1999 Mazda B4000 4x4 4.0 from North America
Summary:
Two thumbs up: mine and my Dad's!!
Faults:
None, just routine maintenance things like spark plugs and and brakes.
General Comments:
This review is for my Dad's truck. I just went home to visit him and noticed he had a different car in the driveway--a rental car. It turned out a car had sideswiped him and had rolled his truck, and his truck had slid down the road on its side until it finally stopped. It completely totaled the truck, but he had nothing to show for it but a bruised elbow. I guess he got to find out what the 5 star crash test rating was for--the hard way!
So what did he do? Before 1 week had passed, and after surveying the competition, he was back at Mazda ordering a loaded new 2007 B4000, right down to the same colour (except the gold colour has changed a little)! He's picking it up today.
After driving a truck for 8 years, having a major accident in it, and they buying the very same truck again speaks volumes. I don't think there can be a higher review than that. And as for me, I'm just glad he didn't get more hurt than he did.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 6th May, 2007
30th Apr 2011, 15:50
I just bought a Mazda B4000 4WD, auto pickup with a small back seat. 120,000 miles. The body is in great shape and generally the truck seems to run well. However, I think I said yes a little too soon. The transmission has a distinct clunking noise going into and out of gear - especially the lower gears. Is there an adjustment available to enable this truck to shift more smoothly? Thank you.
22nd May 2007, 13:33
I am the original reviewer. I thought that I would add a little review of the truck as well.
I spent a lot of miles in My Dad's B4000. Nothing like having a Dad with a 4x4 who will lend it to you! The miles I put on it were all hard. It spent its first winter in rural British Columbia. Luckily these trucks come with a block heater which was necessary as it was way below freezing at night. In 4x4, and with the stock Limited Slip in the rear axle, this truck navigated many unplowed snowy backroads with aplomb. I have also taken it to the deserts of Utah, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico, and it suffered all abuse with ease.
The extended cab is really handy. There are two little doors to get easy access, and makes a great place to put your cooler and groceries. In a pinch there are fold out back seats, which work decent enough for one adult or two kids. The front bucket seats are really comfortable for a long drive.
My only complaint is the front windshield seemed a little short between the dash and the roof--would have liked a tad more visibility up front. And the 4.0 engine, while certainly powerful and bulletproof, sure doesn't win any awards for fuel economy. I would get about 18 or 19 mpgs on the freeway--the aggressive BF Goodrich TA tires probably didn't help.
Because I liked it so much I bought a new Mazda pickup, but to save on gas I bought a 2007 B2300 2x4 single cab. Of course I can feel the compromise, and miss this truck terribly at times. But when you have a 4x4 you can borrow, why buy one yourself? If you're interested, I have a review on the B2300 on this site too.