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2000 Mazda B-Series Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2000 Mazda B-Series Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2000 Mazda B-Series Review
Trim and equipment revisions account for the changes to Mazda's compact pickup for 2000. The B-Series is built by Ford and borrows its mechanical design from the Ford Ranger but has its own front-end styling.
B2500 models have a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, B3000s a 3.0-liter V6, B4000s a 4.0-liter V6. Manual transmission is standard. Automatic transmission is newly standard on B4000 2-wheel-drive models and continues as optional on other B-Series trucks. B2500s and B3000s get a 4-speed automatic, the B4000s use a 5-speed automatic. B3000s and B4000s are available with 4WD that's not for use on dry pavement. All B-Series models have rear antilock brakes; 4-wheel ABS is optional on 4WD B4000s.
B2500s and B3000s come as regular cabs and as Cab Plus extended-cabs, both with two doors. Available in B3000 trim and mandatory with B4000s is the Cab Plus 4, an extended-cab with two rear-hinged rear doors that work in conjunction with the front doors. Cab Plus and Cab Plus 4 have two folding rear jump seats.
SX, SE, and TL trim levels are offered. TL is named for Troy Lee, a designer of extreme-sports equipment, and includes bodyside graphics, fender flares, fog lights, and unique alloy wheels. A trailer hitch is now standard instead of optional on 4WD B4000s, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and fog lamps are standard on all 4x4s. The B-Series' performance and accommodations mirror those of similarly equipped Rangers.
B2500 models have a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, B3000s a 3.0-liter V6, B4000s a 4.0-liter V6. Manual transmission is standard. Automatic transmission is newly standard on B4000 2-wheel-drive models and continues as optional on other B-Series trucks. B2500s and B3000s get a 4-speed automatic, the B4000s use a 5-speed automatic. B3000s and B4000s are available with 4WD that's not for use on dry pavement. All B-Series models have rear antilock brakes; 4-wheel ABS is optional on 4WD B4000s.
B2500s and B3000s come as regular cabs and as Cab Plus extended-cabs, both with two doors. Available in B3000 trim and mandatory with B4000s is the Cab Plus 4, an extended-cab with two rear-hinged rear doors that work in conjunction with the front doors. Cab Plus and Cab Plus 4 have two folding rear jump seats.
SX, SE, and TL trim levels are offered. TL is named for Troy Lee, a designer of extreme-sports equipment, and includes bodyside graphics, fender flares, fog lights, and unique alloy wheels. A trailer hitch is now standard instead of optional on 4WD B4000s, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and fog lamps are standard on all 4x4s. The B-Series' performance and accommodations mirror those of similarly equipped Rangers.
Competition
Among compact pickups two vehicles really stand out. The Dodge Dakota and the Ford Ranger (and clone Mazda B-Series). Dakota is the only one to offer a V8 engine and near-full-size cargo and towing capacity. Ranger is the most refined and probably the best daily use vehicle. Among the Recommended choices we really like the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma for their drivability and comfort. General Motors' compacts (the Chevy S-10 and GMC Sonoma) are getting a bit long in the tooth. But they still offer class-leading ride quality and a strong V6 engine.
News
Full details weren't available for this report, but Mazda's pickup is in for a 2001 update similar to that of parent Ford Ranger. This involves new sheetmetal ahead of the doors, plus standard 4-wheel antilock brakes for all models. Like Ranger, the B-Series should receive a stem-to-stern redesign for 2002, at which point a crew-type cab with four full-size front-hinged doors will no doubt be added to the model mix.
2000 Mazda B-Series Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (B4000) | Engine noise |
| Build quality | Acceleration (B2500) |
| Rear-seat comfort | |
| Rear-seat entry/exit (extended cab) | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
We have ranged from the low 20s with the 4-cylinder to the low teens with a 4.0-liter/automatic combination.
| 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
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.
| 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
By compact-truck standards, the B-Series enjoys responsive steering and precise handling.
