1997 Mazda B-Series Review

While Mazda had offered as many as 12 to 14 different versions of its compact B-Series trucks in previous years, the automaker trimmed the B-Series lineup for 1997, offering only the entry-level B2300 and higher-end B4000 trim packages. The B2300 trucks were available as rear-wheel-drive vehicles only, with either standard or extended cabs. The B4000 trucks came in either two-wheel- or four-wheel-drive versions, with standard or extended cabs.

A five-speed manual transmission was standard on all models, while a four-speed automatic was optional on some B2300 models, and a five-speed automatic was optional on B4000 models.

Standard features for the B-Series trucks included power brakes, vinyl seats, intermittent windshield wipers, a lighted entry system, and anti-lock brakes for the rear wheels. Air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, and a CD player were among the options.

According the drivers' comments, the B-Series pickups were comfortable, reliable, and sporty. The trucks' handling and power/performance were also noted as positive points, while one of the few complaints about the trucks concerned their gas mileage, which could have been better, drivers felt.