2001 Mazda B-Series: Road Test
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2001 Mazda B-Series ▼
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- MSRP: $12,495 -$22,085
- Invoice: $11,824 -$20,186
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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.
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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 |
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
| B3000 SE 2WD reg. cab, auto. | B4000 DS Cab Plus 4 2WD, auto. | B4000 SE Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 46 | 43 | 38.3 |
Total Score: 41
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
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