2006 Mazda B-Series: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Mazda's pickup truck is a Ford-built design shared with that company's Ranger. They differ slightly in styling and features. B-Series is offered as a regular cab and as the Cab Plus 4 extended cab. Both come with a 2-passenger front bench seat with bucket seats optional. The Cab Plus 4 adds two rear jump seats and two rear-hinged rear doors that do not open independently of the front doors. The B2300 has a 2.3-liter 4-cyl engine. B3000s use a 3.0-liter V6, B4000s a 4.0 V6. All use a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. B2300 and B3000s are rear-wheel drive only; B3000 Dual Sport and B4000 base models have 2WD, but use a 4WD-style raised suspension. B4000 SEs have 4WD that should be disengaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. Antilock brakes are standard on all. The B-Series' performance and accommodations mirror those of similarly equipped Rangers.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Pickups offer a true-truck design in a relatively modest package. They are best suited for personal or light-duty use rather than commercial use, heavy hauling, or towing.

Our Best Buy is Toyota Tacoma. Our Recommended picks include Dodge Dakota and Honda Ridgeline.

New or significantly redesigned models include Isuzu i-280/i-350 and Mitsubishi Raider.