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2004 Mazda B-Series Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2004 Mazda B-Series Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2004 Mazda B-Series Review
This compact pickup reassumes its B-Series label for 2004, after spending the 2003 model year badged as the Mazda Truck. It continues as a Ford-built design shared with the Ford Ranger, though the two differ slightly in styling and features. The B-Series comes as a regular cab and as the Cab Plus extended cab. The latter is called the Cab Plus 4 when equipped with two rear-hinged rear doors; these doors do not open independently of the front doors. Two rear jump seats are standard on Cab Plus 4, optional on Cab Plus. B2300 models have a 2.3-liter 4-cyl engine. B3000s use a 3.0-liter V6, B4000s a 4.0 V6. All come with manual transmission and all but Cab Plus B2300 versions offer a 5-speed automatic. B2300s and B3000s are rear-wheel drive only; B4000s offer rear-wheel drive or 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. ABS is standard on all models. Dual Sport models have 2WD, but use a 4WD-style raised suspension. Available for the 4WD B4000 is an Off-Road Package that includes bucket seats and 31-inch tires. The B-Series' performance and accommodations mirror those of similarly equipped Rangers.
News
Mazda and parent Ford Motor Company don't make much money with compact pickups. That's one reason why Ford canned plans for a fully redesigned Ranger, settling instead for a 2006 freshening of the current 12-year-old truck. Mazda, meantime, is said to be debating whether it needs a pickup anymore, given miniscule B-Series sales and the make's heavy emphasis on "zoom-zoom" cars. We see the B-Series being left to soldier on until Mazda decides. Ironically, there's been talk of Ford tapping Mazda to do Ranger's eventual redesign, but the corporate calendar shows no new compact pickup of any kind until at least 2008.
2004 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
Decent for trucks, regardless of engine or brand name. They jiggle some on rough roads, but absorb big bumps well.
| 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
Stable in corners with moderate body lean, nicely weighted steering, and good directional stability.
| 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
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.
| 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
Convenient dashboard, solid overall assembly, and good-quality interior materials.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
2004 Mazda B-Series Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 08/31/2004
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD B2300 SX regular cab | $14,430 | $13,649 | $620 |
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| 2WD B2300 SE Cab Plus extended cab 2 door | $18,575 | $16,986 | $620 |
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| 2WD B3000 SE Cab Plus 4 extended cab 4 door | $19,735 | $18,042 | $620 |
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| 4WD B4000 SE Cab Plus extended cab 2 door | $21,730 | $19,862 | $620 |
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| 4WD B4000 SE Cab Plus 4 extended cab 4 door | $23,470 | $21,448 | $620 |
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| 2WD B3000 Dual Sport regular cab | $17,510 | $15,835 | $620 |
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| 2WD B3000 Dual Sport Cab Plus extended cab 2 door | $19,465 | $17,796 | $620 |
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| 2WD B4000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 4 extended cab 4 door | $21,460 | $19,616 | $620 |
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| 4WD B4000 Base Cab Plus extended cab 2 door | $20,230 | $18,494 | $620 |
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 Base
Powertrain
2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Antilock brakes, dual front airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power steering, cloth 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, painted front bumper and rear step bumper.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4-wire trailer harness, 225/70R15 tires.
B2300 SE adds to B2300 Base:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, AM/FM/CD player, passenger-side visor mirror, carpeting.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, sliding rear window, chrome bumpers.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Alloy wheels.
B3000 SE adds to B2300 SE:
Powertrain
3.0-liter V6 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Rear jump seats (Cab Plus 4), rear-hinged rear doors (Cab Plus 4).
B4000 SE adds to B3000 SE:
Powertrain
4.0-liter V6 engine, 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, limited-slip differential (Cab Plus 4).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Skid plates, Class III trailer-hitch receiver (Cab Plus 4), front tow hooks, raised suspension, 245/75R16 all-terrain white-letter tires.
B3000 Dual Sport adds to B3000 SE:
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sliding rear window, color-keyed bumpers.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Raised suspension, 235/75R15 all-terrain tires.
B4000 Dual Sport adds to B3000 Dual Sport:
Powertrain
4.0-liter V6 engine, limited-slip differential.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Class III trailer-hitch receiver.
B4000 Base adds to B3000 SE:
Powertrain
4.0-liter V6 engine, 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sliding rear window, painted bumpers.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front tow hooks, raised suspension, 235/75R15 all-terrain tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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SE-5 Pkg.
