2002 Mazda B4000 4.0L V6

Summary:

Unfortunately I bought a Ford with a Mazda label, will go back to Nissan!

Faults:

Ford battery lasted 3 months.

Electric window (Ford part) quit at 45,000 km; $600 repair.

Stereo quit at 45,000 (eats CDs!).

Front brakes completely replaced at 55,000 km.

Air conditioner condenser went at 48,000. Just repaired for over $500.

Radiator failed at 59,000; $400 to replace.

Saved $600 not buying Mazda radiator or condenser.

Four wheel drive controller (Ford part) failed at 58,000. $400 to replace.

Rear brakes and drum completely redone at 59,000.

Two recalls so far.

General Comments:

Lots of power.

Good when the 4 wheel drive works.

Not much interior room.

Worst gas mileage I have ever got, winter with starter and 4 wheel drive, 8 miles to the gallon!!!

Narrow for travel on back roads.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 24th February, 2010

6th Mar 2010, 17:36

Your comments are typical of a slam-bang-pedal-to-the-metal-drift-around-corners-come-to a-screeching-halt-at-stoplights and jack-rabbit off the line to be able to weave in and out of traffic to make it to the next stop light before anyone else; and while you're 4-wheeling, don't forget to have all wheels off the ground more than on!

My 2002 4x4 - 5-speed is a dream to drive. It's comfortable, quiet, powerful when I need it, and handles like a dream. I'm averaging 19 miles per city and 24 per highway.

I have a Scan-gauge hooked up to monitor my driving habits and gas usage.

Sure, the back seating area is small and only to be used in a pinch for passengers, but it's great for stowage and the wing doors are an added bonus.

All in all, the B4000 is a general all-around little work horse with very few limitations. That's because I knew what I needed for me to get the job done, and that's the truck that would do it.

So don't give me that I'll get me a Nissan next time, because it sounds to me like it doesn't matter what you buy, you are always going to have a problem.

19th Feb 2012, 20:44

Have to say I have no idea how you would be getting that gas mileage; I am only getting approx. 8 kms. to the litre. A real gas pig.

My CD player also eats my CD's, and the air conditioner died also.

Other than that, I've had the truck for 7 years, and no real serious problems.

2002 Mazda B4000 4x4 Cab Plus 4.0L SOHC V6

Summary:

Extremely reliable, well built and fantastic value for the money, especially now as a used buy

Faults:

Clutch slave cylinder stuck and replaced. Clutch was replaced at same time. Done at 100 000km mark.

Daytime running light module failed.

Front shocks worn out (regular wear and tear, replaced around 320 000km).

Passenger side fog light wiring rotted, causing water to get inside and short out the fog light. DIY repair, works fine now.

Uneven tire wear on fronts due to camber, wearing down the inside shoulders. Mazda recommends to be rotated at every 7000-8000km at every oil change.

General Comments:

As I write this, the truck has just shy of 398 000km on it.

My step-father bought the truck brand new from the lot in April 2002. I bought it from him in June 2008 with 379 000km. All the mileage is highway commuting miles, approx. 200km a day.

Reliability and build quality are easily the highest marks for this vehicle. It has been the type of vehicle where you just get in, turn the key and drive away. Never has it left either of us stranded, stuck or broken down. Only regular oil changes have ever been performed on this truck, and in 6 years has only had 2 complete tuneups. These long intervals of maintenance are a testament to the quality and durability of the 4.0L V6 engine.

Build quality is fantastic, as this truck has survived through 6 very harsh Ontario winters, with a minimum of tiny rust bubbles only beginning to poke through on the A pillars, above the windshield, rocker panels, edges of the fender flares near the bottom and around the tailgate handle. The underside of the truck is as clean as new, as all driveline, suspension and body components have stood up well to the conditions.

Inside, the interior still looks like new, other than the steering wheel rim showing its age from nearly 400 000km of constant use. The seats still look like new, with no rips, tears or wrinkles, and the door panels have no significant wear and tear. It blows out ice cold AC and deathly hot heat. The driving position is comfortable and outward visibility is excellent with no large blind spots. The 5 cupholders are handy, as is the 2wd/4wd on the fly switch on the dash, eliminating the need for a floor selector next to the gear shifter.

Rear seat space is extremely limited, and barely suitable even for small children. When we bought the truck, we opted for the extended cab option just so it could be used as extra storage space, eliminating having to put valuables in the bed, even with a locking tonneau cover.

On and off road, it is a fantastic truck to drive. It's quick enough, with lots of torque and will cruise the highway all day long, or it will play in the mud on the trails with no problem. Lots of ground clearance, and after taking the truck offroad, you can tell it is really designed for offroading and not just dressed up to look like it.

When I bought this truck from my step-father, he liked this one so much he went out and bought a brand new 2008 Mazda B4000. When you're onto a good thing, why change it?

Ford is making a huge mistake by discontinuing the Ranger/B-series after 2009.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th November, 2008

17th Dec 2008, 14:51

I agree with the review other than the last comment. Mazda should get far away from Ford and make their own truck. You couldn't kill one of those old square ugly Mazdas. The new ones have inherited Ford's shortcomings.