2007 Mazda B-Series Truck

Review

The last Mazda B-Series pickup that I drove was a 2002 model, and suffice to say that I could almost dust off that old review, change the model year date and increase the price in order to sufficiently

update it for 2007. This wouldn't be fair, however, as much has changed in the compact to midsize pickup truck market segment since the 2002 model year, which leaves a little truck I was once quite pleased with falling somewhat short of the mark. Then again, Mazda's worker B has one thing going for it none of its import competitors can compete with ... price.

Price aside, the problem Mazda faces is no fault of its own, other than a choice to hitch its wagon to Ford and the reality that, other than in other markets like Thailand where it sells a completely different compact pickup truck, the little Ranger hasn't seen an update in a very long a time. You see, the Ranger is the B4000's fraternal twin, a blessing and a curse for Mazda. It's a blessing because the Japanese brand probably wouldn't have a light-duty truck anymore if it wasn't for its ties to Dearborn, but a curse because Ford seems to have almost completely forgotten its compact workhorse amidst redesigning its entire full-size pickup, car and SUV lineup. Ironically, it was

Mazda that used to make compact pickups for Ford (remember the Courier?), initiating this relationship in the first place. Still, as much as I would like to have seen a more modern version, there's still a fair deal to like about this honest to goodness work truck.

Before I get into the positives, mind you, let's run over a few of the things that give it a feeling of yesteryear. Firstly, Mazda doesn't even attempt to hide the B4000's parentage from would-be owners, as everything excepting its trademark grille and a few exterior and interior trim pieces duplicate the Ranger. And that includes the extra-wide, albeit evenly spaced exterior panel gaps, the big, clunky door handles, some Ford stickers in the engine bay, and an interior dash design that's pretty basic with window

switches from Ford's previous generation parts bin. The B4000 at least appears rugged.

Attempting to separate it from the Ranger, Mazda has updated the pickup's seats with much nicer two-toned chairs that give the truck a sportier look, while the leather wrapped steering wheel with integrated redundant cruise controls help improve its overall appeal. The white-faced instruments are a nice touch too, again spicing up what is otherwise a fairly low rent interior.

The B4000 is low rent, mind you, priced much more affordably than Toyota's Tacoma or Honda's Ridgeline, or any of its other competitors, Ford's Ranger aside, so those who need a nice honest work truck but would rather swap the blue oval for the more respectful stylized M might want to consider it seriously.

Say what? After causing it grief for the last few paragraphs I'm going to say something nice? Absolutely.

After all, its 4.0-liter, 12-valve, SOHC V6 might not be particularly refined, but its output, at 207 horsepower and 238 lb-ft of maximum torque is willing enough, and like the truck itself this engine has been around long enough warrant a bonus for dependability. The same can be said for its robust five-speed automatic transmission. It gets the job done, and probably will without protest for years to come. A five-speed manual is standard, although I haven't driven a B-Series or Ranger with one of these for so long that I couldn't even begin to comment on its feel or capability. For the most part I liked it in 2001, when I tested the 2002 model, but stated that it “felt a little clumsy”. Making matters worse is the fact that my standards were lower back then, being that this class never previously offered much in the way of car-like gearboxes.

Despite the five-speed automatic, which is a far cry more advanced than the four-speed units offered by some competitors, the B4000 delivers less than stellar fuel economy at 16 mpg in the city and 20 on the highway. If you're looking for thriftiness in this department, the 2.3-liter model is actually extremely green at 24 mpg and 29 respectively, although it won't work or play as hard as the 4.0-liter truck.

Those familiar with the handling prowess of an empty pickup bed during winter months will appreciate the B4000's standard limited slip differential. My tester also came with four-wheel drive, making it look a great deal better than the regular rear-drive

truck thanks to a taller stance and more attractive wheels and tires, and allowing it greater grip on loose, slippery surfaces, of course. It's a part-time system with serious off-road capability, the norm for its class, which, due to its ability to drive with only two wheels powered, saves on fuel costs when not fully employed. Unlike the old days when you had to hop out of the truck, often ankle deep in mud, and lock the hubs to engage four-wheel drive, the B4000 is fully automatic needing only a quick flick of a dash-mounted switch to engage the electronic shift transfer case axle system.

I only did a little off-roading during my week with Mazda's truck, hardly stressing its rugged boxed ladder frame or any other component for that matter, yet was impressed with the truck's compliant ride when off the beaten path.

I probably could have tackled some pretty rough stuff, and for a much greater length of time without feeling bruised or battered, often the case after a day's 4x4 expedition.

