2004 Mazda B-Series: Road Test
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2004 Mazda B-Series ▼
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- MSRP: $14,430 -$23,470
- Invoice: $13,649 -$21,448
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Our road test for the 2004 Mazda B-Series includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Mazda B-Series from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Mazda B-Series, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Mazda B-Series help you decide if a 2004 Mazda B-Series is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| B3000 Dual Sport reg. cab, auto. | B4000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 4, auto. | B4000 Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 4 | 4.6 |
V6s have fine power at all speeds, mesh nicely with 5-speed automatic. We've had no opportunity to test the 2.3 4-cyl but it's likely to feel underpowered when heavily loaded or going uphill.
FUEL ECONOMY
| B3000 Dual Sport reg. cab, auto. | B4000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 4, auto. | B4000 Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 2 | 4.1 |
Test Ford Ranger 4WD SuperCabs with 4.0 V6 and automatic transmission averaged 12.9-14.4 mpg in mix of city/highway driving; comparable Mazda B-Series models will be similar. EPA fuel-economy estimates for 2WD versions are 2-3 mpg better. Expect little difference with 3.0 V6. 4-cyl models should average in the low-to-mid 20s. Ford and Mazda recommended regular-grade fuel for all engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| B3000 Dual Sport reg. cab, auto. | B4000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 4, auto. | B4000 Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 3 | 3.6 |
Decent for trucks, regardless of engine or brand name. They jiggle some on rough roads, but absorb big bumps well.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| B3000 Dual Sport reg. cab, auto. | B4000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 4, auto. | B4000 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 Dual Sport reg. cab, auto. | B4000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 4, auto. | B4000 Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 |
Not quite as car-quiet as Dodge Dakota, but has better isolation from engine, wind, and road noise than most compact trucks. V6s are smooth.
CONTROLS
| B3000 Dual Sport reg. cab, auto. | B4000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 4, auto. | B4000 Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
Convenient dashboard, solid overall assembly, and good-quality interior materials.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| B3000 Dual Sport reg. cab, auto. | B4000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 4, auto. | B4000 Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
Good head and leg room, but three adults are a tight squeeze, and entry/exit borders on awkward in high-riding 4WD versions and 2WD Dual Sport models.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| B3000 Dual Sport reg. cab, auto. | B4000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 4, auto. | B4000 Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 1 | 1.9 |
Cab Plus 4's rear half doors are beneficial. 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 Dual Sport reg. cab, auto. | B4000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 4, auto. | B4000 Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | 3 | 3.1 |
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 Dual Sport reg. cab, auto. | B4000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 4, auto. | B4000 Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 9 | 10 | 6 |
Dodge's larger Dakota offers V8s and 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement, but these Ford-built trucks have enough pluses to join Dakota on our Best Buy list. Rangers are more popular than the slow selling Mazda B-Series, so Mazda dealers may offer deeper discounts.
Total Score
| B3000 Dual Sport reg. cab, auto. | B4000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 4, auto. | B4000 Cab Plus 4 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 40 | 40 | 40.2 |
Total Score: 39
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
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