Dependability Meets Versatility: Exploring the Legacy of the Mazda B Series

The Mazda B Series was a line of compact trucks that packed a serious punch. Though they exited the American auto market in 2009, these unique trucks are still desirable used vehicles today.

What is the Mazda B Series?

Shopping for used vehicles instead of buying new ones allows drivers to explore options no longer available in modern cars and trucks. The Mazda B Series is a great example.

Compared to modern “compact” pickups, the popular Mazda B2200 was smaller and less luxurious. However, it was still a serious workhorse that fulfilled various needs and is still an excellent, affordable used truck today.

Early B Series Trucks

The Mazda B Series trucks began production in Japan in 1961 but didn’t hit US markets until 1972. They made a big splash at the time as the first pickups to feature a rotary engine.

Original B Series trucks were fuel efficient, powerful enough to suit various work conditions, and significantly more affordable than today’s cheapest pickups. The original MSRP for a B Series truck in America was just over $3,000.

Despite featuring a 4-cyl engine, the first generation of Mazda B Series trucks could haul nearly as much as today’s domestic ½ ton pickups.

The second generation remained affordable, efficient, and popular, though a contemporary partnership with Ford significantly changed the branding. The humble Mazda B Series was briefly known as the Ford Courier.

Ongoing Collaboration and Increasing Power

The third generation of the B Series was redesigned for the North American market. Though it continued to feature a 4-cyl engine, the displacement increased to 2.6L for some extra power.

Because the third generation of B Series trucks continued to draw in diverse buyers, they’re still relatively easy to find as used vehicles. Manufactured from 1994 to 1997, the 4th generation heralded a more dramatic change.

Production of these popular trucks moved to Ford’s Twin Cities plant, and they were officially merged with the Ford Ranger. The B Series still had a different look, but they featured the same 6-cyl engines and were more or less identical other than body style.

The Mazda B Series Are Still Great Used Vehicles

The fifth and final generation of B Series trucks began production in 1998 and continued without significant changes for another decade. By 2008, when the line was discontinued, its sales slid to just 1,314 units, barely a 10th of what earlier models sold.

After 37 years on the market, the B Series garnered many fans. Early versions helped define the compact truck market. Later models were larger but still more manageable than today’s popular pickups.

Some enthusiasts are still calling for a reboot of the B Series, but it’s unlikely to happen any time soon. Interest in mid-size trucks has been rising in recent years, but it’s a competitive segment.

For now, the best option for buyers looking for an iconic Mazda B Series truck is to look into used vehicles. Because of their dependability, early models are still some of the best pre-owned trucks, especially for vintage auto enthusiasts.