2001 Mazda B-Series Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2001 Mazda B-Series includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Mazda B-Series from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Mazda B-Series, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Mazda B-Series help you decide if a 2001 Mazda B-Series is right for you.

2001 Mazda B-Series Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (B4000)	Ride

Build quality	Rear-seat comfort

	Rear-seat entry/exit (extended cab)

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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

New V6 feels noticeably stronger than old 4.0, has fine power from all speeds, meshes nicely with 5-speed automatic. We've had no opportunity to test the new 2.3 4-cyl. but expect slight improvement over previous four, which felt underpowered when heavily loaded or going uphill.

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	4.5

Test 4x4 SuperCab with prior 4.0 and automatic averaged 15.9 mpg. Have had no opportunity to measure with new 4.0 V6 or 2.3 4-cyl. Ford estimates 4.0 with automatic at 17 mpg city/22 highway, new 2.3 with manual transmission at 24/28.

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	3.4

Decent for trucks, regardless of engine or brand name. They jiggle some on rough roads, but absorb big bumps well.

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

Stable in corners with moderate body lean, nicely weighted steering, and good directional stability.

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	3.3

Not quite car-quiet as Dodge Dakota is, but has better isolation from engine, wind, and road noise than most compact trucks. New OHC V6 is smooth, quieter than gruff previous 4.0.

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

Ranger and B-Series have a convenient dashboard, solid overall assembly, and good-quality interior materials.

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	3.9

Good head and leg room, but three adults are a tight squeeze, and entry/exit borders on awkward in high-riding 4x4s and 2WD DS models.

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	1.3

Extended-cab Rangers and B-Series' rear half doors are a plus. With or without rear doors, rear-seat area best used for toddlers or cargo. Regular-cab has slightly more seat travel, seatback recline than rivals.

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	2.5

Better-than-average behind-seat regular-cab space. Extended cabs carry lots of stuff. Dual rear doors are nice, but don't open independently of the fronts, making loading difficult in confined spaces.

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
8	10	10	6.2

Dodge's larger Dakota offers V8s, full-time 4WD, but these Ford-built trucks have plenty of assets. Changes for '01 add appeal. Ranger is justifiably a best-seller, B-Series is not.

Total Score