| 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
Engine roar is quite high, but wind and road noise are low (for a pickup) at highway speeds
| 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
Visibility and driver comfort are at least competitive, and the dashboard has an attractive, well-organized design.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
| Low Score | 27 | |
| Average Score | 36 | |
| High Score | 48 |
2000 Mazda B-Series Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/06/2000
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| B2500 SX 2WD regular cab | $11,795 | $11,043 | $560 |
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| B3000 SX 2WD regular cab | $12,090 | $11,318 | $560 |
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| B3000 SE 4WD regular cab | $17,925 | $16,205 | $560 |
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| B2500 SE 2WD regular cab | $14,105 | $12,760 | $560 |
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| B3000 SE 2WD regular cab | $14,400 | $13,026 | $560 |
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| B2500 SE 2WD Cab Plus extended cab | $16,295 | $14,739 | $560 |
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| B3000 SE 2WD Cab Plus extended cab | $16,665 | $15,072 | $560 |
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| B3000 SE 2WD Cab Plus 4 extended cab | $17,405 | $15,740 | $560 |
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| B3000 SE 4WD Cab Plus 4 extended cab | $20,410 | $18,450 | $560 |
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| B3000 TL 2WD Cab Plus 4 extended cab | $18,810 | $17,007 | $560 |
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| B4000 SE 2WD Cab Plus 4 extended cab | $20,830 | $18,829 | $560 |
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| B4000 SE 4WD Cab Plus 4 extended cab | $22,740 | $20,551 | $560 |
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| B4000 TL 4WD Cab Plus 4 extended cab | $23,840 | $21,543 | $560 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
B2500 SX/B3000 SX
Powertrain
2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (B2500), 3.0-liter V6 engine (B3000), 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Rear antilock brakes, dual front airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power steering, floor consolette, cupholders, vinyl split bench seat, AM/FM radio, digital clock, variable intermittent wipers, black vinyl floor covering.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system (B3000), dual outside mirrors, argent front bumper and rear step bumper.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4-wire trailer harness, 225/70R15 tires.
B2500 SE/B3000 SE adds to B2500 SX/B3000 SX:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, rear-hinged rear doors (Cab Plus 4), cloth upholstery, rear jump seat (Cab Plus/Cab Plus 4), AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, map light, carpeting, cargo box light, passenger-side visor mirror, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass (Cab Plus 4), chrome bumpers.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Alloy wheels, 4WD models add: part-time 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, leather-wrapped steering wheel, fog lights, fender flares, skid plates, tow hooks, 235/75R15 tires.
B3000 TL 2WD adds to B2500 SE/B3000 SE:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, Troy Lee bodyside graphics, fender flares, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Raised suspension, 245/75R16 white letter tires, special alloy wheels.
B4000 SE adds to B2500 SE/B3000 SE:
Powertrain
4.0-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tilt steering wheel, cruise control, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sliding rear window, bedliner.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4WD models add: part-time 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 5-speed manual transmission, leather-wrapped steering wheel, fog lights, fender flares, skid plates, front tow hooks, trailer hitch, 265/75R15 all-terrain white-letter tires.
B4000 TL 4WD adds to B4000 SE 4WD:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Troy Lee bodyside graphics.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
245/75R16 all-terrain white-letter tires, special alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Convenience Pkg.
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B2500 SE, B3000 SE/TL
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$700
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$574
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Tilt steering wheel, cruise control, swing out rear quarter windows (Cab Plus), sliding rear window, bedliner.
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Power Pkg.
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B2500 SE, B3000 SE/TL
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$535
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$439
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Power mirrors, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry. Requires Convenience Pkg.
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Traction Pkg.
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B4000 4WD
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$600
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$492
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Front and rear antilock brakes, limited-slip differential.
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Powertrain |
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4-speed automatic transmission
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B2500, B3000
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$1,095
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$898
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SX requires air conditioning.
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5-speed automatic transmission
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B4000 4WD
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$1,145
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$939
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Air conditioning
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B2500 SX
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$805
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$660
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Sport bucket seats
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B4000 SE
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$360
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$115
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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Trailer hitch
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B4000 2WD
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$140
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$115
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2000 Mazda B-Series Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mazda B-Series reg. cab | Mazda B-Series ext. cab |
| Wheelbase, in. | 111.6 | 125.7 |
| Overall Length, in. | 187.5 | 202.9 |
| Overall Width, in. | 69.4 | 69.4 |
| Overall Height, in. | 64.9 | 64.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3025 | 3210 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | -- | -- |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | 1260 | 1620 |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.5 | 19.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 3 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.2 | 39.2 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.4 | 42.2 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- | 35.6 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- | 40.3 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc I4 | ohv V6 | ohv V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.5 /152 | 3.0 /182 | 4.0 /245 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 119 @ 5000 | 143 @ 4750 | 160 @ 4200 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 146 @ 3000 | 180 @ 3750 | 220 @ 3000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 22/27 | 18/23 | 17/22 |
| 4-speed automatic | 20/25 | 17/22 | --/-- |
| 5-speed automatic | --/-- | --/-- | 16/21 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Mazda B-Series reg. cab | Mazda B-Series ext. cab |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 | 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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2000 Mazda B-Series Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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