Driving Impressions

Superb comfort, adequate-to-good power response, great braking and a sometimes disquieting blind spot are some of the characteristics that remain with us as a result of our test drive in the Mazda B4000. The standard 4.0liter V6 delivered less than breathtaking highway passing punch but displayed plenty of muscle in lower-speed passing simulations. Everything on our test vehicle engaged smoothly and easily, from the optional cruise control to the shift-on-the-fly two-speed 4WD system. We did note a fair amount of engine noise when we engaged the 4WD via the panel-mounted button. The system also requires you to pull off the road, stop and reverse the vehicle for about 15 feet to disengage the locking hubs. Cornering was firm and virtually rock-and-roll-free. The front disc/rear drum anti-lock braking system of our Mazda B4000 delivered swift, straight stops with a minimum of pedal pulsation. Care was required in changing lanes in either direction, however, due to a pair of blind spots that were created by the pillars around the rear quarter windows of the extended cab.

Final Word

As we said in the opening, the Mazda B4000 bears a strong resemblance to the very successful Ford Ranger midsize pickups. Like the results of many Ford-Mazda associations, it is built right here in the good old USA-in Edison, New Jersey. As a result, the B4000 has the best of both worlds going for it, pickup style and substance and very-Japanese-like fit-and-finish, which is to say high quality. The other two major players in the midsize truck market, Chevy and Dodge, have stayed away from any import associations involving their pickups. Dodge dealers bristle at any suggestions of Chrysler joining Mitsubishi in producing an import version of the successful Dakota. Chevy, despite some strong ongoing relationships with import partners, apparently has avoided the situation altogether. But the Mazda B400 is a unique product of a unique relationship. It has a superior level of comfort and great ride and handling. The quality appears to be up to import standards. The committee of designers, engineers, manufacturing gurus and marketing wizards have done a very good job at coming up with the look and feel of an import in a package aimed directly at an important American market.