2004 Mazda Cab Plus 4x2 New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2004 Mazda B-Series?
Interior upgrades for the 2004 Mazda B-Series include a new steering wheel, a new airbag cover design and a redesigned center stack. The B2300, Dual Sport and SE models get new cloth seats. All models also sport new interior door panel material, while privacy glass for the rear sliding window has been added to B2300 Cab Plus and higher models.

Advantages of the 2004 Mazda B-Series:

• Decent crash test scores
• Plenty of discounts and dealer incentives

Objections to the 2004 Mazda B-Series:

• Outdated, decade-old platform
• Unrefined interior materials
• Seats are not terribly comfortable
• No crew cab is available

Editor's Advice:
For those resistant to change, the 2004 Mazda B-Series pickup offers old-school engineering and accommodations that’ll instantly transport you to the heady days of the 1990s. Three engine choices are available: Mazda's B2300 is motivated by a 143-horsepower, 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 154 lb.-ft. of torque and can tow up to 2,260 pounds. The B3000 is powered by a 154-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6 engine with 180 lb.-ft. of torque and able to tug as much as 2,480 pounds of trailer. The top-of-the-line B4000 produces 207-horsepower and 238 lb.-ft. of torque from its 4.0-liter V6 engine, resulting in a tow rating of 5,580 pounds thanks in part to a standard limited-slip differential and a Class III trailer hitch. All 2004 Mazda B-Series trucks are equipped as standard with a five-speed manual transmission, and all models (except the B2300 with the Cab Plus two-door cab) are available with an optional automatic transmission. Not only is the Mazda B-Series old and in need of a redesign, but a crew cab model is not offered. Plus, the model range is confusing. Based on the Ford Ranger, there is a single benefit to B-Series ownership compared to the Ford: it comes with a better warranty. With redesigned compact pickups from General Motors arriving this year and all-new versions of the Dodge Dakota, Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma due for 2005, we cannot recommend the 2004 Mazda B-Series for any reason except the extremely good deals that are available on them.