2005 Mazda B4000
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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