Expert Reviews
By Jim Flammang
Cars.com National April 20, 2005Vehicle Overview
Mazda has simplified the lineup of its compact pickup for 2005 by dropping several models and adding a new one for a total of six. All Cab Plus models now have four doors and fold-down rear jump seats. More standard features have been added.
This year's lineup includes a B2300 regular cab; B3000 Cab Plus 4-door, Cab Plus 4-door Dual Sport and regular-cab Dual Sport; and B4000 Cab Plus 4-door 4x4 in base and SE trim levels. A 2.3-liter four-cylinder powers the B2300 series, while the B3000 and B4000 versions are equipped with 3.0- and 4.0-liter V-6s, respectively. All three Mazda models are closely related to equivalent Ford Rangers. All four-wheel-drive models feature front hubs that can be locked automatically.
(Skip to details on the: B3000 | B4000)
For the 2005 model year, Mazda's B2300 pickup comes in only one form: a regular-cab pickup with rear-wheel drive. A sliding rear window is standard. An SE-5 Package that includes alloy wheels, a CD player, air conditioning and carpeted floormats is available for the B2300. A bed extender is optional.
Ford, which holds a controlling interest in Mazda, builds these B-Series compact pickups. For years, the two companies have shared other products and components.
Exterior
Mazda's B2300 pickup has a regular cab and a 6-foot cargo bed. The B2300's front suspension consists of double wishbones with coil springs and a stabilizer bar, while semielliptic leaf springs are installed in the rear.
Styling differences between these B-Series trucks and Ford's Ranger center on the grille. The Mazda grille has horizontal bars instead of Ford's eggcrate appearance. Regular-cab models ride a 111.6-inch wheelbase and measure 187.5 inches long overall. Two-wheel-drive and base four-wheel-drive models have 15-inch wheels, but 4x4 SE versions ride on 16-inch tires. Options include side step tubes and a soft tonneau cover.
Interior
All models have a roomy cab with a standard three-place front bench seat. The front seats have a fold-down armrest, and storage pockets are installed on the front seatbacks. Air conditioning is optional in the B2300.
Under the Hood
The engines in all three versions of the B-Series are the same as those used in Ford Rangers. A 143-horsepower, 2.3-liter four-cylinder in the B2300 teams with either a standard five-speed-manual transmission or an optional five-speed automatic.
Safety
Antilock brakes are standard, and a key-operated switch can deactivate the passenger-side airbag. Side-impact airbags are not available.
B3000
A 148-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 in the B3000 teams with either a five-speed-manual transmission or an optional five-speed automatic. For the 2005 model year, the B3000 comes in three forms: regular-cab Dual Sport, new Cab Plus 4-door and Cab Plus 4-door Dual Sport. Cab Plus models have rear-hinged back doors. Dual Sport models impart the look of a four-wheel-drive truck and feature a monochrome exterior, fender flares and a raised suspension like the B-Series 4x4s. Back to top
B4000
A 207-hp, 4.0-liter V-6 in the B4000 teams with either a five-speed-manual or five-speed-automatic transmission. For the 2005 model year, the B4000 comes in Cab Plus 4-door configuration, in base and SE trim levels. The SE edition is offered only with the automatic transmission. Both B4000 models have four-wheel drive that includes low-range gearing. Raised suspensions use torsion-bar front springs.
Each Cab Plus 4-door edition features rear-hinged back doors that can be opened only after the front doors are open. Cab Plus 4-door models are 202.9 inches long overall and have a 125.9-inch wheelbase. The base model rides on 15-inch wheels, and the SE gets 16-inch wheels. Back to top
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