2007 Mazda B-Series Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2007 Mazda B-Series includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Mazda B-Series from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Mazda B-Series, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Mazda B-Series help you decide if a 2007 Mazda B-Series is right for you.

2007 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 Dual Sport reg. cab, auto.	B4000 Cab Plus 4, auto.	Class Average
4	4	5

Only V6 models made available for test so far. They have fine power at all speeds and mesh nicely with the automatic transmission.

Fuel Economy

B3000 Dual Sport reg. cab, auto.	B4000 Cab Plus 4, auto.	Class Average
4	3	3.8

Similar test Ranger 4WD SuperCabs with 4.0 V6 and automatic transmission averaged 12.9-14.4 mpg in mix of city/highway driving; comparable B-Series will be similar. EPA fuel-economy estimates for 2WDs are 2-3 mpg better. Expect little difference with 3.0 V6. Four-cyl models should average low- to mid-20s. Ford and Mazda recommend regular-grade fuel for all engines.

Ride Quality

B3000 Dual Sport reg. cab, auto.	B4000 Cab Plus 4, auto.	Class Average
3	3	4.6

Decent for trucks, regardless of engine or brand name. They jiggle some on rough roads, but absorb big bumps fairly well.

Steering/Handling/Braking

B3000 Dual Sport reg. cab, auto.	B4000 Cab Plus 4, auto.	Class Average
3	3	3.9

Corners with stable feel, moderate body lean, nicely weighted steering. Good directional stability.

Quietness

B3000 Dual Sport reg. cab, auto.	B4000 Cab Plus 4, auto.	Class Average
3	3	4.5

Not quite as car-quiet as Dodge Dakota, but better isolated from engine, wind, and road noise than most compact trucks. V6s are smooth.

Controls

B3000 Dual Sport reg. cab, auto.	B4000 Cab Plus 4, auto.	Class Average
6	6	5.9

Convenient dashboard, solid overall assembly, good-quality interior materials.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

B3000 Dual Sport reg. cab, auto.	B4000 Cab Plus 4, auto.	Class Average
3	4	5.3

Good head and leg room, but three adults are a tight squeeze, and entry/exit borders on awkward in high-riding 4WD and 2WD Dual Sport models.

Room/Comfort (rear)

B3000 Dual Sport reg. cab, auto.	B4000 Cab Plus 4, auto.	Class Average
0	1	2.9

Cab Plus 4's rear half-doors aid entry/exit, but the back-seat area itself is best left to toddlers or cargo. Regular cab has slightly more seat travel, seatback recline than rivals.

Cargo Room

B3000 Dual Sport reg. cab, auto.	B4000 Cab Plus 4, auto.	Class Average
1	3	4.1

Regular cab has better-than-average behind-seat space. Extendeds 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 Cab Plus 4, auto.	Class Average
4	5	6

Every compact-pickup competitor benefits from much newer designs, but the B-Series and Ford Ranger remain viable choices that are often discounted. Note, though, that Rangers offer more popular features than the Mazdas--and through many more dealerships.

Total Score