This same ride quality translates into fairly smooth traveling on pavement as well, and handling isn't all that bad considering its conventional ladder-frame underpinnings, the latter stiffened by seven crossmembers; or eight with Cab Plus versions. Rack-and-pinion steering leads the way while an independent double-wishbone front setup gets a stabilizer bar for keeping everything parallel to the road surface most of the time, and traditional leaf springs connected to a live rear axle in back allow the B to carry heavy payloads and tow serious weight. The trailer hitch comes standard, by the way, making for an impressive 5,600-pound towing capacity.

Also good, Mazda has updated the B-Series' safety features since 2002. A tire pressure monitoring system is now standard across the line. An airbag occupancy sensor makes sure the front passenger bag doesn't deploy unnecessarily, but only two front airbags are included, with side-thorax bags and side curtain-type airbags not even optional. Four-wheel ABS was actually standard on the front disc, rear drum braking system way back then, although now the brakes get BA to apply maximum braking pressure for quicker and safer stops when needed. And what about electronic stability control and traction control, items that are now standard in most new SUVs and starting to show up in the pickup truck segment? You're going to have to rely on that limited slip diff instead.

To

be clear, the B4000 4x4 SE Cab Plus 4-Door pictured here, the one I tested, is Mazda's top-line truck, so other than saying that it can be had in base Regular Cab guise, with a 143-horsepower 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 154 lb-ft of torque powering the rear wheels via a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic, or an extended Cab Plus configuration with a 148-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 with 180 lb-ft of torque connecting through a manual or automatic transmission to the rear wheels (no four-wheel drive available with this model), and that since August of 2006 all models received an MP3 compatible audio system with an auxiliary plug for peripheral devices like iPods, and that a tilt steering wheel with redundant cruise and audio controls became available this year, I'm going to keep my comments to the 4.0-liter truck I drove. OK, one other comment: all new B-Series trucks can be dipped in two new colors, Vista Blue Metallic and Puebla Gold Metallic, while Sandstone Metallic and Sonic Blue Metallic have been dropped. A bevy of additional colors are also available.

The B4000 SE comes pretty loaded, with air conditioning, chrome trim on the grille and bumpers, premium cloth inside and, outside, skid plates, front tow hooks and 16-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 255/70 R16 off-road tires. The five-speed automatic on my tester was optional, but standard was the tilt steering and cruise control I mentioned a minute ago, plus power windows, locks, mirrors, and keyless entry. My B4000 also had very comfortable sport bucket seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. There's more than this for sure, but at the risk of this review sounding like a brochure, I'll leave it at that.

One

of the big items the B-Series is missing is a true four-door configuration. Crew Cabs, Double Cabs, Dual Cabs, or whatever a particular manufacturer calls them, have become more and more popular as a greater number of families are choosing light duty pickups for regular transportation. It's a vehicle type that can do a great deal more than simply haul the kids back and forth to school, as evidenced by all the gear I managed to pile into the back of the B4000, but the rear-hinged doors on this Mazda aren't as convenient as a regular four-door. First of all, the front doors have to be opened to let someone out of the back, and secondly if both front and rear doors are opened when slotted into a tight shopping mall parking stall, you'll have a dickens of a time getting everyone out if adults are involved. Truth be told, however, you're not going to get many full-size takers for the back seats, as they're best suited for the much smaller sort. And a warning, their seatbelts are attached to the rear doors, so make sure and get your passengers to unbuckle before you open them. Just the same, my

six-year-old son loved it back there ... his own little sanctuary where he could sit and while the miles away.

I have to admit to liking the B4000 too, but not for the reasons I expected. What it lacked in refinement it made up for in a simple, honest goodness ... a feeling that it would go pretty well anywhere I asked it to and for as long as I wanted, hauling as much gear as needed and all the while pumping out tunes via my iPod. In this day and age of extremely modern pickup trucks, such as Honda's Ridgeline and Toyota's Tacoma, the B looks like a donkey next to a set of prized Arabians, but like that donkey I wouldn't bet against it over the long haul. And like a burrow, the B4000 won't set you back the price of an Arabian either, starting at only $22,680 in five-speed trim or $23,680 for the automatic version. Even fully loaded my tester (not including the bed liner and a few other accessories) only went out the door for $27,225, which is still compact car territory. Speaking of compact cars, you can get a base B-Series for only $16,170! That's cheaper than some subcompacts! So, forget all of my complaints. This is one seriously budget oriented truck that'll do most things you ask of it willingly. That's the real story here.