda B-Series 

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  • MSRP: $11,795 -$23,840
  • Invoice: $11,043 -$21,543

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Our road test for the 2000 Mazda B-Series includes a full evaluation of the 2000 Mazda B-Series from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2000 Mazda B-Series, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2000 Mazda B-Series help you decide if a 2000 Mazda B-Series is right for you.

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ACCELERATION

B3000 SE 2WD reg. cab, auto. B4000 DS Cab Plus 4 2WD, auto. B4000 SE Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. Class Average
3 5 4 4

The 4.0-liter V-6 provides strong acceleration, though with loud fan noise at higher rpm. Unfortunately, the 5-speed automatic upshifts too early on occasion and is reluctant to kick down at other times. We wouldn't recommend the 4-cylinder engine except in a regular-cab 4x2 used only for very light-duty work.

FUEL ECONOMY

B3000 SE 2WD reg. cab, auto. B4000 DS Cab Plus 4 2WD, auto. B4000 SE Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. Class Average
5 5 5 4.6

We have ranged from the low 20s with the 4-cylinder to the low teens with a 4.0-liter/automatic combination.

RIDE QUALITY

B3000 SE 2WD reg. cab, auto. B4000 DS Cab Plus 4 2WD, auto. B4000 SE Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. Class Average
2 4 3 3.3

A decently smooth ride is disrupted by too much rear-wheel bounce, what you would expect from a compact pickup. However, B-Series is more refined over most road surfaces than it's competition.

STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING

B3000 SE 2WD reg. cab, auto. B4000 DS Cab Plus 4 2WD, auto. B4000 SE Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. Class Average
3 3 3 3.3

By compact-truck standards, the B-Series enjoys responsive steering and precise handling.

QUIETNESS

B3000 SE 2WD reg. cab, auto. B4000 DS Cab Plus 4 2WD, auto. B4000 SE Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. Class Average
3 4 3 3.4

Engine roar is quite high, but wind and road noise are low (for a pickup) at highway speeds

CONTROLS

B3000 SE 2WD reg. cab, auto. B4000 DS Cab Plus 4 2WD, auto. B4000 SE Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. Class Average
7 7 7 5.9

Visibility and driver comfort are at least competitive, and the dashboard has an attractive, well-organized design.

ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)

B3000 SE 2WD reg. cab, auto. B4000 DS Cab Plus 4 2WD, auto. B4000 SE Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. Class Average
3 4 4 3.8

The good news here is that the regular cab offers more leg room and rearward seat travel than rival standard cabs (Ranger's excepted, of course), though really tall occupants might want even more.

ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)

B3000 SE 2WD reg. cab, auto. B4000 DS Cab Plus 4 2WD, auto. B4000 SE Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. Class Average
0 1 1 .9

Cab Plus models are as roomy as any extended-cab compact pickup, maybe more than some. However, their tiny rear jump seats are best left to kids--or left folded up for in-cab storage. The new 4-door extended-cab provides excellent access to the rear compartment.

CARGO ROOM

B3000 SE 2WD reg. cab, auto. B4000 DS Cab Plus 4 2WD, auto. B4000 SE Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. Class Average
1 3 3 2.3

Interior storage is limited to a few covered and open bins and small map pockets. The rear jump seats on extended models for for additional cargo space.

VALUE WITHIN CLASS

B3000 SE 2WD reg. cab, auto. B4000 DS Cab Plus 4 2WD, auto. B4000 SE Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. Class Average
5 7 7 4.6

There's no compelling reason to buy a Mazda instead of a Ranger unless you prefer the B-Series look. But Mazda dealers are trying to win back business, and may thus offer better discounts than Ford stores.

Total Score

B3000 SE 2WD reg. cab, auto. B4000 DS Cab Plus 4 2WD, auto. B4000 SE Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. Class Average
32 43 40 36.1

Total Score: 38

Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks

Low Score
27
Average Score
36
High Score
48

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