1994 1994-97 Mazda B-Series review

1994-97 Mazda B-Series review:

1994-97 Mazda B-Series: Highlights

Ford restyled its compact Ranger pickup truck for 1993. A year later, Mazda began to sell a variant of the Ranger as the B-Series. Matching the Ranger in basic dimensions, the B-Series had its own hood, grille, front fenders, rear quarter panels, and taillamps. B-Series trucks came in two cab styles and three wheelbases: regular-cab short bed, regular-cab long bed, and extended-cab. Three engines were available: a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder for the B2300 series, a 3.0-liter V6 for the B3000, and 4.0-liter V6 for the B4000. Rear antilock brakes and five-speed manual were standard; 4-speed automatic optional. All models could have either 2- or part-time 4-wheel drive.

Year-to-Year Changes
1995 Mazda B-Series: Both the B-Series and the Ranger gained a new dashboard for 1995, along with a driver-side airbag. Four-wheel antilock brakes became available (standard with 4-wheel drive and with the 4.0-liter engine).
1996 Mazda B-Series: An optional passenger airbag came for `96, complete with a disabling switch.

1997 Mazda B-Series: A 5-speed automatic transmission became available with the 4.0-liter engine. The 3.0-liter V6 was dropped, as was the regular-cab model with a 7-foot cargo bed. B-Series and companion Ranger would get restyled for `98 with an optional 4-door extended cab model.
Source: http://auto.consumerguide.com/ End of 1994-97 Mazda B-Series review.