Mazda Truck

First introduced in the mid-1980s, Mazda's light, compact pickup truck has been known by three different names throughout its North American run. From its introduction in 1986 through the 2001 model year, the truck was known as the B-Series Pickup. Then, for a couple of years, from 2002 to 2003, the truck was known simply as the Mazda Truck. And from 2004 on, the vehicle has been known as the Mazda B-Series Truck. Subtle changes, but underneath the badging they were all the same basic vehicle.

Mazda Trucks, under the B-Series name, have been sold in North America for more than two decades, and actually had their origins in the mid-1970s, when Mazda starting building compact pickup trucks for Ford. In the mid-1980s, Ford decided to launch its own Ranger series, based on the platform originated by Mazda, so Mazda split away to launch its B-Series line of compact pickup trucks.

Though never as popular as trucks built by Ford and other foreign automakers such as Toyota, Mazda Trucks have been solid, reliable, and well-built throughout their run, garnering a large number of loyal fans and buyers, who keep coming back to the vehicle, purchasing it year after year. And while they acknowledged that the Mazda Trucks were not as powerful nor as luxurious as trucks from competitors, they appreciate the Mazda Trucks for their value, economy, handling, comfort, and dependability.

For 2003 and 2004, Mazda Trucks were available with either standard or extended cabs, in two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions. Engine options included a four-cylinder and two V6s, the latter being the preferred engine for the 4x4 models.