Mazda B-Series review (1999-2006)
PROS
- Competent off-roader
CONS
- Agricultural engines
Summary
Those who spot a passing resemblance between the Mazda B-Series and the Ford Ranger can be congratulated – the vehicles come off the same production line at the Mazda factory in Thailand.
The truck was originally launched in 1983 and was last updated in 2004, prior to a completely new model coming out in 2006.
Four versions are offered – a single cab, a stretched cab, a Freestyle (an elongated cab with bench seats in the rear) and a true double-cab.
The smaller models are available in two and four wheel drive format while the double cabs are four-wheel drive.
Single cabs are aimed at farmers and suchlike while the more expensive double cabs are for lifestylers with a penchant for getting in the rough occasionally.
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With a whole new range of muscle trucks launched in 2006, complete with smart interiors and common rail diesel engines, the rough edges of the Mazda B-Series make themselves even clearer than before.
Two engines are on offer, a 2.5-litre diesel with 84hp and a 2.5-litre turbodiesel with 109hp so neither will set the Tarmac alight. Both also feature in the Ford Ranger and are rattly old-fashioned affairs.
Progress is leisurely to put it mildly and on the road, the suspension is on the hard side. The truck only shows its best side when getting into the dirt, where it proves willing and capable. For everyday use, though, fillings are likely to be shaken loose on bumpy highways.
Ball and nut steering makes cornering a rather vague affair and there are almost four turns of the steering wheel between locks. Parking in tight spaces can be an interesting experience as the B-Series has a very wide turning circle.
Depending on the model chosen, the cabin provides a variable ambience. On one end it breathes agriculture, the other end gets funky. There are masses of optional extras available such as style bars, side steps, air conditioning, CD players and bull bars, so it’s worth buyers checking exactly what has been fitted.
The seats were upgraded in 2004 along with the interior trim, but for those unused to muscle trucks, the cabin will look a tad on the Spartan side.
The handbrake is a curious affair, which is pulled out of the dashboard like in an old-fashioned shooting brake. Strangely enough, this throw-back still features in the brand new model.
Mazda offers a lot of metal for the money with the B-Series. A Truckman top will add to the cost greatly though, along with a lot of the other accessories which teeter towards the expensive side.
The engines are so old that they require servicing every 6,000 miles – so expect an expensive servicing schedule and check that maintenance has not been ignored by previous owners.
How long the B-Series lasts depends very much on what use it is put to. We’ve seen examples of these trucks being backed into the sea to launch boats, with the rear ends almost immersed in sea water.
Farmers may also wear single cab versions out in an amazingly short space of time. But examples which have done nothing more than bump up the odd kerb or two should be good for many years use.
Trucks can be notoriously twitchy on Tarmac roads in the wet and the B-Series is no exception. It could ideally do with ABS brakes and traction control but neither feature on the spec sheet of workhorse versions.
On the security front, an alarm, central locking and an immobiliser come as standard.
