The 2008 Mazda B-Series Pickup truck is nimble, easy to maneuver and pretty tough for a compact truck- all of which are fine characteristics. However, the B-Series has seen minimal improvement or change within the past 10 years, leaving it somewhat outdated and lacking the refinement of most of the other small trucks in its class and price range.

The B-Series consists of two body styles (a regular and an extended cab) that are available in three variations. The B2300 is available with rear wheel drive only and comes with a regular cab. If you are looking for loads of standard features, you will not find them here. However, you will find the B2300 equipped with an AM/FM stereo, 15 inch steel wheels and a sliding rear window. The B4000 is only available with 4 wheel drive and an extended cab that permits access to the tiny back seat via a pair of smaller rear doors. Features include larger 16 inch steel wheels and air conditioning in addition to the standard equipment found on the B2300. Moving up to the more expensive B4000 SE will net you some upscale options including a bed liner, 16 inch alloy wheels, fog lights, skid plates and premium upholstery. Most of these features can be purchased as individual options for the B2300 and the B4000.

The B2300 is equipped with a 2.3 liter 4 cylinder that delivers 143 horsepower and is capable of towing a relatively meager 2,260 pounds. The B4000 and B4000 SE both have a more powerful 4.0 liter V6 engine that produces 207 horsepower and earned a tow rating of 5,580 pounds. A 5 speed manual transmission is standard for the B2300 and the B4000, while the B4000 SE comes with a 5 speed automatic that is optional for the lower end models.

The 4.0 liter engine found in the upscale versions of the 2008 Mazda B-Series pickup V6 offers respectable acceleration for this class, and the 5 speed automatic does a fine job of making the most of the available power. All models handle fairly well and are a cinch to get in and out of tight parking spaces due to its compact size. However, the outdated platform tends to be the foundation for a bumpy ride and crowded interior. Its lack of comfort, convenience and safety features does keep the price down, but most consumers looking for a small truck simply want and deserve a little more for their money.