The Mazda B-Series has always been a good truck hiding in the shadow of its popular twin-under-the-skin, the Ford Ranger.  With Ford’s marketing might pumping out special editions and flashy updates to the Ranger every few months it seems, the more conservative Mazda has often gotten lost in the shuffle.

Basically the same truck since the early 1990s, the B-Series and Ranger share drivetrains, chassis, and a production line.  The lineup got a design “freshening” last year, which included a bigger engine.  For 2002, the B-Series is updated with new colors and “sporty add-ons,” as Mazda calls its accessories, but a redesign is still a few years off.

Part of this particular Mazda’s anonymity can be chalked up to a lack of distinctive styling.  Apart from sheetmetal fillips like flared fenders on the bed, which approximate the look of “flareside” trucks without sacrificing cargo area, the B-Series is little more than an exercise is basic pickup design, circa 1997.  Although, compared to recent styling changes to its cousin the Ford Ranger, that might not be an entirely bad thing.  The B-Series wears the Mazda logo up front on a black, chrome, or body-colored grill depending on the model, and a slightly vee’d hood which approximates the contours of other Mazdas.  Mazda’s distinctive chrome-on-black window trim is also available on the SE trim level, and adds a touch of class where most minis are utilitarian.  The window treatment’s the most recognizable element of the truck.  As with most pickups, regular and extended cab versions are available, and the extended Cab Plus 4 featured on our test vehicle has two rear doors which open “suicide-”style to help passengers in and out of the tiny jump seats.  A flip-out bed extender allows for longer loads.

Inside, the kinship to the Ranger is much more evident.  Dash textures and materials are all Ford, as are the stereo and climate control systems.  Not that we’re complaining; with large, easy-to-use buttons and durable workmanship, the ancillary controls are welcome on as many vehicles as Ford wants to put them on.  The front seats are comfortable, compared to those found in other little pickups.  The rear jump seats available on extended cab models are best suited for children.  They come with lap belts, and fold to the back when not in use.  No, they’re not remotely comfortable, but it’s arguably safer than stowing your
in the bed for short trips.  The B-Series also shares the Ranger’s somewhat narrow windshield, unfortunately.  Like most compact pickups, the B4000 can feel claustrophobic for taller drivers.  Despite the dated ergonomics, the B4000 is one of the most comfortable compact pickups available.  It’s one of the quietest, too.

There’s an upside to being a direct relative of a best-selling compact pickup truck, however.  The B-Series is available with a torquey 4.0 liter V6, which was introduced coincidentally at the same time that the Ford Ranger got its new V6.  The range-topping engine puts out 207 horsepower at 5250 rpm.  A limited-slip differential is standard equipment, as is a class III trailer hitch that allows the B4000 to tow 5,874 pounds.  There’s also a smaller, 3.0 liter V6 available.  At the lower end of the pricing spectrum is a 2.3-liter four-cylinder, installed in regular-cab equipped, two-wheel drive trucks only.  Plenty of compact pickups see duty as commuters or delivery vehicles, and Mazda’s four-cylinder B-Series are intended to address that need.  A five-speed manual transmission is standard.  It’s a trucky gearbox, with longish throws and a notchy feel, but that makes it kind of fun in a big-rig way.  A five-speed automatic is also available.

The rugged chassis and double-wishbone front suspension were designed for work, rather than commuting, so the B4000 rides like a truck–that is, the ride is smoothest when it’s loaded.  Four-wheel anti-lock brakes are standard.  Our four-wheel drive test truck had 16″ wheels and an inch and a half more ground clearance than two-wheel drive models, for better maneuverability off-road.  The B4000 looks better on those big tires, too.  Four-wheel antilock brakes are standard on all B-Series trucks.

Similar to Ford’s Ranger Edge, a Dual Sport package for the B-Series puts the raised four-wheel-drive stance and trim on a two-wheel-drive truck.  It also deletes the chrome trim up front and adds tough-looking fender flares.  Other accessories such as fog lights, cargo gates, and tonneau covers are available through Mazda.  Our test truck was a top of the line B4000 4×4 Cab Plus, and it stickered for $23,735.  For that price, the Mazda B4000 is nicely equipped, with standard equipment like a sliding rear window, spare tire lock and a tachometer.  Considering that some compact pickups can knock on the door of $30,000, the Mazda seems like a good deal indeed.

Specifications:
All specs are for the 2002 Mazda B4000 4×4, which we tested.
Length:         201.7 in.
Width:            69.4 in.
Height:            64.8 in.
Wheelbase:        125.9 in.
Curb weight:        3210 lb.
Payload:        1260 lb.
Trailer capacity:    5874 lb.
Base price:        $22,430
Price as tested:     $23,735
Engine:     4.0 liter SOHC V6
Drivetrain:     five-speed manual transmission, four wheel drive
Horsepower:     207 @5250
Torque:     238 @ 3000
Fuel capacity:        19.5 gal.
Est. mileage:        16/19