2001 Mazda B-Series Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

The Ford-built B-Series shares its design with the Ford Ranger. B2300s have a 135-hp 2.3-liter 4-cyl engine that replaced a 119-hp 2.5-liter four during the model year. B3000s use a 3.0-liter V6, B4000s a 4.0 V6 allowing a 5900-lb towing capacity. All offer a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. Available is rear-wheel drive or 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. B2300s are rear drive only. ABS is standard on all models. Cab Plus extended-cab has no rear doors. Extended Cab Plus 4 has two rear-hinged rear doors that do not open independently of the front doors. Both extendeds have two folding rear jump seats. DS models have 2WD but use 4x4-style raised suspension, body-color trim, fender flares. B-Series' performance and accommodations mirror 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.

This year we are limiting our Recommended choices to the Toyota Tacoma. It's every bit as good as the Ranger in daily use, just a tad more expensive.

News

Like brother Ford Ranger, Mazda's compact pickup suffered a year-to-year sales decline in calendar 2000, falling a hefty 22.2 percent to around 30,100. Worse for Mazda, the Ranger and thus B-Series won't be redesigned until model year 2004--a long ways off in the car/truck business.

Mazda has lately been hard at work forging a new identity as a builder of cars and trucks with class-leading handling and performance. It's also busy crafting a new product plan to deliver on that promise--and a promise to parent Ford Motor Company to boost profits. How these moves will affect the B-Series is unclear now, but Ford has a tight rein on Mazda's resources, and the company seems more interested in focusing on sports cars and Euro-flavored passenger cars. With that, Mazda might just decide to give up on pickups, which means the 2003 B-Series could be the last.

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

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

Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks

Low Score		27
Average Score		38
High Score		51

2001 Mazda B-Series Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 06/20/2001

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

B2300 SX 2WD regular cab	$12,495	$11,824	$585

B2300 SE 2WD regular cab	$14,695	$13,443	$585

B3000 SE 2WD regular cab	$14,990	$13,712	$585

B3000 SE 4WD regular cab	$18,360	$16,786	$585

B3000 SE 2WD Cab Plus extended cab	$17,225	$15,754	$585

B3000 SE 4WD Cab Plus extended cab	$20,030	$18,312	$585

B3000 SE 2WD Cab Plus 4 extended cab	$18,485	$16,903	$585

B3000 DS 2WD regular cab	$15,125	$13,685	$585

B3000 DS 2WD Cab Plus extended cab	$17,545	$16,045	$585

B4000 DS 2WD Cab Plus 4 extended cab	$19,340	$17,681	$585

B4000 SE 4WD Cab Plus 4 extended cab	$22,085	$20,186	$585

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

B2300 SX

Powertrain

2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential.

Safety

Antilock brakes, dual front airbags.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Power steering, vinyl upholstery, split bench seat, floor consolette, cupholders, AM/FM radio, digital clock, tachometer, variable intermittent wipers, black vinyl floor covering.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, dual outside mirrors, painted front bumper and rear step bumper.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

4-wire trailer harness, full-size spare tire, 225/70R15 tires.

B2300 SE/B3000 SE adds to B2500 SX:

Powertrain

3.0-liter V6 engine (B3000).

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, rear-hinged rear doors (Cab Plus 4), cloth upholstery, rear jump seats (Cab Plus/Cab Plus 4), AM/FM/CD player, map light, cargo box light, passenger-side visor mirror, carpeting, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear privacy glass (Cab Plus/Cab Plus 4), chrome bumpers.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Alloy wheels, 4WD models add: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, fog lights, fender flares, front tow hooks, raised suspension, 245/75R16 all-terrain white-letter tires.

B3000 SE Cab Plus 4 adds to B2300 SE/B3000 SE

Comfort and Convenience Features

Tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Sliding rear window, bedliner.

B3000 DS adds to B2500 SE/B3000 SE:

Powertrain

3.0-liter V6 engine.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fender flares, color-keyed bumpers, fog lights.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Raised suspension, 235/75R15 all-terrain white-letter tires.

B4000 DS adds to B3000 DS:

Powertrain

4.0-liter V6 engine.

B4000 SE 4WD adds to B3000 SE:

Powertrain

4.0-liter V6 engine, 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fender flares, fog lights.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Front tow hooks, skid plates, trailer hitch, raised suspension, 245/75R16 all-terrain white-letter tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Convenience Pkg.
DS, B3000 SE, Cab Plus, Cab Plus 4	$595	$488
B2300	$510	$418
Tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, sliding rear window, bedliner. Std. B3000 SE Cab Plus 4.

Power Pkg.
DS regular cab, B3000 SE regular cab, Cab Plus/Cab Plus 4	$405	$332
Power mirrors, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry.

Package Discount
DS, 4WD SE (credit)	$-1,000	$-820
Requires Convenience Pkg., Power Pkg.

Powertrain
5-speed automatic transmission
SX	$1,220	$1,000
SE, DS	$1,000	$820
SX includes cloth upholstery, sliding rear window.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning
SX	$805	$660


Automatic day/night rear view mirror w/compass
B2300 SE/B3000 SE, B2300 SX, B3000 DS, B4000 DS, B4000 SE 4WD	$150	$120


Automatic day/night rearview mirror
B2300 SE/B3000 SE, B2300 SX, B3000 DS, B4000 DS, B4000 SE 4WD	$230	$184
Includes compass, outside temperature indicator.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Side steps
B2300 SE/B3000 SE, B2300 SX, B3000 DS, B4000 DS, B4000 SE 4WD	$370	$241


Bedliner
B2300 SE/B3000 SE, B2300 SX, B3000 DS, B4000 DS, B4000 SE 4WD	$235	$150


Bed extender
B2300 SE/B3000 SE, B2300 SX, B3000 DS, B4000 DS, B4000 SE 4WD	$295	$236
NA w/Convenience Pkg.

Cargo box rail covers
B2300 SE/B3000 SE, B2300 SX, B3000 DS, B4000 DS, B4000 SE 4WD	$140	$90


Tonneau cover
B2300 SE/B3000 SE, B2300 SX, B3000 DS, B4000 DS, B4000 SE 4WD	$330	$211


Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Trailer hitch receiver
B3000 DS, B3000 SE	$215	$172

2001 Mazda B-Series Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Mazda B-Series regular cab	Mazda B-Series extended 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.	2960	3164

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

	dohc I4	ohv V6	sohc V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.3 /138	3.0 /182	4.0 /245

Horsepower @ rpm.	135 @ 5050	150 @ 5000	207 @ 5250

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	153 @ 3750	185 @ 3750	238 @ 3000

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	24/28	17/22	18/22

5-speed automatic	21/25	16/21	16/22

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 regular cab	Mazda B-Series extended cab

Collision	NA	4

Collision (HLDI)	NA	75

Front Impact, Driver	NA	4

Front Impact, Passenger	NA	4

Injury	NA	3

Injury (HLDI)	NA	82

Side Impact, Driver	5	4

Theft	NA	4

Theft (HLDI)	NA	49

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

< 2001 Mazda B-Series Photos

Also in the 2001 Mazda B-Series Review:

Mazda B-Series

Mazda B-Series Road Test

Mazda B-Series Prices & Equipment

Mazda B-Series Specs & Safety

Mazda B-Series Photos

Mazda B-Series Full Review

All Mazda B-Series

All Mazdas