Also in the 2004 Mazda B-Series Review:
1.
2.
Mazda B-Series Road Test
3.
4.
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.
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
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 |
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
| Low Score |
|
32 |
| Average Score |
|
40 |
| High Score |
|
56 |
Also in the 2004 Mazda B-Series Review:
1.
2.
Mazda B-Series Road Test
3.
4.