Mazda B3000 SE
As a bargain pickup in a field of medium-to-high-end sport/utilities, the new Mazda B3000 got somewhat shafted in our scoring. Since we rank vehicles against one another, it was hard to find the Mazda tops in interior, ride, power, or off-road performance. But that's not to say we didn't appreciate the improvement in on-road ride and handling offered by the new-for-'98 torsion-bar/A-arm front suspension (a la Explorer) that replaces the venerable Twin Traction Beam setup. Or that the added 3 inches of cab space wasn't plenty welcome. Most of us even ranked the truck higher than expected in both interior ergonomics and fit and finish. All and all, the newly redesigned Mazda is a fine compact truck.
But as such, it has some limitations. In the 4x4, regular-cab configuration, the only drivetrain choice is the newly re-available 3.0L V-6 (with a revised intake for a bit more power) and a five-speed manual tranny. The bigger 4.0L V-6 is available only with the Cab Plus option. At 150 hp and 185 lb-ft of twist, the smaller Mazda 3.0L engine was the least powerful of any in the test and, even though the pickup was also the lightest 4x4 in the field, the lack of Wheaties showed too clearly. Thank goodness for the precise shifting trans that allowed picking the max-rpm cogs for fire-road fun, but the too-high First gear turned an otherwise well-sized, OK-flexing rockcrawler with best-of-the-bunch ground clearance into a clutch-smoking trail blocker.
Dated graphics, limited off-road ability, and poor mechanical layout explain the remainder of the poor score. We think the radiator hangs too low and is unprotected, and proved that the driveshaft kangs the gas-tank skidplate during flex maneuvers. The 4WD-engagement system includes new vacuum-pulse-lock front hubs, but those didn't seem responsible for the long lag time sometimes experienced when switching into and out of four-wheel drive or low range.
Keep in mind that the Mazda was the lowest-priced ride in the test by a solid nine grand, and still seems like one of the most comfortable mini-trucks you can buy. Ease of ergonomics, good cruise control, and standard dual airbags are all pluses. And even with rear-only ABS, the Mazda stopped better than the Dodge Durango.
Specifications
General
Manufacturer: Mazda
Model: B3000 SE
Base Price: $16,945
Price as Tested: $19,475
Options as Tested: Power Package (15-inch alloy wheels, P235/75R15 tires); AM/FM/CD/clock; sliding rear window; bedliner; Bright Group (tailgate and grille); air conditioning; power windows, doors, and mirrors; speed control/tilt wheel; and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Engine
Type: OHV V-6
Displacement (liters/cubic inches): 3.0/182
Bore & Stroke (inches): 3.50x3.14
Compression Ratio: 9.1:1
Induction Type: Multipoint electronic fuel injection
Fuel Requirement/Capacity (gallons): 87 Octane Unleaded/17
SAE Peak Horsepower: 150 @ 5,000 rpm
SAE Peak Torque (lb-ft): 185 @ 3,750 rpm
Transmission
Type: Five-speed manual with overdrive
Model: M50D-2
Ratios: First: 3.40:1; Second: 2.05:1; Third: 1.31:1; Fourth: 1.00:1; Fifth: 0.79:1; Reverse: 3.40:1
Transfer Case
Type: Two-speed part-time
Model: Borg-Warner 1354
Low-Range Ratio: 2.48:1
Axles
Front Type: IFS
Rear Type: Dana TK
Hubs: Automatic (Pulse Vacuum Hublock)
Ratio: 3.73
Suspension
Front: Double wishbone with coil springs/torsion bars
Rear: Semifloating live axle/multileaf two-stage springs
Steering
Type: Power-assisted rack-and-pinion
Turns Lock-to-Lock/Ratio: 4.0/17.0:1
Turning Radius (feet): 37.3
Wheels
Size (inches): 15x7
Material: Alloy
Tires
Size: P235/75R15
Brand: Firestone Wilderness
Brake System
Front: 11.28-inch discs
Rear: 11.42-inch drums with ABS
Weight
Measured Weight (pounds): 3,580
Advertised GVWR (pounds): 4,760
Mileage
EPA Estimate (city/hwy mpg): 17/21
As Tested (mpg): 15.0
Acceleration
Standing 1/4-mile (seconds @ mph): 19.21 @ 69.43
Braking
60-0 mph (feet): 175.29
Dimensions (inches)
Wheelbase: 111.6
Overall Length: 187.7
Overall Width: 70.3
Overall Height: 67.6
Front/Rear Track: 58.6/57.3
Front/Rear Overhang: 33.3/43.8
Minimum Front Ground Clearance: 8.5
Likes
*Good interior ergos
*Improved on-road handling
*Decent ground clearance
Dislikes
*Geared too high
*Weak engine power
*Dated graphics