1998 Mazda B-Series in Forest City, NC - $7,997

Featuring ample power and strong towing capacity, the Mazda B-Series is built to handle the toughest off-highway terrain. Yet, this rugged truck boasts a comfortable and refined cabin and looks just as good on the city's paved paths.

Based on the reliable Ford Ranger pickup truck, the B-Series is available as a two-door Regular Cab or four-door, four-seat Cab Plus and two- or four-wheel drive systems. Power for the Mazda pickup is generated by a choice of a 2.3L four-cylinder or 4.0L V6 engines. Torque is communicated to the ground through the standard five-speed manual gearbox. A sophisticated and smooth-shifting five-speed automatic transmission is an available option.

The Regular cab is only offered with the 2.3L engine and the 4x4 is only offered as a Cab Plus and offered with the 4.0L engine. To better meet customer demands, the high-end B4000 Cab Plus SE model was discontinued in the U.S. market for 2009.

All 4x4 B-Series trucks feature low-range gearing and automatic-locking front hubs for tackling steep hills and low traction situations like deep mud or snow, or slippery boat loading ramps. Functionality is always at the forefront as all B-Series models are superbly practical, offering standard cargo-bed tie-down hooks, and a wide range of options such as a cargo-bed extender, retractable tie-down hooks, tie-down loops and a soft tonneau cover.

In keeping with the automaker's "fun-to-drive" mantra for all of its models, the B-Series trucks are fitted with an independent double-wishbone front suspension which allows a great amount of wheel-travel for tough off-highway operation without sacrificing on-road feel or performance. A leaf-spring set-up for the rear is tuned to provide a comfortable ride and great road handling without compromising the truck's core ability as a load carrier.

Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, gas-filled shock absorbers and a front stabilizer bar are fitted on all models for sure on-road drivability and response as well as great off-highway durability.

In addition, all B-Series trucks feature power-assisted front ventilated disc brakes with rear drums. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes are fitted as standard across the range to prevent wheel lockup and reduce stopping distances in certain conditions.

Inside the passenger cabin, storage space is abundant and clever. Bins within the center console, center armrest and front doors are spacious, and a pair of cupholders are also positioned to be driver-friendly.

Inside, a spacious 60/40 split-bench front seat is standard on all B-Series trucks. Base models have manual windows, door locks and an AM/FM two-speaker audio system. Cab Plus four-door models add extra storage in the rear doors and a pair of cupholders for rear passengers.

Dimensions & specifications

B-Series Regular cab

Wheelbase: 111.6; overall length: 187.5; width: 69.4; height: 64.9.

B-Series Cab Plus 4 (crew cab)

Wheelbase: 125.9; overall length: 202.9; width: 70.3; height: 67.5. All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 2.3L four-cylinder -- 143 hp at 5,250 rpm and 154 lbs-ft of torque at 3,750 rpm; 4.0L V6 -- 207 hp at 5,250 rpm and 238 lbs-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm.

Transmission: five-speed manual or five-speed automatic.

EPA fuel economy: 2.3L four-cylinder -- 21 city/26 hwy. (manual), 19 city/24 hwy. (automatic); 4.0L V6 -- 15 city/19 hwy. (manual), 14 city/18 hwy. (automatic).

Payload capacity: 1,260 lbs.

Towing capacity: 5,600 lbs.

Parts content -- country of origin

Final assembly point: St. Paul, Minn.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, side-impact door beams, four-wheel anti-lock brakes and tire pressure monitoring system. Cab Plus 4 adds engine immobilizer. Optional safety features include fog lights.

Warranty

Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper.

Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile.

Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited.

Roadside assistance: 3-year/36,000 mile, 24-hour.

Pricing

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2009 Mazda B-Series pickup truck starts from $16,060 for the regular cab and $22,150 for the Cab Plus 4. Destination charges add $720.

#####