For years drivers had complained that Mazda's B-Series compact pickup trucks were underpowered when compared to competitors' vehicles. The Japanese automaker made an effort to remedy that problem in 2001 with the addition of two new, more powerful engines to the B-Series lineup.

During the model year, Mazda replaced the B-Series' 119-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a new 140-horsepower, 2.3-liter four-cylinder. In addition, a high-end 207-horsepower, single-overhead-cam 4.0-liter V6 engine replaced the previous year's 160-horsepower 4.0-liter V6.

Also new for 2001 was a Dual Sport (DS) trim package, a rear-wheel-drive model that had the appearance and clearance of a four-wheel drive truck. And throughout the line, the B-Series trucks received design upgrades to their interiors and exteriors.

In all, more than a dozen versions of the B-Series pickups were available for 2001, including standard and extended cab models equipped with either two-wheel and four-wheel drive, and two-door or four-door versions. In addition to the new 2.3-liter and 4.0-liter engines, a 150-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 was available. The standard transmission was a five-speed manual, while a five-speed automatic or a four-speed automatic were optional on some models.

The list of standard equipment varied widely from model to model, but generally included power brakes with the anti-lock feature, dual airbags, a lighted entry system, and intermittent windshield wipers. Other standard and optional equipment included air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, alloy wheels, and a CD player.

Generally, drivers noted that when it came to value, economy, durability, and reliability, the Mazda B-Series trucks were hard to beat. Through the years, Mazda had made many loyal fans with its trucks, who noted having few problems with their vehicles as the years passed.