2000 Mazda B-Series: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.

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.