Used 2007 MAZDA B-Series Regular Cab

Although the B-Series pickup bears the Mazda nameplate, it is actually a thinly disguised Ford Ranger. As Mazda does not build trucks for the U.S. market and Ford is its parent company, the economic advantage of this arrangement should be obvious to all. Available in Regular and extended Cab Plus configurations, the compact B-Series trucks compete well with the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, but are no match for the larger and more powerful trucks from Nissan, Dodge and Toyota. Other than its styling, the obvious advantage of buying the B-Series over its Ford twin is Mazda’s longer standard powertrain warranty, which is four-years/50,000 miles for the Mazda versus three-years/36,000 miles for the Ford.

The B-Series with four-wheel drive makes a great off-road warrior, as its high ground clearance and compliant double-wishbone front suspension allow it to move over almost any barrier. The four-wheel-drive system is easily engaged by merely pressing a button on the dash. Once engaged, the two-speed transfer case allows choosing between four-wheel high or four-wheel low. The B-Series’ four-wheel-drive system is intended only for off-road use or very slippery surfaces and cannot be permanently engaged during normal driving.

The B-Series puts the Mazda sport treatment onto the base Ranger interior. Seats have a richer pattern and the instrument panel features white-faced gauges and a revised center stack. Cab Plus models provide space behind the seats for luggage or groceries. The flip-down jump seats are best used for short trips only.

To set the B-Series apart from the Ford Ranger, Mazda performs a front-end freshening, with more brightwork around the grille and headlamps and a raised "power dome" hood. The Regular Cab models feature six- and seven-foot beds. The extended Cab Plus models have a longer wheelbase and a six-foot bed.

Sporty Interior Trim
The B-Series’ sporty interior trim is in keeping with the Mazda image.

New Grille
A new grille brightens the base B-Series.

The base B-Series truck includes a 143-horsepower 2.3-liter engine, a five-speed manual transmission, anti-lock brakes (ABS), two front cup holders, dual side mirrors, AM/FM stereo, cloth split-bench seat, power steering, tachometer and steel wheels.

Trim levels for the B-Series include SE, Dual Sport and Cab Plus SE. You can order your B-Series with four-wheel drive, a five-speed automatic transmission, power windows, power locks, sliding rear window, cruise control, keyless entry, 3.0-liter V6 engine (Regular Cab), 4.0-liter V6 (Cab Plus), limited-slip rear differential, 16-inch alloy wheels and a rear tonneau cover.

The standard 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine is geared toward the economy-minded – those who use their trucks for light-duty hauling and around-town driving. With the five-speed manual, the 2.3 performs adequately, although you have to get it past 4,000 rpm to feel any inspired acceleration. Of the two V6 engines, we prefer the 4.0-liter. The 3.0-liter does not impress us with its performance or fuel economy. Unfortunately, the 4.0-liter is available only with four-wheel drive.

2.3-liter in-line 4
143 horsepower @ 5250 rpm
154 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/29 (manual), 21/26 (automatic)

3.0-liter V6
148 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
180 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/23 (manual), 17/21 (automatic)

4.0-liter V6
207 horsepower @ 5250 rpm
238 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/21 (2WD automatic), 17/20 (4WD manual), 15/19 (4WD automatic)