2002 Mazda B4000 4x4 Cab Plus review from North America

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.

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.