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B2300 Base
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$1,725
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$1,415
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Air conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, AM/FM/CD player, carpeting, floormats, styled steel wheels.
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Convenience Pkg.
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B2300 SE, B3000 Dual Sport, B3000 SE, B4000 Base, B4000 Dual Sport, B4000 SE
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$630
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$517
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Tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, bedliner. Cab Plus requires rear jump seats. NA B2300 Base.
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Power Pkg.
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B2300 Base, B2300 SE, B3000 Dual Sport, B3000 SE, B4000 Base, B4000 Dual Sport, B4000 SE
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$405
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$332
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Power mirrors, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry. Requires Convenience Pkg. or SE-5 Pkg.
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Off-Road Pkg.
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4WD B4000 SE Cab Plus 4
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$1,350
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$1,107
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Bucket seats, center console, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, side steps, bed-rail caps, 31x10.5R15 white-letter tires. Requires Convenience Pkg., Power Pkg.
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Powertrain |
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5-speed automatic transmission
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B2300 Base, B3000 Dual Sport, B3000 SE, B4000 Base, B4000 Dual Sport, B4000 SE
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$1,000
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$820
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NA B2300 SE.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Air conditioning
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B2300 Base
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$825
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$677
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Cruise control
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B2300 Base
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$395
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$324
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Includes leather-wrapped steering wheel.
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Automatic day/night rearview mirror w/compass
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B2300 Base, B2300 SE, B3000 Dual Sport, B3000 SE, B4000 Base, B4000 Dual Sport, B4000 SE
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$150
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$120
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Automatic day/night rearview mirror
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B2300 Base, B2300 SE, B3000 Dual Sport, B3000 SE, B4000 Base, B4000 Dual Sport, B4000 SE
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$230
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$184
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Includes compass, outside-temperature indicator.
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Bucket seats
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B3000/B4000 SE, Dual Sport
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$225
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$180
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Includes center console. Requires Convenience Pkg., Power Pkg.
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Rear jump seats
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Cab Plus
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$280
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$230
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Requires Convenience Pkg.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Side steps
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B2300 Base, B2300 SE, B3000 Dual Sport, B3000 SE, B4000 Base, B4000 Dual Sport, B4000 SE
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$370
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$241
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Bedliner
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B2300 Base, B2300 SE, B3000 Dual Sport, B3000 SE, B4000 Base, B4000 Dual Sport, B4000 SE
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$235
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$150
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Bed extender
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B2300 Base, B2300 SE, B3000 Dual Sport, B3000 SE, B4000 Base, B4000 Dual Sport, B4000 SE
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$295
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$236
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Bed rail caps
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B2300 Base, B2300 SE, B3000 Dual Sport, B3000 SE, B4000 Base, B4000 Dual Sport, B4000 SE
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$140
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$90
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NA w/tonneau cover, folding storage box.
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Folding storage box
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B2300 Base, B2300 SE, B3000 Dual Sport, B3000 SE, B4000 Base, B4000 Dual Sport, B4000 SE
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$315
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$270
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Requires Convenience Pkg. or bedliner. NA w/tonneau cover.
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Tonneau cover
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B2300 Base, B2300 SE, B3000 Dual Sport, B3000 SE, B4000 Base, B4000 Dual Sport, B4000 SE
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$330
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$211
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Door edge guards
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B2300 Base, B2300 SE, B3000 Dual Sport, B3000 SE, B4000 Base, B4000 Dual Sport, B4000 SE
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$45
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$36
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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Trailer-hitch receiver
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B3000 Dual Sport, B3000 SE, B4000 Base, B4000 Dual Sport, B4000 SE
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$215
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$172
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NA B2300 Base, B2300 SE. Std. B4000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 4, 4WD B4000 SE Cab Plus 4.
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2004 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 | 201.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 69.4 | 69.4 |
| Overall Height, in. | 64.9 | 64.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3060 | 3660 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | -- | -- |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | 1260 | 1260 |
| 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. | 143 @ 5250 | 154 @ 5200 | 207 @ 5250 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 154 @ 3750 | 180 @ 3900 | 238 @ 3000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 24/29 | 18/23 | 17/23 |
| 5-speed automatic | 22/26 | 18/22 | 17/22 |
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 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 4 | 5 |
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 | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| 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
Also in the 2004 Mazda B-Series Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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