2008 Mazda B-Series Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2008 Mazda B-Series includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Mazda B-Series from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Mazda B-Series, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Mazda B-Series help you decide if a 2008 Mazda B-Series is right for you.

2008 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

B4000 Cab Plus 4, automatic	Class Average
4	4.9

Only 4.0-liter V6 models have been made available for Consumer Guide testing so far. They have fine power at all speeds and mesh nicely with the automatic transmission.

Fuel Economy

B4000 Cab Plus 4, automatic	Class Average
2	3.5

In Consumer Guide testing, similar Ford Ranger 4WD SuperCabs with the 4.0-liter V6 and automatic transmission averaged 12.9-14.4 mpg in city/highway driving. The B-Series uses regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

B4000 Cab Plus 4, automatic	Class Average
3	4.6

The ride is decent for a truck, regardless of the engine or brand name. They jiggle some on rough roads but absorb big bumps fairly well.

Steering/Handling/Braking

B4000 Cab Plus 4, automatic	Class Average
3	3.9

These trucks corner with a stable feel, moderate body lean, and nicely weighted steering. There is good directional stability.

Quietness

B4000 Cab Plus 4, automatic	Class Average
3	4.5

Not quite as car-quiet as the Dodge Dakota, but the interior is well isolated from engine, wind, and road noise.

Controls

B4000 Cab Plus 4, automatic	Class Average
6	5.9

Though dated overall, Ranger and B-Series share a convenient dashboard design with easy access to audio and climate controls.

Details

B4000 Cab Plus 4, automatic	Class Average
5	4.7

Interior materials are appropriate for the price, and all models we've tested have been solidly built.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

B4000 Cab Plus 4, automatic	Class Average
4	5.6

Good headroom and legroom. Entry and exit borders on awkward in high-riding 4WD models. Regular cab model has slightly more seat travel and seatback recline angle than class rivals.

Room/Comfort (rear)

B4000 Cab Plus 4, automatic	Class Average
1	2.7

Cab Plus 4's rear half-doors aid entry and exit, but the back-seat area itself is best left to toddlers or cargo.

Cargo Room

B4000 Cab Plus 4, automatic	Class Average
3	3.6

Regular cab has better-than-average behind-seat storage space. Cab Plus 4 models can carry lots of stuff. The dual rear doors are nice, but they don't open independently of the front doors, making loading difficult in confined spaces.

Value within Class

B4000 Cab Plus 4, automatic	Class Average
5	5.8

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